I've started reading a book called Emotional Intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ. The basic premise, as I understand it, is that our emotional intelligence - character traits - that matter more than straight intelligence as measured by IQ tests.

This makes me think of an Intervention episode we saw about a genius with a severe gambling addiction. This was a kid who was teaching college classes before his 20th birthday. But here he was, living off his parents or anyone else he could, feeling like he was owed something and unwilling to face what his addiction was doing to his life and the lives of those around him. I've noticed that people who get high marks often seem a bit socially inept.

So I agree with the basic premise. However, in the discussion of the brain, the author sheds light on evidence of how little control we really have over our own emotional reactions - at times, we are controlled by them. This would seem to disagree with what I've been taught theologically about sin - that it is a choice, and we can choose not to do it.

That's it. Still thinking through it, but feel free to respond with your own thoughts.