Rapture, The

In the near future, the progress of human technology will become so rapid the spirit of the naked man is unable to understand its implications. The moment this occurs is generally known as "the singularity", and many believe it will mark the beginning of a new and exciting era for the human race. Around the world, many intellectuals and futurists have expressed their belief in the neighborhood of singularity, with many predict it will happen in our generation.

Some proponents of the singularity and immortality promised post-biological bodies of the human race, prompting many members to draw parallels between these events and the rapture of the Bible prophesied. Without a clear understanding of biblical prophecy, some of these people have come to believe that the singularity and the rapture are one and the same thing. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Let us examine the facts about the singularity and the rapture.

What is the singularity?

As indicated above, the singularity is a point in the future the time when increases in societal change, economic and technology at a rate as fast as the spirit of the naked man can not begin to understand its implications.

The concept of singularity is built on the premise that human technological progress is not linear but rather exponential. In other words, the conventional wisdom (the linear perspective) estimates that the next 100 years will be the same amount of progress that the previous 100 years. However, those who predict the singularity (the exponential view) believe the next 100 years could well be the equivalent of twenty or more of the 20th century of progress.

Mere observation tends to confirm the idea exponentially. For example, 20th Century brought more technological progress than the 19th century. And the 1990s, technological advances made over the 1980s. Accordingly, it is logical to conclude that the human race is rapidly approaching the singularity.

What is transhumanism?

In preparation for the singularity, a new world social / religious movement has emerged: the Transhumanist movement. Identifying themselves "singularitarians" and "transhumanist" These people are eagerly awaiting the singularity with a fervor usually reserved for religious fanatics. Many within the movement believe the singularity will lead to the emergence of "post-biological humans" who are able to bring their biological body and "upgrade their hardware." Many believe that the download on their themselves in a network, they will effectively become "immortal." True believers have modified their diets, exercise programs and lifestyle in a full effort to increase the chances of living to witness the reversal of the human aging process and possibly human "immortality."

In light of the emergence of this new movement and its objectives clearly stated, these words of warning from our Lord take on new meaning:
"In fact, unless this time of calamity is shortened, the entire human race will be destroyed. But it will be shortened because of the elect of God." Matthew 24:22 (NLT)

Over the centuries, this verse has been interpreted to mean that the manifestation of the glory of Christ will arrive just before the race he managed to destroy itself in time of war. However, this could mean that "no flesh be saved" because the human race will attempt to become a race of "post-biological humans."

Why do some people think it's the Rapture?

So why some people conclude that the singularity and the transhumanist desire post-biological bodies portend the rapture? What is the basis of this reasoning? Believe it or not, the origin of this idea comes from scripture. However, as will be illustrated, the scriptures cited have been taken.