Epigenetics + Generational Sin
A Brief, Base Level Synopsis From An Interview with Biologist Dr. Lu Wing on Generational Sin.
Author of upcoming book “Theological Epigentics- Perspective on Addiction”
The Human Genome Project was a revolutionary science that amongst many discoveries, revealed that you could “cut” (like you could with film) parts of the genetic structure for things that would be harmful like addiction, disease, trauma, etc…
This was/is great news but there is a liability. If they “miss” what they are trying to cut out or if what they replace it with doesn’t take could be dangerous, which has prevented the FDA from allowing this treatment.
More recently, the science has progressed into what is now called “Epigenetics” which changes the malleability of the genetic makeup over time based on environmental changes.
Before exploring the implications of this, first it’s important to note how cells and DNA are created at birth with the egg from the woman providing the structure of the gene, while the male sperm provides what scientists call the “punctuation marks”, which determines how the gene expresses itself which then determines behaviors and outcomes.
This modern scientific discovering shockingly is inline with St. Augustine’s writing on “original sin” that was written in 350 A.D. This comes millennia before modern biology, but he is stunningly accurate, that sin is passed on biologically through the male, through what he called “propagation”. There is some profound truth in this theory genetically speaking.
When trauma or addiction or other significant “sins” are done to us and in us they imprint themselves in our biology that can then be passed on for of to 3 or 4 generations. (Exodus 34:4-7) One example of how this plays itself out is with Holocaust survivors. 3 generations removed, the great, great grandchildren of these survivors, are recorded having the exact same dreams of places and events that they never saw or things they never experienced.
The good-news is that some of those “punctuation marks” on our genetic code that predispose us toward generational sin, can be altered dramatically through our environment. We are not stuck!
The theologically term for this is called progressive sanctification. We can change! We are not a victim to our past, our heritage, or our genetic disposition! So how does this work?
One of the most fascinating findings is what posses the greatest ability to bring change and disrupt those negative dispositions is a community of “safety and belonging” that models the giving and receiving of forgiveness. Forgiveness is one of the greatest change agents in our molecular biology! Because of what Christ has done, we not only do we have salvation, but we have been adopted into a new family, with a new inheritance and a new future!
Galatians 3:10–14 (NIV): For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” 11 Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.” 12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.