The Biology of Sin: Researcher Explores the Biological Basis of Sinful Behavior

Newswise - What causes our sinful behavior? Is there a biological predisposition for biblically defined sinful behaviors? A Baylor University researcher has compiled years of research into a new book called The Biology of Sin (Biblica Publishing, 2010), which discusses sinful behaviors, including adultery, rage and addiction, asking of each: "What does science say, and what does the Bible say about this behavior?"

Dr. Matthew Stanford, professor of psychology and neuroscience, College of Arts and Sciences at Baylor, discusses the fact that biological predispositions do play a role in behavior which the Bible defines as sinful, while emphasizing the authority of God and the abundant grace God has for those struggling with habitual sin.

"What I wanted to do was look at different behaviors like adultery that people might not have ever imagined has a biological basis," Stanford said. "I hope people recognize sin as a spiritual phenomenon that also has a physical manifestation. We talk like sinful behavior is easy to overcome, but the reality is that sin is pervasive and deeply ingrained in us."

For example, Stanford said studies have shown that men with higher testosterone levels report a lower level of marital satisfaction and are more likely to leave the home because of troubled marital relations, extramarital affairs or spousal abuse. In regards to rage, problems in two areas of the brain are thought to produce a predisposition toward impulsive aggressive behavior.