That's what Dean Hamer, the man who announced the discovery of the "gay gene," tells us.l
Hamer administered a quiz to a relatively large sample of people (2000 approx.). Those who scored higher for spiritual values "tended" to have the VMAT2 gene. Whatever "tended" means.What he found was that the brain chemicals associated with anxiety and other emotions, including joy and sadness, appeared to be in play in the deep meditative states of Zen practitioners and the prayerful repose of Roman Catholic nuns — not to mention the mystical trances brought on by users of peyote and other mind-altering drugs.
At least one gene, which goes by the name VMAT2, controls the flow to the brain of chemicals that play a key role in emotions and consciousness. This is the "God gene" of the book's title, and Hamer acknowledges that it's a misnomer. There probably are dozens or hundreds more genes, yet to be identified, involved in the universal propensity for transcendence, he said.
Furthermore, the scientific linkage of a gene with chemicals that affect happiness or sadness does not answer the question "Is there a God?" but rather "Why do we believe in God?"
"Our genes can predispose us to believe. But they don't tell us what to believe in," said Hamer, whose current research involves HIV/AIDS.
Critics in the scientific community argue that Hamer's conclusions are simplistic and speculative, relying too much on anecdotal evidence and too little on testing of the VMAT2 gene to determine other possible connections to behavior. They also wonder whether his findings can be replicated, a necessity in scientific research.
"The field of behavioral genetics is littered with failed links between particular genes and personality traits," said Carl Zimmer, a science author who reviewed the book in last month's Scientific American.
Hamer's research fails to explain the rise and fall of religious enthusiasm over the centuries. Did all of the VMAT2 gene bearers in Europe, which is increasingly secular, emigrate to America beginning in the 1950s? For that matter, are they dying off, albeit at a slower rate, in America which is itself becoming more secular?
Then there's this:
If Hamer's right, perhaps spiritual belief is an evolutionary disadvantage in technologically advanced societies. But only for men.Also left hanging is why women score much higher than men on transcendence tests.
"I'm not completely sure about that," Hamer said. "I just know that it's true. Women are more attuned to their emotional connections, and that's at the heart of spirituality."
Or perhaps Hamer's just wrong.