IS GOD IN OUR GENES?

Chu, Jeff  Et. Al. (2004) “ Is God in our genes?” TIME (10/25) 62-70.

A scientist has identified at least one gene VMAT2. This gene along with others yet to be identified appears to generate self transcendence, spirituality, and mysticism. These are personal perceptions and feelings that differ from religion which is a sociological phenomenon. The article provides an index to see if you are a mystic or transcendent.

All of the above is not dismissed by theologians, but they are skeptical. In other words, the transpersonal is beyond measure and beyond the physical and social sciences.

Prof. Hamer, the founder of this study, suggests that the biology of religion has evolutionary objectives. Religious people survived wars and famines and passed the religion on to the next generation. However, religion unto itself is not always positive. Zealotry can creep in and give credence to slaughter or slavery of others. In other words, according to Hamer, religion is a positive that can be misused.

Other studies with twins suggest that those identical twins rose apart, both still show spirituality.

Lastly, death research (also controversial) suggests an afterlife. There are biological functions that biochemically either produce these perceptions or provide an intermediate step to another world.

Likable and ethical people who suffer severe damage in the

Prefrontal cortex can become very dangerous and unethical in their behavior after the damage.

Hamer suggests that there are socio-psychobiological connections to the transpersonal. Most have some genetic component; few have little in the way of genetic connections.