spirituality

Adam Davis is a physicist and educator. He received his degree from Case Western University and currently teaches physics at Wayne State College. His academic pursuits extend beyond conventional physics into areas that bridge science and theology, particularly within the context of Latter-day Saint beliefs. Davis’s interests lie in exploring the concept of “spirit matter,” a topic central to Mormon theology. He approaches this subject through a scientific lens, seeking to develop models and frameworks for understanding its nature and properties. His work examines the theological necessity of spirit matter and considers its implications for human advancement and the attainment of divine potential. At the Mormon Thought & Engineering Vision conference held in 2009, Davis presented his perspectives on spirit matter, acknowledging the limited understanding currently available while emphasizing the importance of continued exploration. He examined scriptural and anecdotal accounts, including descriptions of spirit bodies and the spirit world, to inform his approach and stimulate further discussion on this complex topic—ultimately suggesting that no current models are completely adequate. Davis served on the MTA Board of Directors for several years.

Alan Wilson Watts (1915–1973) was a British-born American philosopher, writer, and speaker best known for popularizing Eastern philosophy—particularly Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism—for Western audiences. He remains one of the most influential interpreters of Asian religious thought in the twentieth century. Watts began his career in England, where he was involved with the Buddhist Lodge in London. He later moved to the United States, briefly serving as an Episcopal priest before leaving the ministry to pursue a broader philosophical vocation. He became a professor and dean at the American Academy of Asian Studies in San Francisco and authored over twenty-five books, including The Way of Zen (1957), Psychotherapy East and West (1961), and The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are (1966). His lectures, many of which survive as recordings, continue to reach millions worldwide. Watts’s central teaching—that the individual self and the universe are fundamentally one—resonates with Mormon Transhumanist themes of theosis and the expansive potential of consciousness. His insistence that human beings are not merely in the universe but of it, expressions of a deeper cosmic process, parallels the tradition’s interest in humanity’s divine trajectory. However, significant differences exist. Watts generally rejected the concept of a personal God, viewing divinity as an impersonal process rather than a being with whom one could have a relationship. He was skeptical of doctrines of sin and moral depravity, seeing guilt as a psychological obstacle rather than a theological reality. He also questioned the Western emphasis on individual free will, favoring a view of spontaneous action aligned with Taoist wu wei . Despite these divergences, his lifelong project of dissolving boundaries between the sacred and the secular, the human and the divine, offers rich material for dialogue with Mormon Transhumanist thought.

Albert Einstein (1879–1955) was a German-born theoretical physicist widely regarded as one of the most influential scientists in human history. His contributions to physics fundamentally reshaped humanity’s understanding of space, time, energy, and the cosmos. Born in Ulm, in the Kingdom of Württemberg in the German Empire, Einstein developed the special and general theories of relativity, and his mass–energy equivalence formula, E = mc², has been called the world’s most famous equation. In 1921, he received the Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect, a pivotal contribution to the development of quantum theory. Einstein held academic positions at the University of Zurich, Charles University in Prague, the Prussian Academy of Sciences, and, after emigrating to the United States in 1933, the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, where he remained until his death. Beyond his scientific achievements, Einstein was a profound philosophical thinker who often reflected on the relationship between science, mystery, and what he described as a “cosmic religious feeling.” He expressed deep reverence for the rational structure of the universe, once stating that “the most incomprehensible thing about the world is that it is comprehensible.” While not religiously orthodox, his sense of awe at the intelligibility of nature resonates with transhumanist and theological themes of humanity’s capacity to comprehend and participate in the divine order of creation. Einstein’s legacy speaks powerfully to the Mormon Transhumanist vision: his life exemplifies the extraordinary potential of the human mind to transcend prior limitations, to unveil deeper truths about reality, and to expand the horizon of what humanity can know and become.

Ally Isom is a business and community leader with a diverse background spanning public service, corporate strategy, and political engagement. Currently a Republican candidate for the United States Senate in Utah, she brings a wealth of experience to the political arena. Isom has demonstrated a commitment to fostering authentic human connection, a theme echoed throughout her work and personal interests. This dedication aligns with the Mormon Transhumanist Association’s focus on leveraging technology to enhance human potential and spiritual growth. Prior to her senatorial bid, Isom held prominent positions in Utah state government, including Deputy Chief of Staff and spokesperson for Governor Gary Herbert. She also served in public affairs, communication, and branding roles within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her career transitioned into the private sector, where she served as Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer and, eventually, acting executive officer for Evok Nano, a company focused on innovation and technology. Isom’s presentation at MTAConf 2022 highlighted the vital importance of human connection, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. She explored the neuroscience behind connection, emphasizing its role in strengthening the immune system, promoting mental and emotional well-being, and fostering spiritual growth. This perspective resonates with transhumanist ideals of enhancing human capabilities and experiences through technology and community engagement. Outside of her professional life, Isom enjoys a variety of activities, including riding, hiking, cooking, and indulging in her favorite dish, mole poblano, preferably enjoyed on a beach with a good book. She is married to Eric and they have four children and five grandchildren.

Amit Goswami is a scientist and researcher who challenges mainstream scientific materialism, particularly in its application to consciousness, health, and healing. He advocates for the integration of spirituality with medicine and seeks to demonstrate the importance of consciousness in these areas—a view often dismissed by conventional scientific paradigms. Goswami draws heavily on the principles of quantum physics to argue for a reality where consciousness plays a fundamental role. He posits that the prevailing materialistic worldview, which treats the body and mind as mere machines, inhibits our understanding of health, healing, and the human experience. He believes that quantum physics offers an alternative perspective, one that acknowledges the subjective aspect of consciousness and its potential impact on our well-being. At a 2013 conference jointly organized by the Integrative Health Network and the Mormon Transhumanist Association, Goswami presented on “Quantum Physics, Consciousness and Health.” He emphasized the disconnect between the implications of quantum physics and its public perception, suggesting that media and academia have perpetuated materialistic concepts to the detriment of a more holistic understanding of consciousness and its potential for influencing health and personal agency. His work attempts to bridge the gap between scientific inquiry and spiritual understanding, encouraging a reevaluation of the role of consciousness in our lives.