God-Gene

Late last year, Dean Hamer, a behavioral geneticist with the National Institute of Health, published a book describing in his estimation, genetic predisosition in every human for spirituality and faith. Through studies of nuns, twins and those who practice Zen, he claims that our search for faith and the feelings of transcendence are innate to the human make-up and not the result of a Holy Spirit. Scientists and religious leaders alike have decried his research, but I ask why?

Who cares? Religious leaders are outraged that someone would claim that spirituality is genetic opposed to a fulfillment from above. I ask, why shouldn't we believe that it's conceivable that God would instill a component of our genetics that searches for Him? The researcher says that this gene is inherent in every human in different degrees. That explains why some become zealots and others lukewarm. We know that God doesn't discriminate, so at least this holds some weight. All we have to do is look around our churches, neighborhoods, and work to see the differing degrees of faith.

People are searching to fill that need all over the place, whether it be through religion, yoga, meditation, drigs/alcohol, human relationships, work, etc. What is unique, is that those who received the grace of the Holy Spirit finally stop their search. Others still feel the void.

Some argue that this "finding" cuts through the heart of many religions because it takes away the tenet of free choice. I disagree. Supposing there is a spirituality gene, man still must find God. An amnsesiac who remembers nothing about his past or even who he is, innately begins a quest for his history so that he can continue his future. He bears the need to search and will only be complete when he discovers that. Much like this scenario. We all may have a make-up to search for who we are and a higher power, and will only feel complete when we discover the grace and love of God.

Science is incredible and has brought us innumerable answers to life. Though, the scriptures make it abundantly clear that not everything will be figured out, we shouldn't dismiss every notion that could link science and religion. It just may help strengthen your own faith--it has mine.