MTAConf 2025 will take place on October 18, 2025 in Provo, Utah. More details can be found on the conference website.

The field of neuroscience is evolving at a breathtaking pace, driven by interdisciplinary efforts that merge biology, engineering, and computational science. Innovations such as brain–machine interfaces now translate neural signals into commands for robotic limbs, offering new hope for restoring mobility in individuals with paralysis. At the same time, breakthroughs in connectomics and high-resolution imaging are revealing the intricate wiring of neuronal circuits and the ways in which these networks govern both behavior and disease. Researchers have expanded their focus beyond neurons to include glial cells, whose roles in inflammation and synaptic support are proving essential for understanding and potentially treating disorders. Additionally, the development of brain organoids from human stem cells is providing unprecedented models for studying neurodevelopmental disorders and designing personalized treatments. Complementary approaches—ranging from the promising effects of psychedelics on brain connectivity to the analytical power of computational neuroscience and AI—are deepening our understanding of neural network function, dysfunction, and repair, while emerging fields like the gut–brain axis, advanced neuroimaging, and precision medicine continue to broaden the horizon of what is possible.

Beyond therapeutic applications, emerging techniques are opening doors to improved mental and spiritual capacities. Neurofeedback and noninvasive brain stimulation offer new methods to boost attention, memory, and emotional resilience by harnessing the brain’s natural plasticity. Research into meditation and other contemplative practices has already begun to map the neural underpinnings of mindfulness and empathy, suggesting that deliberate mental training can profoundly reshape brain function. Similarly, controlled applications of psychedelics are showing potential for inducing transformative shifts in consciousness and self-awareness. With wearable EEG devices and virtual reality platforms now providing immediate, interactive feedback on one’s inner state, we are witnessing a convergence of technology and introspection that promises to elevate cognitive and emotional well-being.

This fusion of scientific innovation with the quest for personal transformation has broader implications, inviting us to rethink what it means to be human. As new therapies and enhancements emerge, humanity is increasingly aware of its potential for growth—physical, mental, and spiritual. This growing awareness inspires both awe and a sense of responsibility as we confront the full spectrum of human potential for transformation.

Religious transhumanists are reminded of the admonition of Paul: “Be transformed through the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Transformation is not merely an abstract ideal; it is a foundational principle in Christianity, which emphasizes the importance of individual repentance and spiritual rebirth. Given dominion over creation, humans become co-creators with God, made in the divine image and endowed with the potential to grow in godliness. This is not a metaphorical or distant possibility; it is a realistic, concrete goal. Eternal progression—both moral and intellectual—is a constant journey in which the mind plays an essential role.

Mormon cosmology unites the physical and spiritual into a single order of existence in which all forms are ultimately discernible and comprehensible. The transfiguration of body and spirit spoken of in latter-day revelation occurs in the same universe we presently inhabit and is achieved through a deep understanding and mastery of the relevant scientific and moral laws, with the help of God, whose constant grace makes this ongoing progress possible. Diligent study of human arts and sciences is an essential aspect of this process.

These theological principles thus support a holistic view of transformation, where spiritual renewal and technological progress are not in conflict but are complementary. By embracing both timeless spiritual principles and modern scientific advancements, Latter-day Saints believe they can more fully realize their divine potential. The renewal of the mind, as expressed in Romans 12:2, invites us not only to transform our hearts but also to enhance our intellectual capacities, aligning both with God’s will for human growth.

Dear Friends and Fellow Supporters of the Mormon Transhumanist Association,

I look back in awe at the dramatic changes that we have witnessed in the past year. There has been rapid progress in the field of artificial intelligence, both in improved performance on existing benchmarks and in the application of AI to new domains of creativity and scientific research. The ARC AGI tests, which were created in 2019 to test AI on problems that require abstract reasoning and are easy for humans but difficult for large language models, began the year with the best publicly-available LLMs hardly passing a single test. Earlier this month, OpenAI announced that their new high-compute o3 model has passed 87.5% of the 1,000 tasks in the entire ARC-AGI corpus.

Even the baseline AI tools that are now freely available to the public are exceptional in their ability to educate and assist humanity, irrespective of nationality, gender, color or creed. AI is also being applied to a host of challenging problems in important fields like energy, material science, medicine, robotics, and even more exotic areas of research, like deciphering the languages of plants and animals.

MTAConf 2024: The Glory of God Is Intelligence, explored cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning through the unique lens of Mormon theology. Held on April 13th in Provo, Utah, the day-long event featured keynote speeches from renowned experts Benjamin Peters and Irina Rish alongside presentations by members and invited guests. Topics spanned the technological frontiers of AI like large language models, computer vision, and neural networks, as well as the profound philosophical and spiritual implications for consciousness, agency, creativity, and human flourishing. Presenters grappled with heady questions around the nature of intelligence, ethics and existential risk, value alignment, the simulation hypothesis, theosis and human exaltation in relation to superintelligence. Throughout, Mormon transhumanist perspectives offered unique theological insights into how embracing science and technological progress can be a deeply religious, even sacred pursuit.

View the archives here.

Earlier this month, Elder Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued guiding principles for the appropriate use of artificial intelligence that align with gospel teachings. These principles emphasize maintaining spiritual connection, transparency, privacy, security, and accountability when utilizing AI.

The Association welcomes the responsible development and ethical application of AI, which can be seen as an effort to expand human intelligence and agency—key aspects of our divine potential and eternal progression. As we extend our faculties through AI, we are following the injunction to continue seeking light, truth, and intelligence, which the scriptures declare is the “glory of God.” (D&C 93:36)

Provo, UT – The Association is proud to announce its highly anticipated annual conference, MTAConf 2024, slated for April 13th at the Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in Provo, Utah. Themed “The Glory of God Is Intelligence,” the conference is poised to delve deep into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning on society, ethics, and the future of humanity.

Wayfare Magazine’s latest online issue features contributions from various LDS thinkers on artificial intelligence, including an essay by MTA President Carl Youngblood, “Algorithmic Advent.” Carl explores the existential risks humanity faces during the emergence of artificial general intelligence (AGI), and shares several relevant insights from Mormon theology. In addition to this groundbreaking article, Carl recently participated in a panel discussion at Writ and Vision bookstore that was also transcribed for Wayfare. Be sure to check out the posts and add your comments to the discussion.

In response to the resignation of Roselle Stevenson, the MTA Board has opted to wait until next year's annual election to fill the recent vacancy on the board. Rather than holding a by-election, we believe waiting until the annual election will give potential candidates ample time to prepare, connect with the community, and express their visions for the future of the Association. This ensures that our board members are selected based on a thorough understanding of their goals and alignment with our mission. We believe that this approach will contribute to a board that is well-prepared, engaged, and equipped to guide the MTA into the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

As we move forward with this decision, we invite all of our members to continue participating in the conversations, discussions, and initiatives that define the MTA. Your input is invaluable, and we are grateful for your ongoing dedication to our shared mission. Change is not just something we adapt to; it is something we actively shape. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to the vibrant discussions and positive changes that lie ahead.

Warm regards,

Carl Youngblood
President
MTA Board of Directors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dear members and friends of the Mormon Transhumanist Association:

We hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. Today, we must address a development that we believe is important to share transparently. One of our Board members, Roselle Stevenson, has been facing a challenging situation involving legal matters.

It is with sadness that we announce Roselle's resignation from the Board of the Mormon Transhumanist Association. Roselle has been an invaluable part of our Association, contributing her time and energy to move our shared mission forward. However, we have been informed that Roselle is currently facing felony charges that are unrelated to her involvement with the Association.

We want to underscore that the Mormon Transhumanist Association is not in a position to validate or pass judgment on the legal circumstances at hand. We uphold the fundamental principle of “innocent until proven guilty,” and we trust the legal system to address these allegations with fairness and impartiality.

While Roselle maintains her innocence, considering the situation and to ensure that the focus of the Association remains unwaveringly on its mission and the vision we serve, she has tendered her resignation from the Board. This decision, though difficult, reflects her desire to address these matters independently without casting any shadow on the work of the Association.

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new website, a unified resource for all content and events. Based on beautiful animated artwork from Canopy Design, the site conveys hope for a positive future in which humanity employs its creative powers in harmony with nature. Our inspiring call to action is: What will you create? It invites visitors to consider their latent capacity as children of God to build a better world together.

The Annual director elections are fast approaching. Each year in the month of April three positions on the Board are up for vote. To be considered as a candidate or to vote for the candidates, your voting membership dues need to be current. In addition to voting rights, your dues grant free admission to Association conferences. We welcome the opportunity to have more participants in this process and more eligible Board candidates. Become a voting member today. The nomination phase of the voting process will begin April 1, 2023.