Is God In Our Genes?
by Raymond Fontaine, Ph.D. November-2004
On October 25, the Time magazine startled many readers with its cover that highlighted the words: "The God Gene" in bold, gold letters. Across
two pages, in large black letters, the question was asked, "Is God in Our Genes?" Both titles referred to a new book entitled "The God Gene: How Faith is Hardwired into Our Genes."
The author of this book is the molecular biologist Dean Hamer, Chief of gene structure at the National Cancer Institute. In that position, Hamer commands attention. He got mine and also that of many readers of Time's article which asks, "Is God in Our Genes?" My essay provides two answers: the first from the scientist Hamer
and the second from myself, a Deist philosopher.
In Time's article, Hamer says, "I'm a believer that every thought we think and every feeling we feel is the result of activity in the brain. We follow the basic law of nature, which is: we're a bunch of
chemical reactions running around in a bag."
On that premise, Hamer attempted to locate and identify the gene or genes involved in spiritual thoughts and feelings. For this research, he recruited more than 1,000 men and women who took a
standardized, 240-question personality test. The participants also provided DNA samples.
To narrow the field, Hamer confined his work to nine specific genes known to play major roles in the production of monoamines.
These brain chemicals regulate such fundamental functions as mood and motor control.
.
According to Time's article, Hamer quickly hit the jackpot in a gene know as VMAT2
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for vesicular monoamine transporter.
Variations in this gene seemed to be directly related to how the volunteers scored on the test.
Hamer pointed out two caveats. First, feelings of spirituality do not impel people to seek God and to believe in him. Secondly, VMAT2
is not the only gene that affects our spirituality. Something as complex as belief in God could involve hundreds or even thousands of
genes.
In conclusion, Hamer says, "My findings are agnostic on the existence of God. If there's a God, there's a God. Just knowing what brain chemicals are involved in acknowledging this is
not going to change the fact."
In short, to the question posed in Time's magazine "Is God in Our Genes?", Hamer's answer is simply, "I don't know." His research established only that the chemical mix (the hardwiring)
of VMAT2 is involved in thoughts and feelings about things spiritual, period!
After reading the recent writings of the scientist Dean Hamer, I realized that his knowledge about God's existence was less conclusive than mine, that of a Deist philosopher. I know that God exists. The designs, the structures and laws in nature presuppose a Designer, a Creator who is supremely intelligent. My logical mind comes to that simple yet definitive conclusion.
I am grateful to Dean Hamer, as I am to Einstein and to all scientists who uncover and reveal to us the
marvelous handiwork of God. VMAT2 is only one among zillions of beings all requiring, at their common origin, a
supremely intelligent Creator. VMAT2 exists and so does God. Alleluia! For list
of my essays, click here