Varden Hadfield

Portrait of Varden Hadfield

Varden Hadfield is a speaker and professional with a deep interest in the intersection of Mormonism and Transhumanism, particularly focusing on the role of Jesus Christ and the concept of grace. He presented at the MTA (Mormon Transhumanist Association) conference, exploring the perceived differences and potential merging points between these seemingly disparate fields.

Since 1999, Varden has worked in major gifts for LDS Philanthropies at BYU. Prior to that, he contributed to the American Lung Association of Colorado and the Research Information Division of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from BYU and a Master of Arts degree in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University.

A convert to the LDS Church multiple times throughout his life, Varden served a mission in Detroit and is currently a scoutmaster in Orem, Utah. He is married with six children and enjoys a variety of hobbies including backpacking, dancing, fiddling, and woodworking. He also finds personal satisfaction in running.

Videos by Varden Hadfield

"How Amazing is Grace? The Role of Jesus Christ in Mormonism
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Varden Hadfield

"How Amazing is Grace? The Role of Jesus Christ in Mormonism

Varden Hadfield examines the central role of Jesus Christ in Latter-day Saint theology, emphasizing that Christ is not merely a metaphor for ideal behavior but a tangible, divine being who enables resurrection and salvation through grace. Drawing on scriptural references from the Book of Mormon and New Testament, he contrasts transhumanist approaches—which emphasize human-created technologies for achieving immortality—with the Mormon view that Christ’s atonement and judgment are the essential mechanisms for eternal life. Hadfield argues that grace is not a crutch for inaction but an enabling power that motivates believers to act, suggesting that any synthesis of transhumanism and Mormonism must incorporate Christ as the author of eternal peace.