Discussion
In this experiment, we used our DNA from our own cheek cells with which to analyze. We then used PCR to multiply the DNA for the VMAT-2 gene. Using this amplified DNA, we used a process known as gel electrophoresis and analysis to single out the VMAT-2 strand for the gene. We then sent these strands to an analysis lab to test the DNA. The results came back and showed each person's DNA sequence. The analysis of these data and a x-squared value showed that there was no statistical significance between the national average of alleles frequency found by Hamer and the allele frequency of Bethel students. Through this conclusion, we could accept the null hypothesis that there is no significant difference in the allele frequency between Bethel students and the average.
Although it is easy to jump to conclusions about the results of this experiment, it is important to clarify aspects of the experimental design. The goal of this experiment was not to prove whether or not God predestines us for salvation through genetics, which is a common misconception. Not even Hamer himself postulated that his discovery could prove or disprove God and how God works in the natural world. His hypothesis was only to see if this gene was linked to an increase in spiritual sensitivity. The purpose of our experiment was to use Dr. Hamer's experimental design to test the frequency of the VMAT-2 gene in Bethel University students, and to see if Bethel students had a higher probability to be sensitive to spiritual enlightenment, assuming Hamer's hypothesis was correct. As Christian biologists, it is important to use the Bible to test any scientific theory to make sure it does not contradict any aspect of God's Word. In the context of this experiment, the key question to ask is: Does the Bible show that God is actively involved with the natural world to work for His will? The answer is yes. The entire Old Testament is filled with examples of God's intervention through nature in the lives of the Israelites. God used nature to send the ten plagues on Egypt. God used Moses to part the Red Sea to allow the Israelites to cross safely. God even changed the natural order by sending bread from heaven, called manna. Knowing that God can manipulate nature for His will, the next question to ask is: Does God use human DNA to influence spirituality? By using past trends of God's behavior, the best assumption we can make is that; yes, God does use DNA to influence spirituality. In definition, God is all powerful, all-knowing, and always present. There is nothing that can cannot do or use for His glory, including the makeup of DNA. The Bible is filled with examples of God changing the minds and spirits of people. It even says that, "… anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" 1 Corinthians 5:17b. This, however, does not prove that God has predestined us through our DNA for salvation. The Bible is explicit in saying that "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8.
With this understanding, it is easier to assess the claims of Hamer in his experiment. The possibility of God creating a gene to influence spiritual sensitivity is truly plausible and not beyond God's personality. However, if God chose to do this, we must assume that He did this for a specific reason to be able to play an active role in the lives of His creation. These findings could help influence the direction of scientific discovery in the future. If further research proves the existence of a gene that influences spirituality, it may pave the way for research into other previously accepted notions of "human nature". Further research may assess Hamer's claim and experimental design in a more thorough way, especially in regards to the spirituality assessment test. Ultimately though, the results this experiment is a preliminary analysis of a very complex aspect of our creation and should be experimented further to produce more concrete results and conclusions.
Although it is easy to jump to conclusions about the results of this experiment, it is important to clarify aspects of the experimental design. The goal of this experiment was not to prove whether or not God predestines us for salvation through genetics, which is a common misconception. Not even Hamer himself postulated that his discovery could prove or disprove God and how God works in the natural world. His hypothesis was only to see if this gene was linked to an increase in spiritual sensitivity. The purpose of our experiment was to use Dr. Hamer's experimental design to test the frequency of the VMAT-2 gene in Bethel University students, and to see if Bethel students had a higher probability to be sensitive to spiritual enlightenment, assuming Hamer's hypothesis was correct. As Christian biologists, it is important to use the Bible to test any scientific theory to make sure it does not contradict any aspect of God's Word. In the context of this experiment, the key question to ask is: Does the Bible show that God is actively involved with the natural world to work for His will? The answer is yes. The entire Old Testament is filled with examples of God's intervention through nature in the lives of the Israelites. God used nature to send the ten plagues on Egypt. God used Moses to part the Red Sea to allow the Israelites to cross safely. God even changed the natural order by sending bread from heaven, called manna. Knowing that God can manipulate nature for His will, the next question to ask is: Does God use human DNA to influence spirituality? By using past trends of God's behavior, the best assumption we can make is that; yes, God does use DNA to influence spirituality. In definition, God is all powerful, all-knowing, and always present. There is nothing that can cannot do or use for His glory, including the makeup of DNA. The Bible is filled with examples of God changing the minds and spirits of people. It even says that, "… anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" 1 Corinthians 5:17b. This, however, does not prove that God has predestined us through our DNA for salvation. The Bible is explicit in saying that "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8.
With this understanding, it is easier to assess the claims of Hamer in his experiment. The possibility of God creating a gene to influence spiritual sensitivity is truly plausible and not beyond God's personality. However, if God chose to do this, we must assume that He did this for a specific reason to be able to play an active role in the lives of His creation. These findings could help influence the direction of scientific discovery in the future. If further research proves the existence of a gene that influences spirituality, it may pave the way for research into other previously accepted notions of "human nature". Further research may assess Hamer's claim and experimental design in a more thorough way, especially in regards to the spirituality assessment test. Ultimately though, the results this experiment is a preliminary analysis of a very complex aspect of our creation and should be experimented further to produce more concrete results and conclusions.