The GOD Gene: How Faith Is Hardwired into Our Genes

Dean Hamer

The GOD Gene: How Faith Is Hardwired into Our Genes, by Dean Hamer, argues that "spirituality is one of our basic human inheritances. It is, in fact, an instinct." The author is a leading geneticist. He uses the scientific method to first define or set up criteria for "spirituality" which is quite different from religion. He comes up with a term "self-transcendence" which he defines and then develops criteria to measure. In many ways it is similar to what Abraham Maslow called "self-actualization."

The author is a dedicated scientist and his methodology is not only very rigorous but also painstakingly explained. His mission is to discover: "why humans believe, not whether those beliefs are true." He uses numerous studies, including very persuasive evidence from studies of twins separated at birth, to marshal evidence to buttress his ultimate conclusion that spirituality, self-transcendence, and even mysticism are at least predominately an inherited proposition, and thus hard-wired into the genes.

I found the story of "The Good Friday Experiment," conducted in 1962, fascinating and quite instructive. It was a carefully randomized double-blind placebo experiment using Psilocybin and quantifying its effect on mystical experiences, with a follow up done 25 years later.

Hamer addresses some very interesting topics, such as: "Can consciousness be explained scientifically?" He is very careful to be fair in his treatment of this subject and correctly points out that many who argue that consciousness is solely produced by the brain start out with a mechanistic model of the universe, which is postulated rather than proved. His lengthy discussion of the Y chromosome and its relevance to the Jewish people is very fascinating.

All in all, I really liked this book and respect the author's conclusions, which are: "that there is nothing intrinsically theistic or atheistic about postulating a specific genetic and biochemical mechanism for spirituality" and "that spirituality is genetic, while religion is based on culture, traditions, beliefs, and ideas."