I wanted to give you a little culture correction moment as our culture continually pressures us to turn our backs on biblical truths in the name of Science. I want to share a lengthy quote from Dr. Caroline Leaf, a top neuroscience researcher who, along with many others, is doing cutting edge research on the brain.
We have been living under a myth called the gene myth, which locates the ultimate power over health and mental well-being in the untouchable realm of genes, relegating them to the level of gods. This myth has bound the mental and physical health as well as the peace and happiness of too many people for too long. Almost daily, another headline pops up with the highly fashionable concept of a gene for this or a gene for that. You are an alcoholic or depressed or battle with learning disabilities or whatever. Genes may create an environment within us in which a problem may grow, a predisposition, but they do not produce the problem; we produce it through our choices …
Genes have been made out to be responsible for feelings, spirituality, beliefs, even things like the enjoyment of music – all human behavior, to the extent of determining human affairs, human relation ships, and social problems. In fact, genetic predisposition has become entrenched in popular culture to the extent that phrases like ‘she has good genes’ and ‘he was born that way’ are commonplace. This thinking removes choice and accountability from the equation and is scientifically and spiritually inaccurate. You control your genes, your genes do not control you. Genes may determine physical characteristics but not psychological phenomena.
Outstanding research has been done by Dr. Gail Ironson…at the University of Miami. She found that the most significant factor that made a difference in healing for those with HIV was their choice to believe in a benevolent and loving God. Her study ran over four years…those who did not believe God loved them lost T-cells (powerful cells that attack diseases) three times faster, their viral load increased three times faster, and their stress levels were higher, with damaging amounts of cortisol flowing.
Dr. Ironson summarizes her research by saying, “If you believe God loves you, it’s an enormously protective factor, even more protective than scoring low for depression or high for optimism. A view of a benevolent God is protective. But scoring high on the personalized statement ‘God loves me’ is even stronger.” (Dr. Caroline Leaf, Switch on Your Brain, p.51-52).
The newest research is showing that what we choose to believe and say, altars even our genes and DNA. Renewing our mind with the word of God (Rom.12:12) and coming into alignment with what he says about us and who we are is even more transforming than many of us ever thought – not just at a spiritual or emotional level but even at the core of who we are physically.
It turns out that mind (what we choose to think and act on) has substance that, like the tongue, truly has the power of life or death. Contrary to culture, the newest science is confirming God’s Word at every turn – not making it irrelevant but more relevant that ever. By the way, Dr. Leaf is a strong believer in Jesus as well as being a brilliant researcher.
“Genes may create an environment within us in which a problem may grow, a predisposition, but they do not produce the problem; we produce it through our choices …”
This comes very close to if not outright blaming people for their illness. You can’t possibly suggest that even though a genetic disposition or mutation exists, a person’s choices are always what causes illness. That’s absolutely false and an awful thing to suggest to someone who might be ill.
Dear Anon…thank you for your comment. I don’t think we are speaking of illnesses per se but behavioral/emotional/social issues. Although nearly all research I’ve seen over the lat 20 years suggests that 70-80% of physical illness does have emotional/behavioral causes that do tend to rest on our choices or even our parent’s choices. Stress and worry are choices – otherwise Jesus would not have taught us not to worry or to give way to fear which robs us of both peace and health. Anger is a choice. Scripture tells us not to let the sun go down on our anger. Unforgiveness is a choice, etc. which may begin to rob us of health or make us vulnerable to disease as it compromises our immune system. Even my choices to follow a poor diet for years will have physical and emotional consequences in the end. I’m certain that not all illnesses are caused by choices – especially if those illnesses rest in children. I think Dr. Leaf’s point is that predispositions come to us genetically, such as addictive behaviors, generational depression, generational violence, etc. that can be activated or minimized by our choices or the choices we teach our children. The idea is that we are not doomed to be victimized and controlled by genetic tendencies or predispositions but that God has given us power and authority to overcome these tendencies (which rest in our fallen nature) by faith, the Word and godly choices. Blessings. It sounds like someone you love or yourself is struggling with a severe, ongoing illness of some kind. I would love top pray for them and I don’t blame them for their illness. I blame the devil. Jesus came to destroy the works off the devil and he spent a lot of time healing. My blog was in response to our culture’s present tendency to take away all responsibility for what people do opt choose and though that seems kind it also takes away an ability we have to overcome the issue in our life. We don;t always “cause” a thing but often contribute and if our contributions change we may change the outcomes. Be blessed and again thank you for your response.