DO WE NEED GOD?

DO WE NEED GOD?
Monday, June 29, 2026 by LINDA WOOD RONDEAU

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 NIV)

The world would tout that religion is for the masses, that a belief in a god or gods dulls the senses, and that governments impose religion for control.

Then why, since the beginning of humanity, do people seek out a higher power, a need to be reassured that there is something greater than themselves? Why does every human group desire a code of ethics and a way to determine what good and acceptable behavior is?

Scientists have explored the concept of a “God Gene” *

The “God gene” is a concept suggesting a genetic predisposition toward spiritual or self-transcendent experiences. This idea proposes that genetic factors may influence an individual’s capacity for spirituality, rather than implying a literal gene that dictates belief in a specific deity. It frames spirituality as a complex human trait with a potential genetic component, influencing an individual’s openness to such experiences.

The Proposed Link to Spirituality

Geneticist Dean Hamer proposed a hypothesis linking human spirituality to the VMAT2 gene (Vesicular Monoamine Transporter 2). This gene transports monoamine neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin within the brain, which is important for regulating mood. Hamer theorized that variations in the VMAT2 gene might affect the levels or efficiency of these neurotransmitters, thereby influencing an individual’s capacity for self-transcendence. He connected this capacity to spiritual experiences.

The Bible says:

The fool says in his heart,
“There is no God.”
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile;
there is no one who does good.

Psalm 14:1 NIV

Without a moral compass to guide us, we easily sink into self-abasement and selfishness. The human need for survival will triumph over the need to love another as oneself.

True spirituality begins with faith:

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:6 NIV

The adage “Let your conscience be your guide” sounds like a moral alternative to faith-based morality. Yet the Bible warns,

There is a way that appears to be right,
but in the end it leads to death.

Proverbs 14:12 NIV

And

but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

James 1:14-15 NIV

All religions are of worldly value when they teach compassion, understanding, and love for others. Most religions, however, are based on man reaching toward something higher. Christianity is different because God reached down to man, His Love is manifested in Christ, God’s gift for salvation, something not achieved by human effort.

For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

Hebrews 10:14 NIV

*The God Gene: The Science Behind the Controversy - Biology Insights

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