So what is all the talk and publicity over what is being called the “God Gene”? Well, researchers have concluded after exploring 2000 DNA samples that a person’s capacity to believe in God is linked to brain chemicals. Of course the religious community is all up in arms over the study – Rev. John Polkinghorne, a fellow of the Royal Society and a canon theologian at Liverpool Cathedral, said: “The idea of a God gene goes against all my personal theological convictions. You can’t cut faith down to the lowest common denominator of genetic survival. It shows the poverty of reductionist thinking.”
No offense Mr. Polkinghorne, but the true poverty of thinking is completely disregarding science especially when it might be reinforcing the concept of God from a more scientific standpoint. It seems like more of a threat to a long standing establishment that bases its dogma on mostly blind faith?
The God Gene or VMAT2 explains why some people have more aptitude for spirituality than others. VMAT2 is a vesicular monoamine transporter that regulates the flow of mood-altering chemicals in the brain; people who carry higher levels of this transporter were more likely to develop a spiritual belief. Researcher Dean Hamer, the director of the Gene Structure and Regulation Unit at the National Cancer Institute states that “Buddha, Muhammad and Jesus all shared a series of mystical experiences or alterations in consciousness and thus probably carried the gene (maybe in higher levels),” he said. “This means that the tendency to be spiritual is part of genetic makeup. This is not a thing that is strictly handed down from parents to children. It could skip a generation. It’s like intelligence.” Further, growing up in a religious environment was said to have little effect on belief- a classic natural vs. nurture argument.
I personally think it is interesting that scientists were able to isolate such a gene that is somehow connected to our ability to be attracted and plugged in to a higher power: The sublime intricacies the Cosmos. Quantum physic and astrophysics continues to shed light on our connection to the Universe – I have written how Karma and the Afterlife can be proven through science and the discovery of the “God Gene” should not be a threat to theologians but simply should be further proof that we do indeed live in a Responsive Universe.
Up next, lets tackle the “God Particle” which is also creating an uproar among the religious – this story is even more intriguing because for the first time, science is knocking on the door of God! Exciting stuff…
John C. Bader
Rev. John Polkinghorne, a fellow of the Royal Society and a canon theologian at Liverpool Cathedral, said: “The idea of a God gene goes against all my personal theological convictions. You can’t cut faith down to the lowest common denominator of genetic survival. It shows the poverty of reductionist thinking.”
The fact that science has isolated a penchant for spirituality in no way goes agaist the Bible. In fact, Jesus and all the Bible writers taught that faith was something that was based in reality, and even tho that reality was not visible, we no less se evidence of it–that is we have faith because GOd made us to have faith. It is inherent.
It’s sorta like the law of gravity. You can say you don’t “believe in it”, but if you jump off a tall building the reality is gonna hurt.
God has a plan for this earth, and for those who WANT to worship him in the way he approves. You can say you disbelieve it, but again, it’s gonna hurt.
The “God gene” only supports what is written in the Bible:
Psalm 139:14+
“In a fear inspiring way I am wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, As my soul is very well aware.
15 My bones were not hid from you, when I was made in secret, When I was woven in the lowest parts of the earth
16 Your eyes saw even the embryo of me, and in your book all its parts were down in writing. As regards the days when they were formed, and there was not yet one among them.
17 So, to me how precious your thoughts are.”
To believe in God, all one has to do is step outside on a clear night and look up at the sky. To see such things, and then not believce in God is “inexcusable.”
Isa 40:26 “Raise your eyes up and see. Who has created these things? It is the One who is bringing forth the army of them…all of whom he calls by name. Due to the abundance of his dynamic energy [all matter is made up of energy] he also being vigorous in power, not one of them is missing.”
and
Romans 1:20 “For his invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable.”
I appreciate your lengthy reply, but I am not even sure how to respond to your comment. I understand God as an instinctual energy that is everything – you, me, the Bible (and its many re-writings and translations) Jesus, Buddha, a tree, or a galaxy 100 million light years away. I never said VMAT2 discounts the Bible. If there is an absence of logic it is the fear that perpetuates blind faith in religions like Christianity. Like you, I also do not need to see something tangible to understand it exists – like quantum physics or meditation and prayer. When you look at God and energy as it relates to the Universe and not man and Earth as it relates to God, you still find it is all the same stuff – I guess it is how you like it packaged, repackaged and sold. I prefer my mine free of dogma, manipulation and to rest in logic, science and maybe a little bit of positive energy. Each to their own, right? I wish you the best of luck on your own path to enlightenment and self-actualization – JCB
Hello, I’m not a troll but a future neuroscientist. Your article should fit in less than ten words: “Is the God Gene Bullshit? Yes.”. Next topic.
R