Exactly- intelligence based genetic survival.This behavior is not limited to higher conscious beings. Honey bees have similar strategies for species survival that pit the individual below the group for genetic success.
The higher intelligence strains of DNA do what is necessary to survive.
The perversion override I mentioned, however, is NOT survival of the fittest. It's perversion over instinct. Instinct would tell these creatures (priests) that hurting children could get them executed.
Satisfaction over survival- brought to you exclusively through Homo Sapiens Sapiens.

