So of course, it has to go in debates.

Research points to a genetic link in spirituality- there is a much stronger correlation between the spirituality of identical twins versus that of fraternal twins. If there is a genetic component, then religiousness could be more than just a choice- it could be "hard-wired" into a person- meaning some people may not have the genes to be religious.

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Story?id=589469&page=1

Augustine believed in predestination- that some people are chosen by God to have genuine religious experiences, and others are not- that only Catholics would be saved by God's grace, but not all Catholics would be chosen by God. That at birth, people are destined to either be saved or damned. (Forgive/correct me if I have this wrong- just the understanding that I came to.)

Researchers recognize the importance of both environmental and genetic factors. If religiousness is at least partly in our genes- if some people are not wired to be spiritual- it would (in my eyes) point to some degree of predestination- how does this fit in with the idea of a just, compassionate God?

Is having faith a choice?

Thoughts?

Well, I think that everything is a choice. I find the special bond between twins fascinating, but I don't think that it points to predestination or genetic religion at all. I think that it is more a sign that the universe is a cohesive thing and all energy in it is connected. Naturally people with the exact same genetic make-up would have a stronger connection.

I really need to get Adam into this debate. He is a total science geek and would be much better at this than I am. :lol

Yes, I believe faith is a choice. I also believe in predestination, to a certain extent. I believe that God knows everything that will happen, and He never guaranteed everyone will make it in to Heaven, therefore He knows beforehand who will be there and who won't. Sort of a modernized take on predestination.

Well, I think that everything is a choice. I find the special bond between twins fascinating, but I don't think that it points to predestination or genetic religion at all. I think that it is more a sign that the universe is a cohesive thing and all energy in it is connected. Naturally people with the exact same genetic make-up would have a stronger connection.

I really need to get Adam into this debate. He is a total science geek and would be much better at this than I am. :lol

I get that...but I also think that people all think differently, and that some people's thinking processes would make it more difficult for them to have faith. So in that respect, I don't necessarily think that everything is a choice. How else would you explain the devastation some people experience when they lose their faith- why would they feel that way if it were a choice, at least on some level? :puzz

It is a choice. God gave us the free-will to make decisions for ourselves. That is what I believe

If you have a child - turn him ferel by casting him into the wild - will he have a glimmer of religious faith if he's genetically "predisposed" to it? Then, say, you bring him back into civilization and take him faithfully to church will he, then, gain faith from his genetic predisposition?

I don't think so.
I think genetics might have a say in your personality (doubting thomas, always wanting answers, never questioning authority, etc) but overall I think it has more to do with how you're raised or who/what is your main influence (it's not always your parents) and just how much sway that upbringing and influence has on you.