Twin Studies
The God Gene(s)
While there is a clear connection between genetics and religiosity,
scientists have yet to understand all the specific genes that lead to this
predisposition. In his 2005 book “The God Gene: How Faith is Hardwired into Our
Genes” geneticist Dean Hamer argued the VMAT2 gene played a central role in the
phenomenon.[5]
VMAT2 is involved in regulating the hormone dopamine, which produces the
positive emotions accompanying mystical experiences.[6]
However, dopamine is excreted during more than just mystical experiences, and other
scientists have argued its effect on overall religiosity is very minor.[7]
Fortunately, there is some promise in the DRD4 gene, which affects
people’s susceptibility to environmental influences.[8]
In one study, students were more willing to volunteer for organizations around
campus when primed with religious messages.[9]
However, being primed with these messages had the opposite effect on students
with a particular variant of the DRD4 gene.[10]
Thus, while it may not make people religious per se, it may play a role in
their ability to be influenced by religious institutions.
Theory of Mind
Recent research suggests that people with a stronger capacity for
theory of mind tend to have higher levels of religiosity.[11]
According to psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen, theory of mind can be described as
the ability to "infer the full range of mental states (beliefs, desires,
intentions, imagination, emotions, etc.) that cause action. In brief, having a
theory of mind is to be able to reflect on the contents of one's own and
other's minds."[12] This
connection between religiosity and theory of mind seems to be in line with the
research conducted by Tanya Luhrmann, as described in my previous post. In her
studies, she discovered that experiencing “God” had a great deal to do with
people’s capacity to imagine interactions with him.[13]
She also noticed that while practice plays a key role in the ability to have
these experiences, there were some people who were incapable of having them
despite their best efforts in training their minds.[14]
Tanya’s findings were also supported by another study which demonstrated that religious
thoughts occur in areas of the brain associated with theory of mind.[15]
One interesting result of this relationship between theory of mind and
religiosity is that women in general tend to have both higher rates of
religiosity and theory of mind.[16]
Conversely, people with autism have severely diminished capacities for theory
of mind and they are more likely to be atheists than the general population.[17]
Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
The temporal lobes of the brain are involved in auditory perception,
memory, speech, emotional responses, and visual perception.[18]
About 4% of those who have temporal lobe epilepsy experience religious-oriented
auditory and/or visual hallucinations.[19]
Some also experience a personality change called the Geschwind Syndrome, which
is characterized by excessive speaking and writing, a reduction in sexual
interest, hyper-religiosity, hyper-morality, and deepened cognitive and
emotional responses.[20][21]
In ancient cultures, sufferers of epilepsy were believed to be possessed by
demons or blessed with divine messages and visions.[22]
Some psychiatrists believe Paul the Apostle suffered from temporal lobe
epilepsy, which would account for his religious visions, fervent religiosity,
frequent speaking and writing, and his many rules regarding sexual conduct.[23]
In fact, modern scholars weren’t the first to make this connection, as the old
Irish name for epilepsy was “St. Paul’s Disease.”[24]
Conclusion
Many Christians believe we are all programmed to seek a relationship
with God. This, according to their perspective, is why there are so many
religions. In addition, the traditional Christian view is that people who do
not follow the teachings of Jesus will spend eternity in hellfire. Conversely,
those who are the most fervently religious/spiritual are paragons of faith, and
an example for the rest of humanity to follow. However, evidence suggests
people are predisposed to be more or less religious. Thus, the extent to which
people seek God is not necessarily their choice. It is merely the luck of the
draw. If the traditional Christian view is correct, and non-believers are going
to Hell, it was ultimately God’s choice from the very beginning.
Resources:
Good article about twin studies and religiosity
http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-08/what-twins-reveal-about-god-gene
http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-08/what-twins-reveal-about-god-gene
Good article on spirituality and temporal lobe epilepsy
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104291534
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104291534
Good article about theory of mind and female religiosity
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/why-religion-is-natural-and-science-is-not/201301/theory-mind-and-elevated-religiosity
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/why-religion-is-natural-and-science-is-not/201301/theory-mind-and-elevated-religiosity
Great video on temporal lobe epilepsy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIiIsDIkDtg&list=FLrT9OWupoCp5Jf8HwhyW-4A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIiIsDIkDtg&list=FLrT9OWupoCp5Jf8HwhyW-4A
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