The theologian as dreamer: on theological imagination and human enhancement

Abstract

This article reflects on the theologian as dreamer in the context of human enhancement, artificial intelligence and digital technology. In positioning the theologian as the dreamer of possible futures, I argue that it is the responsibility of the theologian to engage in exploration of such an imagined future in our service to the public, both in the ecclesial community and beyond. This theological endeavour is both practical (in that it begins with lived experience) and constructive (it seeks to construct theology that responds to the needs of a rapidly changing society). I offer two examples of imagined futures as case studies of this mode of theology in practice, before considering potential difficulties in such a theological mode. Finally, I offer a mandate for the theologian as dreamer of distant futures; the theologian as one with responsibility to imagine the impossible and reflect on its meaning and impact on humanity.