Abstract
The focus of this paper is to analyze the many research studies on the interrelationship of genes and traits of moral behavior present a dramatic challenge to our fundamental theological axiom that humankind was granted free will by our Creator. Genetically predetermined behavior also challenges the secular legal system, which assigns personal responsibility for actions only if they are done voluntarily, without coercion. If genes are implicated as coercive forces in such behavioral traits as aggressiveness, drug addiction, and sexual orientation, how can any system of reward and punishment be operative? An analysis of biblical and postbiblical literature will be presented to elucidate this dilemma.