Science and Religion Studies

Science and Religion Studies

Evolutionary Explanation of some Religious teachings Based on the Views of David Buss

Document Type : .

Authors
Elyas Rezaie 1
Mehdi Khademi 2
Masome Salarirad 3
Jalal Peykani 4
1 PhD student in Philosophy of Religion, Payam Noor University, Tehran
2 Associate Professor of Theology at Payam Noor University, Tehran. Iran
3 Associate Professor of Theology at Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran,
4 Professor of the Islamic Philosophy Department. Payam Noor University
10.30465/srs.2025.52533.2230
Abstract
Abstract
David Buss is one of the most prominent theorists in the field of evolutionary psychology. His fame is largely due to his theory of sexual strategies. our review of his works indicates that many of his scientific findings are consistent and compatible certain religious beliefs. This research has attempted to demonstrate that these scientific findings can be used to better explain and understand religious ideas. Because these findings reveal and clarify the purpose, philosophy, and functions of certain religious beliefs that previously lacked a clear interpretation while evolutionary psychology of religion in general and David Buss’s findings in particular cannot negate the supernatural aspect of religious beliefs, The provide valuable insights into the psychological and evolutionary foundations of such beliefs.
Keywords: Evolutionary Psychology of Religion, Evolution, Religion, Religious beliefs, David Buss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Introduction
 David Buss attempts to explain all human behavior through evolution. According to him, just as our organs, their form and functioning are the products of evolution, behavior, perception, and cognition of humans are also the products of evolution. Based on evolutionary psychology foundations, religious beliefs — like other aspects of human knowledge and perception — are considered to be a product of the brain. From Buss’s perspective, religion is a by-product of other
brain adaptations.
David Buss focuses his research on the domain of “Sexual Strategies,” arguing that these play a fundamental role in evolution. He suggests that some religious beliefs may be related to sexual processes. This research aims to address two questions: first, whether the concordance between David Bass’s findings and certain religious beliefs can be leveraged for the benefit of religion? and second, whether evolutionary explanations of religion and Bass’s findings can negate aspects of the supernatural in religious beliefs?
 
Materials and Methods
The analysis of the relationship between David Buss’s findings in evolutionary psychology and religious beliefs is regarded as the central focus of this study. Accordingly, the present research has been conducted using a descriptive–analytical method, implemented as follows: first, the foundations of David Buss’s evolutionary psychology are reviewed; then, among his works, findings that are consonant with and compatible with religious beliefs are identified; finally, the issue is analyzed.
 
Discussion and Result
According to Buss, sexual choice is a powerful force in evolution. He endeavors to explain all behaviors of women and men through two principles: “paternal uncertainty” and “Resource acquisition.” What Buss has achieved in the Sexual Strategies theory aligns with some religious beliefs. The control of female sexuality by men, veiling, virginity, menstrual taboos, the use of kinship terms and encouragement of kinship support, polygyny, prohibition of abortion, homosexuality and masturbation, support for marriage and family formation, purity-related laws, and related norms are examples of these beliefs.
Despite Buss's view that religion is a useful commodity and, as a biological program, operates in concert with evolutionary processes for survival and reproduction, he nevertheless claims that these compatibilities do not undermine the claim that religion may be a by-product. Accordingly, religion faces major challenges: that religion is not a divine or supernatural phenomenon and that the rightful domain of religion resides in the human brain; and that the ultimate explanations of faith, and indeed the explanation of any religious behavior, are not theology but biology and evolutionary psychology. These are among the most significant challenges.
 
Conclusion
David Buss, in the evolutionary explanation of some human behaviors, has scientifically explained some religious beliefs, and this issue is highly valuable for
religions because, through this, he has paved a plausible path for believers to gain new insights into religious phenomena. Additionally, religious systems have often deemed adherence to norms of proper behavior compatible with evolution as necessary and essential, and these considerations constitute a winning card for religion, since, by taking these factors into account, religion will be more aligned with science than with superstition.
Evolutionary approaches to religion, including the findings of David Buss, cannot dismiss religious beliefs merely because they are by-products of adaptations of our brains. If they were, all other scientific laws, including this science of evolutionary psychology, would also need to be set aside as mere additions lacking value. Since all of these are brain-constructed, there is no fundamental difference between religious and scientific beliefs on this account. Evolutionary approaches to religion should be used not to harm religion but to aid in explaining religious beliefs, and it is appropriate for the believers to reexamine some of their positions and approaches in this area.
Keywords
Evolutionary Psychology of Religion
Evolution
Religion
Religious beliefs
David Buss
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Science and Religion Studies
Volume 16, Issue 1
September 2025
Pages 73-102