Jenseits von Eigennutz

Current perspectives of evolutionary theory examine religion's development, advantages, and relationship with evolution. This work presents an alternative perspective by highlighting the biblical social ethos as opposed to evolutionarily successful behavior. It emphasizes that charity towards strangers and renunciation of status are biblically required, while worrying about one's own survival and reproduction is evolutionarily advantageous. From an evolutionary anthropology perspective, humans are natural and cultural beings driven by archaic instincts but capable of teaching and learning. Christian faith, based on the goodness of God, perceives the world differently, allowing for the development of life possibilities without conflicting with each other.

Format: Hardback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 12 July 2021
Publisher: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht GmbH & Co KG

Current perspectives on evolutionary theory delve into the intricate relationship between religion and evolution, seeking to understand its developmental origins, its potential evolutionary advantages, and its overall significance in the context of human evolution. Some scholars, such as Pascal Boyer, Justin L. Barrett, Stewart E. Guthrie, and David S. Wilson, explore the evolutionary origins of religion, examining how it emerged and what advantages it may have conferred upon early human societies. These perspectives suggest that religion may have served as a survival mechanism, promoting cooperation and social bonding among individuals, which ultimately increased their chances of survival and reproduction.

However, this work takes a different approach by introducing evolutionary perspectives in a unique way. It juxtaposes the biblical social ethos against the behavior that is considered evolutionarily successful. The Bible emphasizes acts of charity towards strangers and the renunciation of status, which are deemed as essential behaviors in contrast to the evolutionarily advantageous behavior of prioritizing one's own survival and reproduction at the expense of others. From an evolutionary anthropology perspective, humans are seen as natural and cultural beings, driven by archaic instincts but also capable of teaching and learning. This perspective suggests that humans possess the capacity to transcend their primal instincts and create narratives and rituals that inform their behavior beyond mere instinctual drives.

In this sense, the Christian faith operates on a perception of the world based on the belief in the goodness of God. It posits that possibilities for life can be developed harmoniously rather than being pitted against each other. This perspective contradicts the evolutionarily shaped behavioral and perceptual structures that humans have developed over millions of years. It challenges the notion that human behavior is solely driven by survival and reproductive instincts and highlights the role of higher cognitive processes and cultural influences in shaping our beliefs, values, and behaviors.

Overall, this work offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between religion and evolution by exploring the biblical social ethos in contrast to evolutionarily successful behavior. It highlights the cognitive and cultural factors that shape human behavior and perception, challenging the notion that religion is solely a product of evolutionary processes. Instead, it suggests that religion can be viewed as a cultural adaptation that has evolved alongside human societies. By examining the evolutionary perspectives on religion, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between biology, culture, and human behavior and how they have shaped the diverse tapestry of human societies across time and space.

ISBN-13: 9783525568576