MTAConf 2025: Transformation through Renewal of the Mind
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.