Religion and the science of DNA may seem to have nothing in common. But in fact, since the discovery of DNA in 1953, some religious traditions have grappled with many new concerns, such as the morality of genetic engineering. It’s also been proposed that there is a “God gene” that predisposes some people toward spirituality. The recent death of James Watson, a co-discoverer of DNA, made me wonder how much religion has struggled with Watson’s groundbreaking work. So let’s take a look.
Religion and science in general have a complicated relationship. In particular, conservative factions within the Abrahamic religions — Judaism, Christianity, and Islam — have sometimes clashed with science. Most of us have heard about the Catholic Church’s objections to the model of the solar system proposed by Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543). Note that these objections have evaporated. Indeed, the Catholic Church these days is very proud of Monsignor Georges Lemaître (1894-1966), a priest and physicist who proposed the Big Bang theory. But elsewhere in Christianity many heels are dug in against accepting evolution.
Nearly all of the religious commentary on DNA that I could find was from Christians who have embraced DNA as proof of God’s creating hand. See, for example, “How DNA Reveals God’s Design” by Dr. Alan Gillen, a professor of biology at Liberty University. Liberty is the private evangelical university in Lynchburg, Virginia, founded by Jerry Falwell, Sr. The article is hosted on a website called Answers in Genesis, an organization founded by the anti-evolution activist (and biblical literalist) Ken Ham. Exactly why Ken Ham doesn’t also see God’s creating hand in the complex processes of evolution, I cannot say. You’ll have to ask him. Note also that DNA provides compelling corroboration of evolution science; see “How DNA Confirms Evolutionary Relationships” in Science News Today (August 5, 2025).
In recent years medicine has been using genetics in several ways. I found an article at the U.S. National Library of Medicine that provides a good overview. “Current developments of gene therapy in human diseases” (2024 Aug 16) explains that gene therapy is being used to treat a wide range of genetic and acquired diseases. See also “Genetic Testing and the Christian Faith: Navigating the Tension Responsibly” by Kelli Swan at Biologos (February 27, 2019). Swan is a genetics counselor and a Christian, and she explains in simple language how genetic medicine is enhancing people’s lives. “God created us all with a unique genetic code and, as a genetic counselor, I love having even just a small glimpse into the complexity of life God designed,” Swan writes. But she also notes that “people who self-identify as Christian may be less likely to pursue genetic testing, especially in a prenatal context. … Additionally, medical providers who identify as Christian may be less likely to offer genetic testing to their patients.” This may indicate some discomfort with genetics. Christians who oppose pregnancy termination may avoid genetic testing or genetic counseling. But Swan argues that even if you oppose abortion, knowledge that your baby will be born with a medical challenge can help you prepare.
One of the most prominent Christian advocates for genetics in medicine is the physician-scientist Francis Collins. Collins identified the genes connected to a number of diseases. He was director of the National Human Genome Research Institute from 1993 to 2008 and director of the National Institutes of Health from 2009 to 2021. He also authored a book, published in 2006, titled The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief. “The God of the Bible is also the God of the genome,” Collins writes. “He can be worshipped in the cathedral or in the laboratory. His creation is majestic, awesome, intricate and beautiful—and it cannot be at war with itself. Only we imperfect humans can start such battles. And only we can end them.” Collins also makes an argument for theistic evolution, which is the position that “evolution is real, but that it was set in motion by God” and is under the direction of God.
Much current theology draws a line between therapeutic and enhancing gene editing. In 2002 the Vatican proposed that “Germ line genetic engineering with a therapeutic goal in man would in itself be acceptable” (“Communion and Stewardship: Human Persons Created in the Image of God*). But even so, the Vatican continued, experimenting with human DNA to develop such techniques, especially on living embryos, is problematic. Likewise, the Vatican said, using genetics to create enhance capabilities in a healthy individual is morally unacceptable.
The God Gene hypothesis was first proposed by a geneticist named Dean Hamer in a 2004 book, The God Gene: How Faith is Hardwired into our Genes. The hypothesis is based on studies in behavioral genetics, neurobiology, and psychology. Hamer proposed that genetic factors can predispose us — or not — to be open to spiritual experiences. Note that the hypothesis does not assert that genetics cause people to believe in God. As I understand it, the hypothetical God Gene works through neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which affect our moods and could be responsible for self-transcendence and other spiritual experiences. Hamer also contributes to the ongoing spiritualty versus religion argument by proposing that spirituality is a personality trait with a potential genetic basis, while religion is a product of human culture.
Hamer’s hypothesis has not been scientifically tested, as far as I know, and it has been met with considerable skepticism from science. (Although if you have a science or teaching background you might enjoy “Experimenting with Spirituality: Analyzing The God Gene in a Nonmajors Laboratory Course” at NIH,) Still, it gets talked about a lot. The primary objection is that spirituality is too complex a phenomenon to be attributed to any one factor. Of course, it also may be true that some of us do have more active neurotransmitters. But I’d like to think that anyone could have a spiritual experience.
I’ve been focusing on Christianity because nearly all of the accessible online English language discussions of genetics and religion that I could find are from a Christian perspective. I imagine, but cannot say for certain, that the concerns posed by Christianity have counterparts in Judaism and Islam.
I did find one essay on Hindu views on genetic engineering. With the caveat that the author may not speak for all of Hinduism, the essay supports genetic medicine to cure disease but not genetic enhancement. It cautions against using genetic engineering for personal or commercial gain.
As a practicing Buddhist of several years I can’t say that genetic science poses any particular challenge within Buddhism, which has no creator God. The Buddha spoke often of the importance of addressing suffering; medical procedures that reduce suffering would seem unobjectionable. However, I can imagine that somewhere on the planet there may be a hyper-conservative monk who argues that genetic diseases are the fruit of karma and people should just live with them. But that would be a minority opinion.
Select your answer to see how you score.
