Christian Neuroscientist Explores Relationship Between 'Sin' and Biology

Matthew Stanford, Ph.D, a neuroscientist and author with a Christian worldview, explored the relationship between "sin" and biology and concluded that there is no connection.

From a press release concerning his new book, The Biology of Sin,

… in his interviews with convicted rapists and murderers, Stanford was most struck by how ordinary these individuals were. More than anything, he says, they just seemed … lost … and unable to control violent impulses.

"Christ isn't interested in just cleaning us up," Stanford says. "He wants to completely transform us, recreating us in his likeness."

Stanford contends that biological tendencies do not doom people to sinful behaviors. While recognizing the impact of mankind's inherent sinful condition, he promotes the power of an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ as the hope of victory over sin. "Biology is not destiny. The fact that we have sinful DNA is simply another example of why we so desperately need a Savior with the power to completely recreate us."

Stanford tackles head-on many significant areas of sin including lust, lying, stealing, addiction, and rage, citing the influence of our genetic predisposition to sinful behavior. At the same time, he proves that a regenerative relationship with Christ has even greater power to break the strongest physical and biological bonds.

Stanford is professor of psychology, neuroscience, and biomedical studies at Baylor University, where he serves as the director of the doctoral program in psychology.

D. Beeksma

One of the growing crowd of American "nones" herself, Deborah is a prolific writer who finds religion, spirituality and the impact of belief (and non-belief) on culture inspiring, fascinating and at times, disturbing. She hosts the God Discussion show and handles the site's technical work. Her education and background is in business, ecommerce and law.

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