This isn't science, it's quackery.
Unmitigated bullsqueeze!
I think the reason people generally hate statistics or any mention of statistical methods is that the discipline is shown daily to be the tool-of-trade of people with an agenda.
Moral Absolutes Ping.
They keep trying to make it seem as though belief in God is based on the flesh. This will give those who want to escape and hide from God an acceptable alibi - "My genes made me do it".
Imagine making the claim that religious people are happier, more well-behaved, kinder, more responsible, or whatever as a result of genes! They want to remove every bit of free will and individual responsibility from the human race. First they want to remove God and anything that could conceivably remind anyone of God from the public sphere. Now they want to turn humans into robotic animals.
I don't believe in God because of my genes; I believe in God because I was thirsty for the truth, and the Truth showed me, out of His endless mercy, that He exists.
Let me know if anyone wants (back)on/off this pinglist.
P.S. There was a "study" like this a while ago, done by a "gay" researcher who had failed at finding a "gay" gene. I wonder if this is the same one. If anyone knows, put it up.
This is ridiculous.
An atheist can change beliefs and it has NOTHING to do with "genes". Truly "science" is getting more and more absurd. It's no wonder the U.S. is BEHIND, worldwide in the field of science.
I will wait for second opinions. I am sure this will cange soon.
Is it only me, that it feels more like the rehashed justification for convicted criminals' behaviours that "I can't help it - I don't know why but I was compelled to do this."
Empty nests Michael McCullough, a psychologist at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, US, agrees. "To a great extent, you can't be who you are when you're living under your parents' roof. But once you leave the nest, you can begin to let your own preferences and dispositions shape your behaviour," he told New Scientist.
Well duh! It took a "study" to figure that one?
"About a dozen studies have shown that religious people tend to share other personality traits, although it is not clear whether these arise from genetic or environmental factors. These include the ability to get along well with others and being conscientious, working hard, being punctual, and controlling one's impulses."
This one is funny also. What came first, the chicken or the egg? Religious beliefs (Judeo-Christian) inculcate this type of behavior - it goes along with believing that God is watching what you do. This really doesn't show anything. Will "conscientious, etc." people tend to gravitate towards being religious, or will being religious cause the person to behave in this manner?
I certainly hope this study wasn't funded with tax money.
Is Calvinism correct after all, those predestined to go to heaven do so because of genetic predisposition to come to
God?
INTREP - another example of naturalistic philosophy tainting science - the idea that religion and morality (a product of religion) are the result of chemicl reactions in the brain is absolutely absurd.
"the Voice of Truth tells me a different story."
(1) Poor (or no) toilet-training
(2) Too much lead in the pablum
(3) Accidently left in the microwave oven
(4) Four parents - all of the same "gender"
Well, a desire to belong to a group is likely in our genetic make up. True loners are few and far between. Mankind has survived by joining groups and family units.
A desire to be in a group can lead to the joining of a religious group. the article says 40%.
This is not a strong correlation. But it may be somewhat true.