PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Are serial killers born with pre-determined genes, or do their childhood experiences shape their behavior?
My hypothesis:
The majority will say that nurture has a more dominant effect on behavior.
Percentage of survey answers:
My hypothesis proved to be correct. However, I did not expect the percentage of 'both' to be greater than Nature.
Possible errors:
- every mind is different
- we are all born with a sin nature
- the orbitofrontal cortex could be damaged early in life
- not all serial killers were abused or neglected as a child
Nurture:
Proverbs 10:12 "Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs."
Most serial killers grew up in an environment filled with abuse, or neglect, which led to an early life of violence. Their violence is typically not related to revenge, but to fantasies.
Nature:
-"People with low orbital cortex activity are either free-willing types or sociopaths." -Jim Fallon (neuroscientist)
-The orbitofrontal cortex is region of the prefrontal cortex involved in a large part of the decision-making process.
1 John 4:19-21 "We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."
I chose this particular verse because we are commanded to love even the scariest of people. God wants us to reach out to them, in a safely manner of course, and speak to them about Him. Even if they refuse the Gospel or use insults, we ought to love one another.
Conclusion:
Nature selects the traits humans are born with, but nurture triggers them. The culture children are brought up in should reflect the way Jesus treated others during his time on earth.