In 2007 researchers at Oxford University announced the discovery of a gene that appears to increase the odds of being left-handed. The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database lists more than 2,000 observable traits with a known molecular basis, including Down syndrome, schizophrenia, and many forms of panic disorders. One scientist has also claimed to have identified genes that are linked to homosexuality as well as the existence of a "God gene" for religious experience (Learn more here). All of this comes with the warning that:
“While the idea that researchers can find a single gene for a specific behavioral trait makes for an exciting news story or a sensational movie, it simply isn't true. Human traits, especially involving behavior, are likely to have a complex genetic basis incorporating many genetic and environmental influences.”
In spite of this caveat, there can be no doubt that everything that humans do is influenced by our DNA.
This is so obvious that no one paid much attention to a scientist who boldly stated that everything that happens in the world depends on the sequences in the human genome, partly because our socialization has caused us to focus on the way that DNA affects us as individuals rather than how it affects us all as a species. We don’t all have the same genetic markers and the presence of a particular marker often only indicates that there is some probability that any behavior associated with this marker will manifest itself in later years. On the other hand, what is characteristic of humans is manifested in all humans.
There is more to the DNA story than presently meets the eye. DNA affects the way we behave as a species. But the relationship between DNA and personal behavior is different from the relationship between DNA and species behavior. Over the next few blogs we will explore this difference.
6 comments:
This mad for interesting reading.It corroborates the bible In the beginning God created, and we are all one human family even with the animals, because both the animals and human return to dust from which they were taken.
What I have observed in my nearly 6 decades on planet Earth is that within any species there appears to be a purpose for each individual as a part of the whole, just as there is a function and interdependence between most or even all species that inhabit our planet. It makes sense to me that the genetic code that defines us as a part of the human species also details our particular function or place within that system. Those differences, while individual in nature, create a necessary harmonious balance.
At some point in human history the concept entered in that a person in their natural state was defective and needed to be reworked to align with the current definition of a good or even perfect example of a human being.
For example, I was born ambidextrous with my left hand being the stronger of the two. It felt natural to write and draw with my left hand. My grandfather was left-handed so I was quite proud of this unique hereditary link to him. My 1st grade teacher was horrified at my left-handedness and attempted to shame, punish and badger me into using my right hand because "Lefties are stupid and are usually morons".
You both have it correct. This is all underlined by the concept of General Systems Theory which posits that each system is made up of systems, each of which works with the other components of the system to maintain the system. Ultimately, the only the universe is the only system and everything in it is really a sub-system.
This is why I called this blog "humanomaly." Humans are the only system that do not seem to meet the characteristics of a system, because we attack each other and our own environment.
Thankfully, we have isolated incidents of this from which we can learn how to correct this.
This is Dynamite! This topic is exciting on so many levels. I have enjoyed reading the other comments, and I concur. I can hardly wait to read the next few blogs on this subject.
I find it very interesting, that the discovery of this "God" gene was so labeled... Not that I disagree, but what I find more interesting is that we are inherently programmed with a desire to do good. Further more, almost all cultures have some interpretation of who or what God is. Christians have God, Islam has Allah, and so on. Why does this 'gene' manifest itself so differently across our planet? No matter what the answer is, there is no denying; we all want (at the genetic level it would seem) to be part of a bigger system that has a need to move the species towards a greater good.
I'm sure that Dr. D will bring some interesting prospectives on this subject. I'm anxious.
Chris, I think it was called the God gene because of the present philosophical climate. Because we are part of a system that is guided by DNA we are programmed to act for the good of the species.
But you have raised an important issue that I am reluctant to touch. The varied manifestations of this genetic tendency seems to indicate that religion is a human creation. It is historically true that when humans could not explain certain things they attributed them to some superior being. Inevitably, they came up with their own ideas of what that being was like. If the Creator had revealed Himself to humanity as God it is illogical to think tht He would have presented such a confusing picture of Himself. The ancient Egyptians had several gods. Check out the story of how the ancient Egyptians developed their ideas about god in this link: http://www.ancientegypt.co.uk/gods/story/main.html.
This was also genetically determined. As I said in an earlier blog, the goal of education is instinct. Because humanity was born in ignorance we had to come up with ideas to explain reality. The problem with change is that it is a freelancer. Change can be negative, positive or neutral. We can stay where we are, move towards ultmate truth or move away from it.
This is why authoritarian regimes control the lives of their citizens. It is impossible to get people to where you want them if you give them the opportunity to choose where they will go. Human intelligence is the strongest argument against the idea that humans evolved from other species. If we had we would not need intelligence; the non-human species did not. And when the Creator gave us dominion, or the opportunity to create our future, He realized that we would come up with varied ideas about Him. Clearly He is very confident in Himself, as someone who is as powerful as He is should be. He has nothing to fear from us.
Maybe I'll post this as an "in between" blog.
I agree with the fact we are all created with the potential do and be "good". It is that inherent fact which allows for the Holy Spirit to speak to us and teach us what is "right" and "wrong".
What I would like to do is see some cross research on how this gene is negatively affected by mental illness and birth defects.
I would also like to see some solid rearch on the homosexuality gene. It is my belief that no matter what the disease, disability, or predisposition, God's grace and strength allows us the opportunity to have VICTORY over any and every sin!
Blessings!
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