Religiosity and intelligence?

Question

Okay, I was sick of all the "Christians have low IQ" statements disguised as questions, so I finally decided to do my research of my own. I found this article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religiosity_and_intelligence) on Wikipedia which listed some studies which actually showed a correlation (and yes, I took a stats class, I know correlation is not the same as causation) showing the more a person was devoted to their religion the lower their education and IQ scores tended to be.

It didn't however specify any sort of religion, it was a combination of Christians, Muslims, Jews, Pagans, etc.

In fact the only time Christians are specifically mentioned is in the "counter trends and anomalies" section. Where one denomination showed the more devout a person was, the higher their education level and IQ tended to be.

I wondered what your thoughts were on this. Have you seen any accredited studies that have shown similar, or different findings?

Do you have any educated guess as to what might cause the correlation? Economic circumstances? The atmosphere of college?

My best educated guess on the anomaly denomination is (I happen to be a member of that one) that we're constantly told in church to seek out as much education and knowledge as possible; it's in the doctrine itself.

I appreciate you taking the time to read this. Best wishes.

Grandma Susie, I'm actually not an Episcopalian, but it doesn't surprise me that there are other religions and denominations out there that encourage it's members to get educated; they would probably show similar findings:)

Answer 1

Most official studies show atheists have higher IQ's than theists, or Christians alone. Christians would be smarter than Muslims, because many live in America, and here they get education (other than the Koran), and have more exposure to science (the work of evil atheists). That brings them a step up from Muslim, but ten below atheists.

Answer 2

If you go back an read that article again, more carefully, you will see that the data pertaining to the 'anomolous' group is highly suspect... i.e., they think that there is a distinct possibility that the Mormons were fudging their numbers.

Science, logic, reason, and critical thought have long been regarded (by religious people) as the enemies of religion. Considering that those are the tools of highly intelligent people, it should not come as a huge shock to learn that intelligence (or lack of it) has some connection to religious belief. In fact, there are about 40 studies, conducted over a period of 80 years or so, that reveal (overall) a statistically significant NEGATIVE CORRELATION between intelligence and religiosity. In plainer language, that means that they found that the more intelligent a person is, the LESS likely that person is to be religious.

If you think about it, those findings make a lot of sense. Intelligence tests mainly provide an indication of reasoning ability and problem solving ability... logic, reason and critical thought. These are the very qualities that see through religion, and recognize it for what it is; i.e., religion cannot survive the glaring light of reason and critical thought. This was well understood by important figures in religious history. This is why the early church destroyed all the 'tainted' (non-canonical) writings, which were in conflict with dogma... Greek philosophy, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, engineering... all the good stuff. By this means, Christianity dragged humanity directly into the Dark Ages.

Just to illustrate the point, let's see what Martin Luther, the 'father' of protestantism, had to say about 'reason' and secular knowledge:

"Reason must be deluded, blinded, and destroyed. Faith must trample underfoot all reason, sense, and understanding, and whatever it sees must be put out of sight and ... know nothing but the word of God." ~ Martin Luther

"Reason is the greatest enemy that faith has; it never comes to the aid of spiritual things, but -- more frequently than not -- struggles against the divine Word, treating with contempt all that emanates from God." ~ Martin Luther

"There is on earth among all dangers no more dangerous thing than a richly endowed and adroit reason... Reason must be deluded, blinded, and destroyed." ~ Martin Luther

"Reason should be destroyed in all Christians." ~ Martin Luther

Answer 3

Of course with the anomaly you mention we don't have the facts of the study. Was there a bias? Was it done by a devout member of the church in question with the goal of showing that its members are educated and that the educated are devout?
I note that the first anomaly listed is hardly an anomaly at all- a study of just scientists who have been educated in the state that is dominated by that church. All of the scientists will be educated, and since it only studied believers who were educated in that state it's a pretty useless study. Particularly since many, if not most, of those received their degree from a religious school.

As for the study of the general population, I'd like to see how many of those in the study attended a religious university. If a particularly high percentage of believers in that sect attend universities run by the sect then I'd expect skewed results.

It's possible that, as you say, the sect places a high value on education and thus those who have attained a lot of education tend to be those who are motivated and supported by their religious community and thus are more likely to be religious whereas those who don't get higher education are not as well supported and do not as closely follow the teachings of the sect. But my first guess is that the study might be biased.

The general trend still stands, it would be interesting to find out if non-[that sect] members doing polls on the subject get the same results.

Answer 4

Let's not forget what history reveals about Religion. Religion was the primary educator in thirteenth century:
"...This began in the 11th century with the founding of cathedral and urban schools. Around 1170 a new center of higher learning emerged - the University. The Universities began as a union or guide of scholars, which first attracted members of the clergy and were supported financially by the Church"

Answer 5

Science takes the place of religion for some people... When you have things explained in another way why refer to God? In college you can be exposed to people with different religions and you can actually (but not necessarily) get that there is no one true religion and it is most certainly not what someone is telling you it is, maybe that explains it...

I do think religious people are lower educated and less intelligent though for some reason... Just from my personal experience it always turns out this way... Sad but true

Answer 6

Ive seen studies about a thing called the god spot. Its a part of the brain linked with a persons regions thinking that actually shuts of part pf their reasoning skill as they devote more time and thought on religion. I guess this makes sense, I've talked to a lot of religious people and they always seem to hit walls in their arguments. It is most likely due to their religion trying to make them believe in things which make absolutely no sense in today world.
Religious people hold themselves back by believing in things without proof or reason.

Answer 7

Interesting. Christians are a diverse group so it's hard to pinpoint what it could be. They are not all affluent. Many are middle class or poor. They come from different levels of education as well. Maybe it's a regional correlation.

I haven't seen any other studies, so your guess is as good as mine.

Answer 8

I honestly don't think it has anything to do with that. I think the anomly occurs when non-Christians feel threatened at the persistence and assuredness of Christians (of which I am one) and that human beings want to see concrete evidence for everything. The only problem is that for many of the things that others beleive and put their stock into, there is no more concrete proof.

Answer 9

I don't think religion should be compared only to intelligence, but more to initative. It takes that to let a religion rest and do your own looking around in the world of spirituality.

Answer 10

region comes first,since in the course of self discover/exploration within one automatically gains unbeatable intelligence/wisdom above all prudence,e.g; most of the realised souls even did't attend their primary/nursury school education and although entire world recognise their prudence,like GURU NANAK DEV,SWAMI RAM KRISHAN PAARAMHANS,JESUS.

Answer 11

I will bet you are an Episcopalian. Romans 1 tells about the people who think they are wise and are not.