Author: Looy, Heather

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 24(2), Sum 2005, pp. 113-121

Abstract:

Religion in one form or another is a universal feature of human nature and social interaction. There is also individual variation in the manner in which religion is experienced, expressed, and embraced. Evolutionary psychology addresses whether the universal occurrence of religion directly reflects naturally-selected adaptive mental and behavioral processes, an adaptive application of mechanisms originally selected for other adaptive functions, or an undesirable by-product of such mechanisms. Behavior genetics explores whether variations in traits associated with religion are correlated with variations in religion-relevant genes. Both approaches present data that challenge Christians to consider the roles of our embodied, evolved human nature in the formation of our faith and its practices. The Christian faith also provides an interpretive frame-work through which these data can be understood and applied. The dialogue between the biological sciences and the Christian faith can illuminate our created potentials and the distortions of sin.