We Have Never Been Gods: Transcendence, Contingency and the Affirmation of Hybridity.

This article offers a theological response to the postmodern affirmation of hybridity, that is, the `mixing up' of nature and humanity by technology. Drawing on the doctrine of creation, specifically the interpretation of creation as creatio ex nihilo, it argues that Christianity—contrary to either its instinctual aversion to or learned fascination with technology—should accept the reality of hybridity. Furthermore, it is argued that the concept of imago dei can be extended to encompass such hybridity. Refusing Elaine Graham's turn to immanence in her recent work (Graham 2002), the theme of creatio ex nihilo is further explored by reference to transcendence and contingency. The article concludes that transcendence and contingency offer a theological context for the consideration of hybridity. This context is practical: concerned primarily with the distribution of God's goodness through hybridity and hybrid practices, and with human participation in that distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]