Human Aging as a Creational Good: Interactions between Theology and Molecular Biology.
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| Title: | Human Aging as a Creational Good: Interactions between Theology and Molecular Biology. |
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| Authors: | Hooker, David James (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Zygon: Journal of Religion & Science. Mar2026, Vol. 61 Issue 1, p240-268. 29p. |
| Subjects: | Aging, Molecular biology, Creationism, Transhumanism, Image of God, Expiration, Sin, Theology |
| Abstract: | A Christian theology of human aging faces significant challenges. First, aging receives far less theological attention than the heavily related and well-established themes of creation, sin, death, and imago Dei. Second, Christian theology discordantly supports two fundamental yet polarized claims: that human aging is a good of creation, and that it is an effect of humanity's fall. Third, it lags in its engagement with the science of aging. This article counteracts these obstacles by integrating Christian theology with molecular biology. Aging generating lifespan ("human biological aging," or HBA) is distinguished from aging leading to life expectancy. Intrinsic molecular pathways driving HBA are orchestrated, functional systems spanning multiple biological strata. Surprisingly, aging processes are indivisible from life, health, and growth processes. These considerations build a case for understanding HBA as a good of divine creation, clarify interpretations of humanity's fall, challenge transhumanist aspirations of age reversal or cybernetic immortality, inform theology–evolutionary biology dialogue, and promote a holistic view of human life through time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Zygon: Journal of Religion & Science is the property of Open Library of Humanities and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | A Christian theology of human aging faces significant challenges. First, aging receives far less theological attention than the heavily related and well-established themes of creation, sin, death, and imago Dei. Second, Christian theology discordantly supports two fundamental yet polarized claims: that human aging is a good of creation, and that it is an effect of humanity's fall. Third, it lags in its engagement with the science of aging. This article counteracts these obstacles by integrating Christian theology with molecular biology. Aging generating lifespan ("human biological aging," or HBA) is distinguished from aging leading to life expectancy. Intrinsic molecular pathways driving HBA are orchestrated, functional systems spanning multiple biological strata. Surprisingly, aging processes are indivisible from life, health, and growth processes. These considerations build a case for understanding HBA as a good of divine creation, clarify interpretations of humanity's fall, challenge transhumanist aspirations of age reversal or cybernetic immortality, inform theology–evolutionary biology dialogue, and promote a holistic view of human life through time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 05912385 |
| DOI: | 10.16995/zygon.24673 |
