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| The debate over the relative importance of our genetic makeup versus our environment in determining our behavior has ebbed and flowed for centuries. In the middle of the 20th century B.F. Skinner’s studies on behaviorism were all the rage and his focus on behavioral control continues to exert an influence on educational methods. However, the current trend seems to favor nature over nurture as evidenced by all the studies seeking to find a genome for various sexual behaviors or criminal behaviors. I suspect that the debate will rage on. It has been well demonstrated that both our genetic makeup and our experiences have powerful influences upon us. But is either of them definitive? Is there something deeper than either one of these influences that is ultimately responsible for our behavior? If our genetic makeup determines our behavior then we are reduced to biological machines. If our environment is what determines our behavior then we are at the mercy of our circumstances. Both extremes narrow and limit our responsibility and ability to change. The Bible acknowledges the powerful influences of both nature and nurture and yet it asserts the dignity of our humanity by addressing the source of our behavior at a deeper level. “Heart” is the most common biblical term for this inner person. It is a metaphor for the core of who we are. Americans are used to the heart representing the seat of our emotions, our feelings. But the Bible uses it more comprehensively for the whole of our inner self, including emotions, cognitive thinking, volition, and motives. Therefore, we are more than biological machines and more than Pavlov’s trained dog. Solomon’s advice in Proverbs, a book of practical wisdom in living, clearly puts the responsibility on each of us for our behavior and for the whole orientation of our life: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23). Our dispositions, whether genetic or conditioned, are not the final determining factor in our behavior, our heart is. This gives us great dignity, anchored in our being created in God’s image. We are not simply the product of our makeup or conditioning. We are sentient beings who are responsible and have choices. And this understanding gives us hope that we can change, that even poor genes and a difficult background can be overcome. Indeed, this is the core message of the gospel (good news) that God promised in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the coming of Christ – that God would give us new hearts to know and love him and to transform us into his children. |
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by Dr. J. Patrick Curtis, Senior Pastor |
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