We are at a critical moment in history. The survival of our species hangs in the balance as new human species threatens to dominate or replace us or so it seems. Many scientists, tech leaders and philosophers have been sounding the alarm about this impending future. The ground-breaking book, Homo Novus: A Brief His-story of Tomorrow by Amakiri Welekwe explores these concerns by examining our past, present, and possible future.
How will events pan out in the end? At a time where books like Yuval Harari’s ‘Homo Deus,’ which explores history and the future of humanity through an atheistic lens, have dominated the conversation with transhumanist visions, ‘Homo Novus’ presents a refreshing counter-narrative. It looks at history and the future of humanity through the theistic worldview.
The author contends that humanity’s future goes beyond the transhumanist ideas about humanity. Returning to the origins, he draws deep insights from this historical journey, discussing something he asserts is far more captivating and superior: God’s Homo Novus, a new humanity aligned with the Creator’s initial intention.
As we sit down with the visionary behind this masterpiece, we explore the details of a story that imagines the future of humanity through a new species called Homo novus, which according to the author represents hope in a world dominated by dystopian stories.
1. What motivated you to pen down this book?
A few years ago I read a book titled Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow by Yuval Harari, which attempts to explore the future of humanity. According to the author, the new human agenda is the pursuit of bliss, immortality, and divinity. He argues we are on the verge of the next stage of evolution characterized by the creation of a new human species that will be significantly different and superior to the current one.
After reading the book, it became apparent that Harari’s atheistic and transhumanist perspective wielded considerable influence over his interpretation of history and views on the future of our species. Drawing from my deeply rooted Christian faith and expertise in Information Technology, coupled with my keen observation of the trajectory of digital technology over the years, I am able to readily recognize ideas in our culture and tech visions of the future that mirror some aspects of biblical narratives. This offers me a unique chance to engage in ongoing conversations.
So there was an irresistible urge that surged within me, prompting me to offer a formidable counter-narrative rooted in the theistic worldview. This worldview is arguably the only worldview that holds up well under serious scrutiny, particularly when compared to other alternatives. My sole mission was crystal clear: to offer humanity a fresh perspective on history and the future, and to encourage them to discover and connect with God (even if you’re an atheist), and to be part of what He is doing in history.
2. In writing “Homo Novus,” did you aim to offer a critique, a warning, or a hopeful vision for the future of humanity? Or perhaps a combination of these?
Response: It’s actually a combination of those. First it recounts how it all got started, how we got here, and where we are headed, all from the theistic worldview. It then juxtaposes this worldview with the prevailing worldview and especially “the idea of progress”, leaving the choice of belief and trust up to the individual reader.
A monumental shift in human history is imminent.There is an urgent plea for humanity to alter their course and partner with God before it’s too late. Those who disregard this call may find themselves ensnared in a potent delusion all while remaining blissfully unaware of its presence.
Homo Novus offers real hope for humanity especially in these uncertain times. However, it also contains warnings to alert people to a possible future where Homo sapiens could become an “endangered species”.
3. You suggest that “a monumental shift in human history is imminent” and that Homo sapiens could become an “endangered species”. What exactly do you really mean by that?
Response: If you’ve been keeping up with the news and technological advancements in recent times, you’d realize that a significant change in history is fast approaching, one that will fundamentally alter human existence.
As we inch closer to the edge of history, Homo sapiens (extant humans) will gradually fade into obscurity, eventually disappearing altogether. In their place, a new species of humans will emerge, taking the spotlight. This development brings both positive and negative implications, depending on which side of the divide you belong.
Our species will become extinct because it is going to be replaced by one that has been transformed or upgraded to an entirely different kind of being. Such an outcome has long been predicted in the Bible. And, surprisingly, it has also been predicted by scientists and tech leaders including the late Stephen Hawking, Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Geoffrey Hinton (popularly known as AI godfather).
In May last year, a multitude of AI scientists and tech executives signed a letter that succinctly warns that AI poses a threat of extinction to humanity. These are just a few examples of a growing chorus of alarms raised by the very people creating the technology, yet their companies persist in advancing it.
Different groups have given various names to this emerging human species: Transhuman, Posthuman, Humanity+, Human 2.0, Homo deus, are among the current terms. The Bible refers to it as the new creation or new man, hence the use of the term Homo novus (Latin for new man).
All these diverse terms suggest one thing: the future of Homo sapiens is at risk. However, opinions differ as to how this future humanity would be realized. But if this is anything to go by, it is a clear sign to any discerning mind that a new human species is on the horizon.
4. How exactly do you think Homo sapiens will be transformed or upgraded into a new superior human species?
Response: From my research on the topic, I can summarize two main approaches on how our species could be upgraded and transformed into a new human species:
The first is the belief that humankind will be transformed into a new species by direct human intervention through technology such as bioengineering, cybernetic upgrade, mind upload, and merging with AI. Behind the human intervention approach to a new humanity is a group of people that call themselves transhumanists.
The second is the belief that humankind will be transformed into a new species by divine intervention. This narrative positions the Second Coming of Jesus and the resurrection event that accompanies it as the catalyst for this transformation. The resurrection from the dead serves as the defining moment in God’s grand scheme for the inauguration of a new humanity. Drawing parallels with Jesus’ resurrection as recorded in history, it portrays Him as the forerunner of a new breed of humans.
5. The concept of divine intervention obviously plays a key role in your narrative. How do you reconcile this with the scientific/technological endeavors?
Response: Well, I strongly believe divine intervention instead of human/technological effort offers a more realistic path to the transformation of our species.
The first human to ever experience this bodily transformation into a new human by divine intervention was Jesus Himself. When Jesus rose from the dead (historical evidence that points to this fact abound), He became the pioneering first member of a glorious new humanity—the Homo novus species. His victory over death opened a way for us (Homo sapiens) to become that new kind of human.
Even though technology promises to create this as well, we are yet to see it come fully to fruition. And even if it eventually does, the best bioengineered body, the most advanced cyborg or a completely non biological human body will look extremely lowly and inferior alongside God’s Homo novus. In reality, it would be grossly unfair to try to directly compare the two. It’s akin to comparing a diamond and charcoal. One clearly transcends the other.
Yuval Harari tells us that “We don’t need to wait for the Second Coming in order to overcome death. A couple of geeks in a lab can do it, given enough time and money.” However, it’s important to acknowledge the undeniable truth about humans and our technology: our inherent imperfections. This isn’t to diminish our achievements, but throughout history, there have been many occasions where both humans and our inventions have not lived up to expectations due to our inherent fallibility.
In stark contrast, God boasts an impeccable track record of unwaveringly delivering on His promises. So who would you rather trust: God or Yuval Harari and “a couple of geeks in a lab”? The choice is entirely yours.
6. Could you share more about this Homo novus species and how it differs from Homo sapiens (extant humans) ?
The new human species derived from divine intervention or Homo novus as I call it, will be vastly superior to the old (Homo sapiens). The old one was frail, corruptible, and mortal, while the new one will be glorious, incorruptible, and immortal.
Imagine having a body that never grows old or dies. A body with multi-dimensional properties that are not subject to the laws of physics, that defy gravity and distance, that are able to seamlessly pass through walls and travel at the speed of thought, and capable of inhabiting both planet Earth, outer space and God’s space.
This is just a tip of the iceberg. Don’t be misled—only God can offer and fulfill the promise of an immortal human body, not technology.
7. Your book emphasizes that the journey towards becoming Homo novus begins within. Could you explain that?
Response: Yeah sure! The upgrade of the Homo sapiens species to a new one by divine intervention has already begun—but not in the way you would expect. A brand new humanity is on the rise, and those who are willing to be made right with God are pressing into it.
God is making new men and women and transforming them into a new kind of human species—the Homo novus species. God is transforming the old death-riddled Homo sapiens race into a new life-filled Homo novus race.
It is an inward process that begins with the transformation of the inner man within when you give your allegiance to Jesus. This process, known as rebirth or new birth, is the initial stage that eventually leads to the transformation of the outer man—the human body—when Jesus comes back.
8. Your narrative positions the Second Coming of Jesus and the resurrection event that accompanies it as the final catalyst that transforms Homo sapiens to Homo Novus. When is this likely to occur and who can partake of this new immortal creation?
Response: Anyone with precise answers to the question of when Jesus will return would be the possessor of the greatest secret in human history. Concerning that day and hour, Jesus made it clear when he was here on earth that no one knows—no one except the Father.
But, thankfully, He gave us signs to look out for; these signs provide clues that His coming is near, so that we can be ready to receive Him. These signs are all around us today and are accelerating at an exponential rate.
Only those who have undergone the initial stage (experienced rebirth) when they pledged allegiance to Jesus will share in this new creation. Everyone is welcome. Time is running out.
9. Your book touches upon the idea of humans partnering with God. Can you discuss how you see this partnership evolving amidst opposing worldviews?
Response: In my worldview, humans hold a unique role as God’s chosen partners to carry forward His will for the whole creation. Embracing and fulfilling this sacred vocation embodies the essence of true humanity. Despite our past shortcomings, Jesus’ redemptive actions have paved the way for the restoration of this partnership.
Conversely, there’s a current movement aiming to erase distinctions between humans and animals, as well as between humans and machines. According to this worldview, humans are merely animals of no special significance, or a biochemical algorithm akin to machines. Embracing this viewpoint suggests that humans hold no unique status, which poses a significant threat to our existence and could ultimately lead to our downfall.
The majority of individuals turn away from partnering with God because they prefer to live on their own terms. When people or societies sever ties with God and determine good and evil based solely on their own standards, it results in moral decline, disorder, and the endorsement of ethically questionable behavior disguised as personal liberty. This explains why the world is in a big mess.
But those who have chosen to partner with God will have the rare opportunity to become the new human species that will eventually replace Homo sapiens here on Earth. Isn’t that amazing?
10. Lastly, what else would you like readers to know about your book, and what steps can they take to align with the vision of Homo Novus in their own lives?
Response: One of the key themes that runs through my book is the concept of the Kingdom of God. This divine kingdom is steadily advancing to encompass the entire world in its entirety, carrying significant implications for those who either reject or accept partnership with God.
We are living at a time in history where the post–World War II world order built on democracy is gradually disintegrating. What will emerge once this order collapses remains uncertain. However, according to the Bible, a powerful global autocratic empire led by a dictator will rise to prominence at the climax of history, ushering in a new world order.
Yet, it’s crucial not to pledge allegiance to this empire or its ruler. Similar to past empires and kingdoms, it will ultimately collapse and be reduced to ashes within a short span of time. Subsequently, the Kingdom of God, under the leadership of Jesus and the new humanity, will emerge and take center stage forever.
For modern readers holding on to worldviews that completely ignore God, this serves as a call to acknowledge, trust, and respond to God, embracing His kingdom despite the allure of technology and transhumanism. Ultimately, only one kingdom will stand the test of time: the Kingdom of God. Therefore, it’s wise to invest in the kingdom that endures forever, rather than in fleeting pursuits. The countdown to this reality has already begun.
For more on the book and the author, please visit the following websites: