Religion as an Identifiable Traditional Behavior Subject to Natural Selection

Abstract

This article puts forth a definition of religion that refers only to identifiable elements. Previous definitions typically refer to beliefs in supernatural—i.e., unidentifiable—phenomena. These definitions neglect the fact that beliefs in general may be just as difficult to identify with the senses as the content of religious beliefs, i.e., alleged supernatural beings and powers. This article thus argues that the only thing identifiable that is distinctly religious is a certain type of behavior; more specifically, a certain type of talk. Further, although a statement about the existence of something supernatural is necessary for talk to be considered religious, such a claim by itself is not identifiably religious. Religious behavior can rather be defined as the communicated acceptance of a supernatural claim, a claim whose accuracy cannot be demonstrated by the senses. The accuracy of this definition can be tested by examining whether it is consistent with the way the words “religion” and “religious” are actually used. If this definition is found to be consistent with the use of these words, the study of religion becomes subject to the scientific principles used to study other forms of behavior. These principles include the theory of evolution by natural selection.