Researchers say religious fanaticism is in the genetic code

"God genes" are responsible for creating religious fanatics, says new scientific research - much to the chagrin of church representatives.

The findings of Dean Hamer, director of the US National Cancer Institute's Gene Structure and Regulation Unit, also claim that Jesus, the Buddha and Prophet Mohammed are likely to have carried the gene.

The research has, however, been strongly criticised by members of the church, reported the Scotsman newspaper published from Edinburgh.

No doubt. They didn't like the finding that homosexuality is carried in the genes. They're sure not gonna appreciate this. (And in fact, it's the same researcher.)

Donald Bruce, director of the Church of Scotland's Society, Religious and Technology Project, Sunday called the research findings a "publicity stunt".

By the terms of this article, I probably have the gene myself. Frankly, from its reading, the idea is a bit "iffy", but I'm sure Dr. Hamer has more detail in his publication.

At any rate, let's run with it for a minute (because in my not-so-humble opinion, every human attribute is hard-wired either from genetic transmission or virtually so by repeated neuronal activity). Hamer says the gene is one of those whose manifestation can skip a generation. Presumably, its manifestation would be influenced by environmental factors to some extent, but Hamer claims that, according to his research, "being brought up in a devout environment has little effect on belief."

So now, of course the logical conclusion is that fanatical Republicanism is also a genetic characteristic, with similar attributes. Or any political leaning.

Okay, so maybe I could warm up to the idea of genetic manipulation in humans. In fact, I think it's probably how we got to where we are.

Peter Kearney, a spokesman for the Catholic Church in Scotland, said: "Religion is not specifically restricted to one era, race or continent, and the fact that it is so all-encompassing and widespread tends to suggest it is not specifically related to our physical make-up."

Unless, of course, Sitchin is on to something. But, we won't go any further in that direction in this blog.