General Discussion

I understand that I am tardy to the conversation and these questions may not spcifically apply. Even so, I would be interested in hearing more about this distinction between a religious-revelatory formed altruism and a naturally or instinctually formed altruism. Perhaps I could get a link for additional reading, as I am interested in hearing this parsed out. Thank you. (1) Is desiring or seeking or knowing you'll ultimately receive a reward for your charity, good deeds, or prayers for others truly altruism?

(2) Living on a farm, I see "self"-sacrificial behavior in animals; regularly mother's put their offspring's needs above their own for a continued survival (health & safety); males intentionally endanger themselves against very frightening wild attackers, willing to sacrifice their lives for the herd. Granted, I also see the brutal reality of survival-competition as well in these creatures, along with plenty of selfishness and seeming unconcern. Yet...

[A] Could we say that these animals have the attribute of altruism by instinct based on their "self"-sacrifices?

[B] And could we ask: Are these creatures seeking a reward beyond survival? Or would these creatures have to be told about an additional reward system (beyond a simple survival payout) before they would even consider a secondary reward system beyond natural order?

[C] And perhaps: If altruism can be seen in creatures of the natural order, (demonstrating its actuality among us), couldn't creatures of a higher order of consciousness - unto advanced spatial awareness and reasoning capabilities, along with the ability for abstract reasoning - be capable of the same such altruistic actions without additional religiously oriented revelations?

These are just questions I have in trying to gain a better understanding. I'm kind of new to this. Any suggestions for further exploration?