The Responsibility of Applying this Understanding (referring to a previously written article on genetic gene permutations).

So if it is true that we can, and will, pass along our own image to the next generation, we have a great responsibility in not saddling future generations with crippling and debilitating inherent liabilities. We can do this by the unrestrained pursuit of Virtue, and it's the only way. of course, it goes without saying that we will need God's Grace to overcome instinct that is hard-wired into us. We will need God's Grace to empower us where willpower would just be insufficient to overcome.

But our refusal to pursue Virtue will result in untold calamities. Consider that if we submit and give into cowardice, we will be bridling future generations with genetically predisposed crippling fears. If we apathetically go through life, we will spawn youth with an inherent liability to remain vigilant. If we refuse to love and care for relatives, friends and neighbors, any chance at a future sustainable community will be greatly hindered, if not completely destroyed, as we will create a self-centred, selfish, individualistic generation that will be utterly incapable making the sacrifices necessary to support, encourage and sustain a community.

The Church teaches us the Virtues. The theological Virtues are Faith, Hope and Love. The Cardinal Virtues are Prudence, Fortitude, Justice and Temperance. We can conceive virtually limitless spin-offs that would fall somewhere in-between. Virtues such as courage, loyalty, self-discipline, generosity and mercy. All these probably derive, at least in part, from the aforementioned theological and Cardinal Virtues.

There is untold danger of picking and choosing which virtues we want to abide by and pursue, and which, in our own flawed understanding, we may view as harmless. It may be a test of faith for instance, to choose such obviously beneficial virtues as loyalty and courage, while overlooking such harmless looking virtues as chastity and temperance. What harm, we may be tempted to ask, could possibly come from offending the virtue of temperance? What could possibly wrong with enjoying the best and as much of the finer things in life as we possibly can?

This is where Faith must take precedence. It's hard for us, with our short life span and finite knowledge to comprehend all the harmful effects of sin. We know God says that they lead to death. Still, obviously this is not enough for us, or we should have ceased with sin long ago.

So consider: perhaps the refusal to exercise temperance would diminish our ability to control our impulses. Maybe it would lead, later on, to an addiction to an otherwise harmless pastime. Gluttony perhaps, or worse, an inherited disposition to laziness or sloth. Perhaps the unbridled pursuit of sexual pleasures would create an inherent need in offspring that would demand fulfilment whether it was possible to gain fulfilment within the bounds of marriage or not. We must be on guard to not bridle future generations with needs that can't easily be satisfied under the circumstances of our own lives, but that, in another time or place, may in fact prove quite the hindrance to the personal salvation of our descendent.

It is also impossible for us to understand the interconnectedness of the human psyche, soul and body. It is entirely possible that by offending against one virtue, such as loyalty, we may introduce disorder into the whole system that may result in other virtues such as love or trust being wounded as well. There is much danger in picking and choosing which virtues to abide by and which to abandon or discard. We may begin simply coveting, which may lead to foul thoughts against our neighbours, which may lead to slander or sabotage, and may end up with thefts, violence or murder. There is no telling where the first step of sin may lead us tomorrow. We only have God's word to tell us that Sin leads to death. If "only" can be used seriously in connection with his freely offered wisdom and understanding.

The only sure way to ensure an unburdened future for our children and children's children, is a solid understanding of the consequences of our sin, an unhindered obedience to His Word, and the unrestrained pursuit of the virtues necessary to abide by His commandments.

We see the results for our disobedience. Can you live with knowing you were the cause of your children's enslavement and death? After death, in the confines of eternity, do you want to be forced to watch the effects of your selfishness? Do you want to look upon future generations locked in a losing battle with sin and know that you are the one who bridled them with the defective ability to overcome and prevail? ...I sure don't...