Is The Singularity The Rapture?

In the near future, the advance of human technology will become so rapid the unaided human mind will be unable to comprehend its implications. The point in time at which this occurs is generally known as “the singularity,” and many believe it will usher in a new and exciting era for the human race. Throughout the world, many intellectuals and futurists have noted their belief in the nearness of the singularity, with quite a few predicting it will occur within our generation.

Some proponents of the singularity have promised immortality and post-biological bodies for the human race, prompting many adherents to draw parallels between these events and the prophesied rapture of the bible. Lacking a clear understanding of bible prophecy, some of these people have come to believe that the singularity and the rapture are one and the same. However, nothing could be further from the truth. So let’s examine the facts about the singularity and the rapture.

What is the Singularity?

As previously stated, the singularity is a future point in time when societal, economic, and technological change increases at such a rapid pace that the unaided human mind cannot begin to comprehend its implications.

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

Mere observation tends to support the exponential view. For instance, the 20th Century brought more technological progress than the 19th Century. And the 1990’s brought more technological progress than the 1980’s. As a result, it’s logical to conclude that the human race is rapidly approaching the singularity.

What is Transhumanism?

In preparation for the singularity, a new worldwide social/religious movement has emerged: the Transhumanist Movement. Identifying themselves “singularitarians” and “transhumanists,” these people look forward to the singularity with a fervor usually reserved for religious zealots. Many within the movement believe the singularity will lead to the emergence of “post-biological humans” who are able to shed their biological bodies and “upgrade their hardware.” Many believe that by downloading themselves into a network, they will effectively become “immortal.” True believers have modified their diets, exercise routines, and entire lifestyle in an effort to increase the likelihood of living to witness human reversal of the aging process and eventual human “immortality.”

In light of the emergence of this new movement and its clearly stated goals, these words of warning from our Lord take on new meaning:

“And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.” Matthew 24:22 (KJV)

Through the centuries, this verse has been interpreted to mean that the Glorious Appearing of Christ will arrive just before the human race managed to destroy itself in war. However, it could mean that “no flesh will be saved” because the human race will attempt to transform itself into a race of “post-biological humans.”

Why Do Some People Believe This is the Rapture?

So why are some people arriving at the conclusion that the singularity and the transhumanist desire for post-biological bodies portend the rapture? What is the basis for this reasoning? Believe it or not, the root of this idea comes from scripture. However, as will soon be illustrated, the scriptures cited have been taken out of context.

Post-Biological Bodies

Ray Kurzweil – inventor, author, and futurist – is widely regarded as a prominent expert in the transhumanist movement. In Chapter 7 of his bestselling book “The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology,” he describes his view of humanity’s post-biological future:

“What we are doing is transcending biology. The transformation underlying the Singularity is not just another in a long line of steps in biological evolution. We are upending biological evolution altogether.” (Kurzweil, page 372)

Human transcendence of biology is a process which has already begun. People who have pacemakers or artificial limbs are in a sense, merging with non-biological human technology. As this technology advances, the human race will engage in much more sophisticated enhancement of the human body, including enhancement of brain power and the connecting of human brains to local or global networks. In addition, a person’s exterior body could be modified to become stronger than steel, making them less susceptible to life-threatening trauma.

Some who foresee this future believe it will be a fulfillment of bible prophecy:

“And we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” 1 Corinthians 15:52-53 (KJV)

In addition, they believe these post-biological bodies will enable them to inherit the Kingdom of God:

“As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.” 1 Corinthians 15:48-50 (KJV)

Proponents of this idea believe that when humans shed their biological bodies (i.e. flesh and blood), the door will be opened to a new earthly paradise.

Immortality

In addition, transhumanists believe the information in our brains (i.e. memories, knowledge, and the varying patterns that make a person unique) can be translated into code and uploaded into new hardware. Imagine for a moment that a human body is like a computer, and the personal information you have on your computer comprises all the memories and knowledge of a lifetime. When your old computer becomes broken or obsolete, you simply get a new one. And when you do, you transfer all the important files and information from the old one (or a backup) onto the new one. This is a fairly accurate description of the transhumanist vision for humans.

Human bodies become obsolete. They decay and eventually stop functioning, and when they do, a person has no backup. All their memories and knowledge are lost forever. Transhumanists believe they can halt this process by uploading a person’s unique thoughts and brain patterns into a “more reliable vessel,” one better equipped for long-term functionality than a mere biological entity. By creating backups of their brain patterns, decentralizing themselves over a network such as the Internet, and continually upgrading their hardware, transhumanists believe they can effectively live forever.

And some transhumanists believe a scriptural basis exists for this human immortality:

“So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 (KJV)

Taken out of context, it’s not difficult to see how someone could be deceived into believing the singularity and transhumanism will help them to cheat death. However, neither one addresses the root problem of death – sin. And the only way to blot out sin is through the blood of Jesus Christ.

The Coming Deception

Already many have been deceived into believing the singularity and transhumanism are the means by which God will rapture His children. This is a gross misinterpretation of bible prophecy, and foreshadows the end of this age. For as Paul wrote in his letter to Timothy:

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (KJV)

People will chase after these lies and myths because they will want to believe them. Ultimately, the entire world will be hoodwinked by a master of deception who will feed their itching ears with exactly what they want to hear. In the years just prior to Christ’s Glorious Appearing, this will set the stage for the world to be misled by the greatest false prophet in human history, the Antichrist.

Like every false messiah before him, the Antichrist will convince his followers he is the answer to the world’s problems. Paul tells us that those who become caught in this man’s web of deceit will be guilty because they freely choose to enjoy evil while denying the truth:

“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (KJV)

If the Antichrist’s appearance coincides with worldwide anticipation of the singularity, it’s quite possible he could use the bold promises of the transhumanist movement to convince the world that he is the long-awaited Messiah. Taking these bible prophecies out of context, the number of people who are now deceived by this falsehood will multiply rapidly.

After all, what greater lie can be told than that mankind can enjoy heavenly bodies and immortality without first shedding their sinful nature?

Why the Singularity and Transhumanism Are Not the Rapture

As previously stated, the singularity and transhumanism are not the methods deployed by God for the rapture. Although some people have made this connection, bible prophecy must be taken out of context to draw such a conclusion. Below is a list (perhaps not comprehensive) of why the singularity and the rapture are not one and the same:

Post-Biological Humans Will Not Appear in the Twinkling of an Eye

The singularity and human transformation into a post-biological state will both occur rapidly, but not in a literal instant. In Chapter Six of “The Singularity Is Near,” author Ray Kurzweil underscores this point:

“But this is not the primary way that I envision the transition to non-biological experience taking place. It will happen, rather, in the same way that all other paradigm shifts happen: gradually (but at an accelerating pace).” (Kurzweil, page 324)

Yet, the bible is clear that the rapture of the church will take place in “the twinkling of an eye”:

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (KJV)

The singularity is not the rapture, because the rapture occurs instantaneously.

The Rapture is Exclusive to Believers in Christ

The rapture is for Christians. When Paul wrote his letter to the Corinthians, it was addressed to the church, the body of believers who place their faith in Jesus Christ:

“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:52 (KJV)

Every human present on the earth during the time of its appearance will experience the singularity, but the rapture will be experienced exclusively by believers in Jesus Christ. Therefore, the singularity is not the rapture.

This Transformative Power Comes From God, Not Men

Transhumanists look forward to the day when immortal humans will be able to create and re-create different bodies at will. However, this is in direct conflict with how Paul describes the rapture:

“But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.” 1 Corinthians 15:38 (KJV)

“The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 (KJV)

On its own, the human race will never achieve final authority over death. Death is the penalty for sin, and freedom from death can only be achieved through the blood of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who washes away the sins of the world:

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” Philippians 3:20-21 (KJV)

The singularity will be fueled and powered by the rapid advance of human technological development, but the rapture will be brought about through the power and authority of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the singularity is not the rapture.

The Transformative Power of the Rapture is Everlasting, Not Temporary

The singularity and human transformation into a post-biological state will provide the illusion of immortality, but not literal immortality. In Chapter Six of “The Singularity Is Near,” author Ray Kurzweil underscores this point:

“By the middle of the twenty-first century humans will be able to expand their thinking without limit. This is a form of immortality, although it is important to point out that data and information do not necessarily last forever.” (Kurzweil, page 325)

The transhumanist claim of immortality falls short of its stated goal, unlike the promise of the rapture which will result in spiritual bodies which will never perish:

“So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.” 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 (KJV)

One day, humanity might well achieve a post-biological state of being, but it will simply be trading in one fragile vessel for another. Those who participate in the rapture, however, will remain with Christ forever:

“Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 (KJV)

The singularity will herald a time of unprecedented human power, but this power will pale in comparison to the awesome power of God, meaning it cannot be eternal in nature. On the other hand, the rapture will bring with it the everlasting authority of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the singularity is not the rapture.

The Raptured Will No Longer Dwell on Earth, But in Heaven

While the transhumanist movement promises immortality on earth and in the unexplored depths of space, the rapture promises that believers will be caught up into the clouds to meet the Lord and that they will remain with Him forever:

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (KJV)

The singularity is an event which will be powered by events on earth, but the rapture is an event which will take place in the clouds and effect certain individuals who live on the earth. Therefore, the singularity is not the rapture.

Conclusion

The bible is clear concerning the characteristics of the rapture. It is an event that will be precipitated by the appearance of Jesus Christ in the clouds. It will happen in “the twinkling of an eye,” and it will not be an event in which the whole world will participate. The rapture will transform human bodies into spiritual bodies, while even the boldest of transhumanists claims merely assert that the singularity will transform fragile human bodies into relatively less fragile human bodies. The singularity is simply not the rapture. Despite the claims, which will no doubt increase in number as we approach the end of this age, no scriptural basis exists for believing otherwise.

As such, be careful that you aren’t deceived by false prophets and messiahs who claim the singularity and the transhumanist movement will usher in an earthly paradise. One such person might be the Antichrist who Paul describes as one who will use “all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish” 2 Thessalonians 2:10 (KJV).

Those who place their faith in the singularity and the transhumanist agenda will be greatly disappointed. The redemption of mankind does not come as a result of the rapid and powerful advance of human technology. Redemption only comes through the blood of Jesus Christ:

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:23-26 (KJV)

Nevertheless, human beings are still inclined to believe they can conquer the power of death. The prophet Isaiah foresaw these days, as well as the futility of those who would place their faith in that which is merely human:

“Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” Isaiah 2:22 (KJV)

This is a brilliant observation, instructive to any generation. Instead of placing faith in fallen mankind and the material things of this world, people should put their faith in Jesus Christ. If they do, God promises they will never be disappointed:

“He that believeth on him shall not be confounded.” 1 Peter 2:6 (KJV)

Britt Gillette is founder of BrittGillette.Com, a website examining the relationship between bible prophecy and emerging trends in technology. For more information or to sign up for his email alerts, please visit http://www.brittgillette.com