The God gene....What do you think about this?

Question

Do you think that certain people are more inclined to seek a diety more so than others due to a gene they posess? Would that mean that people who don't seek a higher power don't have the gene? What are you thoughts on this God gene?

Yes, there is scientific evidence. Just take a look at this.

http://washingtontimes.com/world/20041114-111404-8087r.htm

Answer 1

I know about the God spots in the brain. At first they thought it was only in the temporal lobe, but now they found a few other spots in the brain.

I will have to do some research on the God gene.

A group of neuroscientists at the University of California at San Diego has identified a region of the human brain that appears to be linked to thoughts of spiritual matters and prayer. Their findings tentatively suggest that we as a species are genetically programmed to believe in God.

The researchers came upon these cerebral revelations in the course of studying the brain patterns of certain people with epilepsy. Epileptics who suffer a particular type of seizure are often intensely religious, and are known to report an unusual number of spiritually-oriented visions and obsessions. Measurements of electrical activity in the brains of test subjects indicated a specific neural center in the temporal lobe that flared up at times when the subjects thought about God. This same area was also a common focal point overloaded with electrical discharges during their epileptic seizures.

Could this heretofore unidentified part of the brain -- nicknamed the "God module" -- actually be some sort of physiological seat of religious belief? The scientists who discovered it believe it might be. They have performed a further study comparing epileptic subjects with different groups of non-epileptics -- a random group of average people, as well as individuals who characterized themselves as extremely religious. The electrical brain activity of the subjects was recorded while they were shown a series of words, and the God module zones of the epileptics and the religious group exhibited similar responses to words involving God and faith. No word yet on whether the brains of atheists and agnostics might flatline the monitors, but the parallel results among the strong believers are considered impressive.

Answer 2

I wonder how soon someone will come up with a gene for racism!! THAT should answer your question on what I think about this 'god gene' you're asking about.

For those who visited the link that you provided:

This is not scientific evidence. A number of OTHER questions need to be be answered first.

1. Why a sample of only 2 000?
2. In which county or countries was this sample taken?
3. How representative was the sample of the world population?
4. What exactly was the percentage correlation?
5. If the correlation was not above 95 % , how do you account for the others NOT being religious?
6. Has this researcher been able ot duplicate his results with other similar experiments/research?
7. Are there other researchers who have been able to duplicate these results?

Secondly, one needs to understand the jargon used in scientific reports and not jump to conclusions.

And thirdly, if that is GENETIC, how is it possible for former atheist to believe in God, and vice versa? Is it possible for some to change his GENETIC composition? Hormonal composition, yes. But GENETIC?

Answer 3

Sounds reasonable. Is it true? More research may be necessary. However, there are definitely people who are more pious than others and it isn't because of their environment. Or it doesn't seem to be. So it must be because of something in their bodies.

I saw a documentary in which a kid with epilepsy had these spiritual experiences when he had a seizure. And I mean really major spiritual experiences. And, throughout history, those who were saints or profits were often associated with seizures. As such, this tells me that there is something in the brain that tricks people, or at least certain people, into having spiritual experiences.

Others think that such experiences or a belief in God is the bodies way of curtailing anxiety. Evolution may have played a role here. Things aren't so good sometimes, but natural anxiety drugs produced by your body would sure help you get through those bad times. Those that got through the bad times survived and bred. Those that didn't, didn't.

Of course, there is nothing spiritual here about this question. It is either true or it is not. There either is such or gene or there isn't. On the other hand, the real question becomes whether it is just a natural anxiety drug or whether God put it there to help us be closer to Him. Of course, you can't answer that with certainty. You either have faith or you don't.

Answer 4

I admit, I didn't look at the Washington Times link.
Last I heard, neither the Times, nor any of the "experts" they quote are the definitive word on God, or religion; much less the medical implications of a God Gene.

The Bible does hold the last word on spiritual things for many people. In Romans 1, it says that all men are born with the knowledge of God.

Answer 5

Well, yes and no. The way a person is raised has a lot to do with it. If you grow up in a very religious family, you are more likely to be religious, even if you change your religion later in life. Someone growing up with people who are always saying that God isn`t real, are more likely to be atheists.
But, on the other hand, people are made from genes. Everything comes from that, unless its affected by other forces, like a disease or illness. The way we think, our talents, what we enjoy and dislike, and everything else comes from our genes.

Hope it helped.

Answer 6

Interesting article.

I've never been able to come up with a suitable idea for God so I'm clearly missing this gene ;-)

This is actually taught in Buddhism; that there are two spiritual paths. One uses an outside force (God) to develop the mind for love and compassion and the other path says it is the individuals responsibility (Buddhism).

Answer 7

It's interesting, but I don't think that people are biologically inclined to seek the Truth. Spirituality is an important part of all people's lives -- although some attempt to squash it -- that is separate from biology. Good thought though.

Answer 8

Research is quite inconclusive. Dean Hamer's research on this subject has been pretty much dismissed by Francis Collins, a devout Christian researcher. Mr. Collins calls Hamer's claim "wildly overstated". So still no God gene.

Answer 9

I think all humans have the God gene,in my opinion,everyone has the ability to reproduce,IE men sperm,woman eggs,Once the 2 interact you have life.Its the same as connecting to God,prayer,seeking Him,it will produce something.I think all have the God hole,only God can fill it.After all God said himself he made man in his image,we of course have HIS gene pool.

Answer 10

truthfully!!! It exchange into something extra formal, yet I used to talk to Him even though the reason and because I saved forward to my very own ambition and desires, whilst He gave me avertisements I saved none and did my way going into further and added trubles! Into an end, interior of a deep depresion, He saved my existence (!!!) the very 2d I left away of all my deep desires... There, empty heart, i exchange into crammed with God's mild and Peace and Love - an entire New existence, a clean physique, a clean innovative and prescient over the final and the destiny :) :) :) confident, he's my Saviour!!!