A Gene for Sin?

We know that physical characteristics are inherited genetically. What about behavior? Can our behavior be genetically predisposed? Here is a list of some recent discoveries in this area.

In 2004, scientists discovered a gene that is associated with alcoholism. "A new study links a gene to alcohol addiction -- backing up a long-recognized pattern showing that alcoholism runs in families." (from: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20040526/researchers-identify-alcoholism-gene)

There appears to be a genetic predisposition towards lying, according to Dr. Charles Raison, a Psychiatrist at Emory University Medical School. "There is a type of extreme lying that does indeed appear to have a strong genetic component. Officially known as "pseudologia fantastica," this condition is characterized by a chronic tendency to spin out outrageous lies, even when no clear benefit to the lying is apparent." (from: http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/expert.q.a/01/12/hereditary.lying.raison/index.html)

In 2011 researchers discovered that there is a gene that impacts people's desire to stay in bed longer than other people. "Experts, who studied more than 10,000 people across Europe, found those with the gene ABCC9 need around 30 minutes more sleep per night than those without the gene." (from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15999489)

In 2010, ABC news reported on the discovery of a gene that triggers sexual "cheating" in relationships. "In what is being called a first of its kind study, researchers at Binghamton University, State University of New York (SUNY) have discovered that about half of all people have a gene that makes them more vulnerable to promiscuity and cheating." (from: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/scientists-discover-gene-responsible-cheating-promiscuous-sex-habits/story?id=12322891#.UAP87o5s_Do)

Just this year, scientists announced that gluttony is also triggered genetically. "A single gene's effect on the brain can result in non-stop eating, research has shown.

Scientists believe the "gluttony gene" may be responsible for cases of obesity caused by out-of-control appetite." (from: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/gluttony-gene-may-be-behind-big-appetites-7576831.html)

There may also be a gene for violence, stealing, and vandalism. "The same genes that increased a person's likelihood of developing major depression and nicotine addiction were found in those who also had conduct disorder, like stealing, vandalizing, running away from home and fighting." (from: http://news.softpedia.com/news/Smoking-Depression-Violence-Stealing-Put-on-the-Same-Gene-60245.shtml)

So it appears that people who engage in what society would consider to be harmful (and what the Bible would consider to be sinful), have some basis in genetics. This may be surprising to many people, but it shouldn't be. Certainly there is a Biblical basis for even this understanding of human behavior. The Bible talks about how each of us inherit a sin nature that is passed down from Adam. Obviously the biblical writers knew nothing about DNA or genes, but they definitely did know that offspring take on the look (both physically and behaviorally) of their parents.


Michael Mangis, author of "Signature Sins", wrote, "Our families have the greatest influence on our development, including the development of our patterns of sin. Some people even assert that family curses are passed down along generational lines. The belief comes from Old Testament passages which say that God “punishes the children and their children for the sins of the fathers to the third and fourth generation” (Ex 34:7). I will leave that discussion to biblical scholars....Whether or not families inherit spiritual curses, it is obvious that patterns of sin are passed down through families. Everyone sins; but just as culture, ethnicity and gender steer our patterns of sin in particular directions, so do our families....In my work as a therapist, I am amazed at the intricate ways in which family patterns of sin haunt people, even without their knowledge. I have seen individuals have an extramarital affair, only to learn afterwards that a parent had an affair at the same age. Many parents lament that they replicate the unhealthy discipline habits of their own parents, despite all their promises to themselves that they would not repeat their parents’ mistakes." (from: http://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/like-father-like-son-confronting-generational-sins-11602622.html)



Now go back and look at the list of discoveries. We have: addiction (alcoholism), lying, sleeping longer (what the Bible might call being a sluggard), promiscuity, cheating, gluttony, violence, stealing, and vandalism. That's a pretty impressive list of negative characteristics. In fact, if most of us knew of a person who engaged in all these behaviors, we probably would consider that person to be a "bad person". The Bible certainly frowns on all of these and labels them as sinful. And society certainly doesn't think very highly of alcoholism, addiction, lying, cheating, stealing, etc., either. In other words, these are negative, destructive, "bad", sinful behaviors (not physical characteristics, but behaviors) that have a basis in one's genetic makeup.


So what do we do with this as a society? Do we let people steal and then simply say, hey, it's not my fault, I inherited this behavior? Do we see a husband cheat on his wife and then say, you know what, don't blame the guy, it's in his genes? Do we catch a kid cheating on a test and shrug it off, saying, the kid was genetically hard-wired to do that...nothing can be done? No, in each of these cases, even though we now know that there is a genetic predisposition towards these destructive and sinful behavior, we do everything we can to not honor these behaviors, to not encourage them, to not excuse them, but rather to help people to control them and, ultimately, change them. We want liars to become honest people. We want cheaters to become faithful. We want violent people to become peacemakers.


Here's the key: a genetic predisposition towards a behavior that is negative or harmful or sinful does not, in the Bible's view or in society's view, let a person "off the hook", so to speak. We have laws against many of these behaviors, we seek to reform people who engage in them, and we generally discourage them as much as possible. Certainly we don't cater to them or excuse them. We never let a person engage in these behaviors and allow them to simply say, hey, it's not a "choice" or a "lifestyle"...I was made this way.


As an article on the "cheat" gene says (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1334932/The-love-cheat-gene-One-born-unfaithful-claim-scientists.html): "But those with a wandering eye cannot wholly blame their genes. Mr. Garcia, of the State University of New York, said: ‘The study doesn’t let transgressors off the hook. Not everyone with this ­genotype (genetic make-up) will have one-night stands or commit infidelity.’"


Just because someone has a genetically predisposed desire towards some behavior does not mean that they need to act on that desire. They still have choices to make. We all do. We cannot "blame" our poor choices on our genes. We cannot shrug off our behavior and say, "I was made this way." Every moment we face choices. Genes can help explain our desires, but in the end, we can still choose A or B. Let's have a proper understanding of the role of genetics in our moral choices. We can learn a lot about ourselves and others if we have a right perspective.

The Foundation and Purpose of American Government

Our nation celebrates its 236th birthday tomorrow, and it's a good time to reflect on the founding of our country.

Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to justify the secession of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain.  In order for the colonies to break from the British crown, they had to give good reason for doing so.  Therefore, the leaders of the Continental Congress asked Jefferson to put together a document outlining their argument to the world.  Jefferson’s Declaration can be divided up into two main parts:  First, he laid out his thesis, and second, he gave evidence supporting his thesis.  Here is Jefferson’s argument, from the second paragraph to the Declaration:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.  That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.  That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

            Simply put, here is Jefferson's argument:

1. All people are created with certain rights given by God.
2. Government exists for the expressed purpose of securing these rights.
3. Because government’s power exists in the people being governed, if the government fails to secure these God-given rights, the people have the authority – even the responsibility – to reject that government and institute new government.

Now the rest of the Declaration consists of a laundry list of grievances against King George III, in which Jefferson makes the case that indeed, the English monarch had failed miserably to ensure the basic, God-given rights of the colonists to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.  Like any good argument, the Declaration’s conclusion must arise from the validity of the premises.  Jefferson’s first three premises, then, form the very philosophical foundation of this great nation.  To be blunt, according to Jefferson, we exist as a nation today because God has created us with certain rights that no government has the authority to take away.  Ergo, the United States of America exists because of the unwavering theological beliefs of the Founding Fathers.

Where did Jefferson get his ideas from?  He was not, contrary to the opinions of some, an evangelical Christian.  He was really a Deist, but he nevertheless believed strongly in God and in His providence.  Four times Jefferson mentioned God in the Declaration, including the close where he expressed complete trust in God, to whom the signers had pledged their lives.

Jefferson’s notion of a divine order in government was not new.  In fact, the earliest pages of the Bible share the same perspective.  The book of Genesis tells the story of humanity, and it is worth giving a short summary of the events leading up to Chapter 9, where we see the first form of human government.

In chapters 1-2, Genesis outlines in broad strokes the creation of the world, life on earth, and, of course, mankind.  Men and women were created to be moral agents, capable of obedience or disobedience – good or evil.  They were accountable to their Creator, who laid down some simple rules for them to follow.

Chapter 3 marks the turning point in human history, as mankind rebelled against God and His authority.  From that moment on, human history is rife with conflict, war, and atrocity. 

Chapters 4-5 detail the early generations of people, and some of the advancements that were made, from agriculture to music to bronze and iron working.  But while the technology increases, morality decreases.  Men begin taking multiple wives and murder takes place.  Genesis 6:8 says, “the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was continually evil.”  Finally, God decides that He has had enough, and He decides to start fresh with just Noah and his family left to propagate the human race.

Chapters 6-8, then, chronicle the Great Flood, by which God indeed gets a fresh start by wiping out life on earth and replenishing it after the flood.

Now, it is interesting to note that during the period during chapters 4-5, humans were governed directly by God.  It is only after the flood, in chapter 9, that we see the origin of human government.  After Noah and his family disembark from the ark, God makes a covenant with Noah in chapter 8, and in chapter 9, God institutes human government.  In verse 6, God says, “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed.”  In other words, if anyone takes an innocent life, it is the responsibility of men to seek justice and retribution.  Earlier, in chapter 4, God says only that vengeance shall be taken on those who might murder Cain.  But the post-flood declaration by God clearly shows that human beings were now responsible for administering justice amongst themselves.

Notice the reason why God instituted human government.  He knew that people would murder each other.  The primary responsibility of human government, then, is to protect innocent human life.  Life is a gift from God, and each person, because we are made in God’s image, has an inherent – a divine – right to live.  Only God has the authority to take that away.  The exception, of course, is when humans need to administer the just penalty for someone violating that law.  In that case, the person has forfeited his right to live because he has taken another’s life, and human government has the responsibility and the authority to take his life as the satisfaction of justice.

Jefferson’s words ring true to the Biblical text:  “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”  Life is the very first and most important right.  Government exists by divine decree to protect innocent human life.  When governments fail to do this, the people have a responsibility and right to rid themselves of that government and replace it with one that will be true to this divine decree.  In the words of Ronald Reagan, “It is the responsibility of the government, at point of bayonet if necessary, to see that every citizen gets their Constitutional individual rights and is not denied them by any group of individuals.”[1]

            Since 1963, the Supreme Court of the United States has consistently ruled, in cases like Abington vs. Schempp, that government has no business even entertaining religious ideas in public life.  We have seen the courts rule that Christmas manger scenes in town squares violates the so-called separation of church and state.  When once American schools used the Bible as its primary textbook for educating students to read and write, they now force teachers who hold religious views to keep their holy books at home.  Frankly, God has become persona non grata in public schools and town squares. 

            It is difficult to reconcile the current state of American government with its founding philosophy.  Today, ruling after ruling takes us further away from our spiritual heritage and, in fact, the foundation upon which this nation was built.  As an analogy, we may look at the great Ivy League institutions like Harvard, for example.  Harvard was founded to be a missionary school.  In fact, its cornerstone has the mission of the university engraved on it, and it is clear that the founders’ intent was to train young men to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.  In the same vein, we can see how far down the slippery slope our government has tumbled.

            Consider these words from John Whitehead,

All states of the United States of America have expressed either in their preambles or the body of the state constitution itself dependence on God for their preservation and strength.  This biblical ideal was woven into these constitutions when the leaders of the different states were planning the structure of their civil governments.  Therefore, when the federal constitution was drafted, the principle of faith in God was presumed to be a universal for healthy civil government.”[2]

            Today, just the opposite view is taken.  Government has a constitutional obligation, so the argument goes, to distance itself from God.  Even the acknowledgement of religion is seen as being tantamount to an “establishment” of religion, and as such, is a violation of the first amendment.  In other words, the view our society takes today is that good, healthy government can only exist by being thoroughly secular. 

            Let us consider now the consequences of the modern view.  If government does not have exist by divine decree to secure the fundamental, God-given rights of people, then it must exist by human decree to serve the temporal, human-given rights of people.  These rights, of course, are by definition elastic.  If man is the originator of human rights, then those rights are not really “rights” at all.  They are privileges, given to people at the whim of those in authority at the time.  If rights aren’t God-given, then they are merely the preferences expressed either by political leaders or the majority of the population.  What, then, is to stop a government from changing certain “rights” as happen to suit its particular needs?  One day, you might have the right to a fair trial, but the next, the government may be executing even suspected criminals.  If certain fundamental rights do not come from God, then we have no recourse against such tyranny, whether it exists in the form of totalitarian dictatorships or democratic vote.  The logical consequence of the modern view is that our rights are gifts of the government, to be altered and twisted however the government (and/or the majority) sees fit.

            This sad truth is most evident today with respect to the first of Jefferson’s stated “inalienable” rights – the right to life.  Both the Declaration and Genesis declare that the primary right that government exists to secure is the fundamental right of innocent people to live.  If the right to life is not primary, then all other rights lose their significance.  After all, what good is the right to free speech if the next guy is equally free to kill you?  It is only because we have the right to live that we can even begin talking about these other rights.

            It is clear that our nation has drifted steadily, sometimes spectacularly, away from Jefferson’s expressed view.  Our rights are no longer seen as God-given and inalienable.  They are now seen to be the result of majority vote, which can be changed as the political winds dictate.  As a consequence, the government does not serve the purpose articulated by Jefferson – to secure these inalienable rights (that, of course, do not exist today).  Instead, government serves one purpose – to secure its own future.  This is admittedly a cynical view of things, but experience has shown that government is primarily interested in doing whatever it takes to consolidate its power.  Again, as Reagan has said, “Because no government ever voluntarily reduced itself in size, government programs once launched never go out of existence.  A government agency is the nearest thing to eternal life we’ll ever see on this earth.”[3]  Government seeks more and more power and control, and as it succeeds in this mission, it erodes the purpose for which it was founded in the first place.

            What should we do about this?  The only recourse the colonists saw was to rebel against a tyrannical monarch.  In the United States, we live in a republic, and as such, we have the right to rebel at the ballot box.  Every election cycle, we have the opportunity to revolt against a government that has clearly lost its way and has misused and abused its power.  We can restore our government to what it was originally created to do.

            I am not suggesting a theocracy.  Our government does not need to consist of all religious men and women, or follow word-for-word the pages of the Bible.  However, we have seen what has happened as our government has left its roots behind.  What we need is a return to the Jeffersonian principles on which this nation was founded.  In Jefferson’s own words, “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the gift of God?”[4]

---

[1] Ronald Reagan, The Official Ronald Wilson Reagan Quotebook, Chain-Pinkham Books, St. Louis Park, MN, 1980, pg. 48.

[2] John W. Whitehead, The Second American Revolution, Crossway Books, Westchester, IL, 1982, pg. 96.

[3] Ronald Reagan, The Official Ronald Wilson Reagan Quotebook, Chain-Pinkham Books, St. Louis Park, MN, 1980, pg. 28.

[4] Thomas Jefferson, Notes on Virgina, 1782.