Our experiences and faith traditions may direct us differently as we discuss many topics in this course so please think carefully as you post and respond graciously to others.

Kluger (2004) raises the issue of whether God places knowledge of himself in humans at a genetic level, or whether our genetic code creates God out of a basic human need for morality, organization, and avoiding the fear of death. He explores the possibility that God might have created people with a "God gene" so that they could know and experience Him. The divine is a concept that is present in human cultures worldwide, which makes sense if God created humans with the capacity to have a relationship with Him.

Although people may differ in their ability to have spiritual experiences, this does not necessarily diminish their religious commitment. Spiritual experience is not the same as religious belief. Christians may have varying spiritual experiences due to brain construction and psychological issues; however, they may still have a strong relationship with God even without strong affective experiences. In addition, an individual's ability to have spiritual experiences may change over time.

Read the article "Is God in Our Genes?" posted in Week 5 Study folder and answer the following questions:

1. Identify the central issue presented in this article.

2. Some people think that we create the idea of God out of our need for morality,organization, and avoiding the fear of death. How would you intelligently respond to people who believe that God is merely a "crucial trait stamped deeper and deeper into our genome with every passing generation"?

3. If there is a God gene, or multiple God genes, how would you respond to these genes being distributed differently? For example, what would it mean if some people have a greater genetic predisposition for spiritual experiences or connection with God than others? How would you reconcile this to the Christian belief that God's grace and love is available to all people?

4. Some Christians are fearful that the scientific methods of psychology might explain away the mysteries of God. What do you think?

If you are unsure how to answer parts of these questions do not be afraid to say what you understand and then say you are unsure. You may learn from others' perspectives in their posts resulting in some interesting dialogue in your responses.

Submit your original 300-400 words

 

Make sure to adequately pull from at least two sources including the presentation and cite all work.

Attachments:

• 1510850106-Is God in Our Genes.pdf