Reading Practice: Is Biohacking the Future—or Are We Playing God?

The Next text for reading practice I want to focus on is: What Is Biohacking? Can We Upgrade Our Bodies and Minds?

Level: B2–C1 | Science, Ethics, and Faith

🔬 What Is Biohacking?

Biohacking is the practice of using science, technology, and self-experimentation to try and improve the body or mind.

From simple lifestyle changes to advanced implants, biohackers ask:

“What if I could become stronger, smarter, or healthier—by changing how my body works?”

Some people adjust their sleep and diet. Others implant microchips, take dozens of supplements, or even experiment with gene editing.

⚙️ Types of Biohacking

✅ 1. Lifestyle Biohacking

Focuses on:

• Sleep

• Nutrition

• Exercise

• Supplements and tracking health

🤖 2. Tech-Based Biohacking

Involves:

• Implants, like microchips under the skin

• Digital health tracking

• Devices that replace body functions

🧪 3. Experimental Biohacking

Includes:

• DIY gene editing (like CRISPR)

• Hormone or blood transfusions

• Attempts to dramatically extend life—some aim to live to 150 or even 1000

🧠 Why Do People Biohack?

Most biohackers are looking for:

• Better energy or focus

• Stronger bodies and sharper minds

• Ways to prevent illness or ageing

• More control over how they feel and function

Some believe the human body is like software—it can be upgraded.

⚖️ Ethical Implications of Biohacking

Biohacking raises difficult questions about science, society, and what it means to be human.

🟩 Arguments in Favor

• Innovation: Technology can improve lives, especially for people with disabilities or illness.

• Personal Freedom: People should have the right to improve their own bodies.

• Better Health: Some practices like cold therapy, fasting, and supplements promote wellness.

• Medical Breakthroughs: Implants and gene therapy can treat serious diseases.

🟥 Concerns and Risks

• Unnecessary Intervention: Changing the body without medical need can be dangerous.

• Inequality: Only the wealthy may be able to afford advanced upgrades.

• Loss of Human Identity: Are we crossing the line between human and machine?

• Data Privacy: Who controls the information inside your body?

✝️ A Christian Perspective: Wisdom or Pride?

From a Christian worldview, the human body is a sacred gift from God. We are not random machines to reprogram, but "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14).

Biohacking that helps restore health—like prosthetics, pacemakers, or vision aids—can be seen as wise stewardship of that gift.

But when healthy people seek enhancements for power, vanity, or control, it raises serious spiritual concerns.

“You shall have no other gods before me.” – Exodus 20:3
“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” – Mark 8:36

❗When Biohacking Goes Too Far

• Trying to become “superhuman” reflects a desire to play God

• Seeking control over death or perfection challenges the humility of faith

• It risks putting technology above trust in God’s design

🙏 Responsible Use

Christians can still support science, wellness, and health technology—when it's necessary, used with humility, and aligned with love for God and others.

📚 Vocabulary Trainer (Plain Text Format)

• Biohacking – Using science and habits to improve the body or mind

• Implant – A device placed inside the body

• Cyborg – A being that is part human, part machine

• Stewardship – The Responsibility to care for something, especially a gift from God

• Ethical – Related to right or wrong choices

• Self-experimentation – Testing things on your own body

❓ Comprehension Quiz

• What is the goal of biohacking?
  A) To destroy the human body
  B) To use science to improve how the body and mind work
  C) To avoid technology completely

• Which of the following is NOT a type of biohacking?
  A) Sleep training
  B) Watching TV
  C) Microchip implants

• Why is biohacking controversial?
  A) It is used in schools
  B) It may be unsafe or unethical if done without need
  C) It is always done by doctors

• What does the Bible say about how we were created?
  A) We are randomly designed
  B) We should replace our bodies
  C) We are fearfully and wonderfully made

• When might biohacking go against Christian beliefs?
  A) When it is used for healing
  B) When it is used with professional help
  C) When it is used to gain control or replace trust in God

✅ Answers: 1 – B | 2 – B | 3 – B | 4 – C | 5 – C

✍️ Writing Practice

Write a paragraph (5–6 sentences):
Do you think biohacking is always good, always bad, or depends on the situation?
Include one ethical point and one spiritual view in your answer.

🤔 Discuss or Reflect

• Should people be allowed to enhance themselves if they are already healthy?

• Where is the line between healing and “playing God”?

• Can faith and technology work together?

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