At least one gene, which goes by the name VMAT2, controls the flow to the brain of chemicals that play a key role in emotions and consciousness. This is the "God gene" of the book's title, and Hamer acknowledges that it's a misnomer. There probably are dozens or hundreds more genes, yet to be identified, involved in the universal propensity for transcendence, he said.
In other words, his title is deceptive. All Hamer is talking about are the various genes implicated in emotional responses that happen to coincide with spirituality. It's like tracking down foremost gene involved in dopamine or seratonin and calling it a "popsicle gene" (because eating popsicles makes most people happy, and those are the main chemicals involved in happiness).
It's a misleading characterization of the science and it's typical of Hamer's work..
Very interesting analysis. Thanks.
As far as the "gay gene," certain behaviors (such as alcoholism, obesity and homosexuality) MAY have a genetic component. But it's not like eye color or height. It's a behavior. where the behavior has negative health effects, society generally discourages it.