How much do our genes influence our behavior?
Question:
I have a question that has baffled me. How much of our behavior is genetic, and how do we understand this in light of free will? My family has a history of adultery, alcoholism, and abuse on both sides. I was told by someone that genetics may explain this. How do we understand this? How does this go with the idea that our inherited passions are either acted upon or not? Is there a genetic code within our DNA that makes us inclined towards adultery and other bad behaviors?
Thanks.
Answer:
Generally, scientific studies do not claim that DNA directly controls behavior. Rather, they state that DNA may make a person more sensitive to certain stimuli, making them lean toward certain behaviors.
In your case, how much is genetic, and how much is due to being raised in a similar environment? It is more logical that the environment you were raised in has a greater impact on your behavior. "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6). This would be true for positive and negative moral training. If you are abused as a child and watch others be abused, you are more likely to accept that this is the way life is supposed to be. Thus, you'll abuse others because you are familiar with it, even if you don't like it. If you constantly watch others lose their temper, then you are unlikely to know the techniques to use to control your temper. In this way, bad traits are passed from generation to generation.
However, it doesn't mean those behaviors can't be changed. Look at the kings of Israel and Judah, and you will find that sometimes, a good father ends up raising a bad son. Sometimes, a bad father ends up raising a good son. "The person who sins will die. The son will not bear the punishment for the father's iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son's iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself" (Ezekiel 18:20).
Instead of shrugging and telling yourself you are the product of your genes and your environment, be determined to be responsible for your personal choices. Choose to follow God and, in that way, change your descendants' future. "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, and the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous" (Proverbs 13:22).
"A righteous man who walks in his integrity--how blessed are his sons after him" (Proverbs 20:7).
