Evil Genes

A recent study by Swedish researchers claims a common gene variant (or allele) found in both men and rodents regulates a hormone that can affect a husband’s fidelity to his spouse. Without the gene variant, a man is more likely to be faithful, but with it, the possibility of infidelity is increased. One psychologist views this as a positive tool for proactive marriage counseling, though he admits there is some danger associated with its use as a defense for adultery.

While some consider this as something of a breakthrough in genetics research, the real discovery here has to do more with the researchers studying than the subjects studied. In other words, this appears to be just another in a long line of sinful attempts at justifying fallen man in his sinfulness. It illustrates how men seek to “suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Ro 1:18). Knowing that such things deserve death, “they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them” (Ro 1:32). Blaming a gene for immorality tries to remove the sting from a guilty conscience. In fact, the real reason for infidelity is the sinful, human heart, “for out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery…” (Mt 15:19). To counsel an unfaithful husband that “his genetics made him do it” is folly. The cause is sin, and the only remedy for an unfaithful spouse is the grace of Jesus Christ, who is able to forgive, renew, and restore a man and his marriage. If one will but trust in Him and repent of his sin, he will experience real reform. “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Is 55:7).