Genes of Eden: Epigenetics, Transgenerational Sin, and Addiction
Contact Information:
Dr. Luman R. Wing
lumanwing@gmail.com
lumanwing.org
by Luman R. Wing
Wipf and Stock Publishers
9781666751949 / paperback / $25/£19
www.wipfandstock.com
Other Purchase Options: Amazon
New Title from Luman R. Wing
Genes of Eden: Epigenetics, Transgenerational Sin, and Addiction
What if our deepest struggles with sin and addiction are embedded in our very biology—and yet, so is the hope for redemption?
Genes of Eden explores the profound connection between theology and science, uncovering how the ancient doctrine of original sin aligns with the current science of epigenetics. Through vivid storytelling and thoughtful analysis, this groundbreaking book investigates how inherited patterns of trauma, addiction, and behavior are more than personal struggles, but transgenerational heritages encoded in our very genes. Yet this isn’t a story of despair.
Drawing on the timeless wisdom of Augustine and Kierkegaard, alongside the cutting edge of biology, Genes of Eden offers a powerful, hope-filled perspective on human brokenness. Are we prisoners of our past, or can grace and renewal reshape not only our lives but even the biology we pass on?
Whether you’re a theologian, scientist, or someone wrestling with big questions about faith, heredity, or healing, Genes of Eden will challenge and inspire you. By weaving together the truths of theology and the discoveries of science, it offers a vision of redemption that reaches beyond biology to touch the very soul.
Luman R. Wing received both his MTh in theological ethics and PhD in biochemistry from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. With over twenty-five years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, he is currently a pharmaceutical consultant and leads an interdisciplinary team of scientists in developing cell and gene therapies. As an adjunct professor of bioethics and cell biology, Wing also serves as a chaplain with the San Diego Sheriff Department Crime Lab.
Interview with Dr. Luman R. Wing
What inspired you to write Genes of Eden?
The book was born out of my lifelong fascination with theology and molecular biology. I wanted to explore how the doctrine of original sin might be reframed in light of epigenetics. This integration opens a fresh way of understanding why brokenness, such as addiction and trauma, persists across generations.
What is the central thesis of the book?
Genes of Eden proposes that original sin can be understood through the concept of epigenetic inheritance. Environmental and behavioral factors don’t just affect individuals—they can leave molecular “marks” on DNA that shape the genes of their descendants. This creates a bridge between transgenerational sin and epigenetic inheritance.
How does epigenetics explain human brokenness?
Epigenetics demonstrates that addiction, trauma, stress, and even lifestyle can switch genes “on” or “off.” These changes can be transmitted across generations, providing evidence for sins being “visited upon the children.” Yet the same science also points to hope and renewal—that inherited epigenetic alterations of genes are reversible.
How does Genes of Eden address addiction?
Addiction is both a spiritual and an inherited vulnerability due to original sin, and often an inherited biological disorder. Epigenetic modifications of certain genes, such as the BDNF gene, can predispose individuals toward compulsive behaviors. Recognizing this dual dimension provides hope: scientific interventions and spiritual practices can work together toward recovery and resilience.
Some say theology and science don’t mix. How do you respond?
I believe they not only can, but must, inform each other. Theology frames the meaning of our lives, while science explains how life actually unfolds. When these disciplines are in dialogue, both are enriched.
What role does hope play in this book?
Hope is central because most epigenetic changes in behavioral genes are changeable; we are not victims of our genes. This reflects the gospel message of redemption and renewal, both for individuals and communities.
How is the book practical for readers?
It helps people see why family struggles with trauma, addiction, or dysfunction feel so deeply rooted. At the same time, it shows how faith practices, supportive communities, and healthy choices can reshape not only lives but even biology and the soul.
Who is the intended audience?
Genes of Eden is written for both scholars and everyday readers who wrestle with faith and science. Pastors, counselors, and scientists will find it useful for dialogue, and general readers will find it accessible. Ultimately, it is for anyone curious about how our shared human story is written in both DNA and soul.
An Excerpt from Genes of Eden: Epigenetics, Transgenerational Sin, and Addiction
Understanding the epigenetic mechanisms involved in addictive behavior, and whether they can complement or supplant other treatment strategies, is currently at the forefront of addiction research. Due to the changeability of epigenetic mechanisms that mediate addiction, several social and psychological approaches to recovery have been undertaken. However, one of the key disciplines that has not been included in the investigations of addictive behavior and epigenetics is theological ethics. Human freedom and biological correlates of epigenetic changeability with reference to original sin may provide a sound rationale for the causality of addictive behavior as a disorder or symptom of original sin.
Paul’s letter to the Romans served as a foundational text for theologians who later articulated the doctrine of original sin, one of whom was Aurelius Augustine (354–430 AD), Bishop of Hippo, who was one of the four Fathers of the Latin Church (Augustine, Jerome, Ambrose, and Pope Gregory I). Each of these individuals played essential roles in developing Christian theology and shaping church doctrine. As a central, even revolutionary, figure within Christianity and Western thought, Augustine’s views on the doctrine of original sin were so profound that they were considered by some to be one of the root causes of theological division between the East and the West. Augustine produced volumes based on the apostle Paul’s definitive statements on original sin, bringing theological as well as physiological perspectives into the discussion. In his writings, he explained sin as the bondage of the human will, which is highly suggestive for reflecting on the phenomenon of addictive behavior, in that sin and addiction are both voluntary and yet beyond the immediate control of a free will. Having this bondage to sin, or what Augustine refers to as carnal concupiscence and constitutional fault, is strikingly similar to the characteristics of addictive behavior. Understanding the connections between these two dispositions warrants an investigation into the causation and potentiation of sin and how these characteristics strongly resemble not only the susceptibility to addiction, but also the persistent mental state of craving.
Although Augustine lived at a time when biological science was in its infancy stage, particularly in the field of genetics, he never makes it clear exactly how we were “in Adam,” nor could he. Yet he did make attempts to comment on how sin could be inherited and even be transgenerational, by postulating that, as proposed by Augustine,
“Some sort of invisible and intangible power is located in the secrets of nature where the natural laws of propagation are concealed . . . in the loins of the father.”
A logical inference from this phrase is a reference to what we now know of as the science of genetics, which is the study of inheritance. As we understand genetics as the study of DNA and the structure and function of genes, the focus of this book is not on the structural composition or sequence of the genes, but on how the genes function, or how they are expressed, which is explained by the relatively new science of epigenetics. It is within the context of the science of epigenetics and the implications of inherited sin, that addictive behavior can be explored.
Praise for Genes of Eden: Epigenetics, Transgenerational Sin, and Addiction
“For far too long, discussions of addiction in Christian theology have positioned addiction as a moral rather than a biological and social problem. Luman Wing harnesses his lifetime of work in the biological sciences to show why such a framing of addiction is so disastrously problematic for individuals as well as the church as a whole. An important work.”
—Brian Brock, Professor of Moral and Practical Theology,
University of Aberdeen
“If the science of epigenetics sheds new light on the biblical doctrine of original sin and Augustinian traducianist perspectives on the human soul and psyche, then Dr. Luman Wing is our diagnostician and Genes of Eden may be a trigger that opens up new(robiological) pathways of sanctification and redemption for us ailing and addicted humans! This book deserves a wide readership among theologians and Christians interested in how contemporary scientific advances (especially even if not only on the human genome) can inform our faith.”
—Amos Yong, Professor of Theology and Mission, Fuller Seminary
“I found Dr. Wing’s book to be an insightful read, particularly exploring how he integrated the science of epigenetics with significant theological issues. His work is both meticulously developed and highly engaging.”
—Haig Bozigian, Chief Development Officer, Neurocrine Biosciences
“Genes of Eden brings Augustine’s doctrine of original sin into conversation with the emerging science of epigenetics in a way that is fascinating and enlightening. Luman R. Wing writes with intellectual clarity and pastoral acuity, showing how insights from molecular biology and theological ethics can illuminate the realities of addiction, inherited vulnerability, and the hope of redemption. A rare and valuable contribution to the science-theology dialogue.”
—John Swinton, Professor in Practical Theology and Pastoral Care, King’s College,
University of Aberdeen
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