Nature Verses Nurture

The discussion on the importance of heredity and environment in human development is not new. The nature verses nurture question has been debated for years (Psychology). Nurture side of the debate considers all the environmental influences on an individual after conception. While the nature side of the debate focus on nature that which is inherited, or know as genetics. The nature verse nurture discussion has been a part of the history of psychology that goes back to Francis Galton. Galton was influenced by the book, The Origin of Species written by his cousin, Charles Darwin. The Origin of Species has been criticized for over simplifying two theories of why a lifestyle of wealth, education and privilege seems to be passed on to biological children. Galton takes credit for the phrase in his English Men of Science: Their Nature and Nurture, first published in 1874. In this book he states that nature and nurture are, "a convenient jingle of words, for it separates under two distinct heads the innumerable elements of which personality is composed. Nature is all that a man brings with himself into the world and nurture is every influence that affects him after his birth” (p.12).

It is thought that how one is nurtured is what controls the psychological aspects of child development and the concept of growth applies to the biological facets of human life. When infants bonds to the individual(s) bestowing love and affection, she/he has received, she/he is responding to the aspects of nurturing. To study the influence of environment on humans, scientists often turn to twin studies. By comparing sets of identical twins to those who were raised apart to those who were raised in the same environment, scientists can view the impact of nature and nurture. Since identical twins have the same genetic makeup, comparing twins who were raised apart to those who were raised in the same household, we can highlight the influence of both genetics and environment (Macalaster College Staff). If environment doesn’t have a role in determining an individual's traits and behaviors, then identical twins should be the same in all respects, even if raised apart, but studies have shown that they are never exactly alike, even though they are similar in many aspects.

The nature advocates of this debate use research that consist of how much of our Deoxyribonucleic acid: DNA plays a part in who we are. DNA is a nucleic acid containing the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms . DNA segments carrying this genetic information are called genes. DNA is one of the three major macromolecules that are essential for all known forms of life. Genes, hormones and proteins signal the start of a new developmental phase for all humans. Even if a person has inherited genes from both parents for brown eyes, they may end up with hazel eyes because of a recessive gene and or an improper diet. Nature endows us with inborn abilities and traits, such as language and cognitive thought process, these are also influenced by the environment in which we exist. The lines between Nature and Nurture seem to easily overlap each other.

From my and other Christians view point, God has a plan and purpose for everyone. Jeremiah 29:11says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (NIV 2012). No matter what side you choose in the debate of nature verses nurture, I believe both are flawed, because they leave God out of the debate. Romans 1:21 says, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened” (NIV 2012). This debate does not take in to account that God is Omniscient, all powerful; he has the power to change our circumstances at any time. Humans have debated for centuries why some individuals choose a life of crime. While another individual brought up in the same environment and with identical genes does not make those choices. God has given us free will to make the choices, but God does not want anyone to sin. Romans 3:23 says, “Because all people have sinned, they have fallen short of God's glory’’ (GWT1995). The lines between nature and nurture are so easily blurred it is understandable why this continues even today. As I look at the nature verses nurture from all sides, I think it is important that my view as a Christian be included in this debate. I think until both sides take into consideration the Christian point of view, of who Jesus was and what He did, there will never be a definitive conclusion to the debate.