Religious folks: How do you explain there is a negative correlation between intelligence and religiosity?

Question

http://kspark.kaist.ac.kr/Jesus/Intelligence%20&%20religion.htm

A negative correlation means that as one increases the other decreases. Meaning as smarter you get, the levels of religiosity drops. As more religious you are, the levels of intelligence drop. And this has been the case in most studies, though granted some very frew studies found little correlation. Before you say, this doesn't mean you can't find ONE or TWO guys with 250 IQ that are ultra religious; this means on AVERAGE the smarter you are the less religious you are, vice-versa.

Please do not think of this as an insult or a cheap shot. I really want to know why you think smarter people thend to be less religious.

Sorry guys, but these are actual studies. The link is there, and many of these aren't done for a bias. If you find that most people with over 120 IQ are not religious while the ones with under 120 IQ are religious, what else can you conclude? Don't get offended. You may be the exception.

And why would I be confounded? Why would God purposely try to confound me for being intelligent? (yes I consider myself intelligent for have a 127 IQ). It makes little sense that the least smart you are the more you'll understand/believe.

Answer 1

The more ignorant or illiterate a person is, the more fervently religious they are. The same can be said for entire societies.
The superstitious are always the less intelligent or the less educated among us.

Answer 2

I have 145 IQ; I'm only 19. I have learned about many religions I have never once found one that can answer my questions, in fact for some reason they always lead to more questions. I like science because they answer questions while stil finding more mystery to the world. I'm spiritual I believe deeply in god, I don't believe in the man built religions. Religious types seem to twist them and turn them into somthing that suits their lifestyle so they won't have to feel guilty. I rasied by a family of Methodist choir singers, and atheists. I have fought all of my life to figure these things out. My questions is actually what led me to major in religous anthropology. I agree with what you say I think smart people understand the difference between religion and spirit. (No one be insulted by that). Also just because somone is smart does not mean that they do not understand god or a realtionship with god. My grandparent may they rest in peace were devout and they were very intelligent people both had IQ above the 200 mark. They had a wisdom about god that I loved. My favorite poet actually summed up the way I feel about religion she said that you must practice in god's highest cathedral the earth. He gave us this most precious gift and that is where our faith should land. I don't want to go to heaven simply because I was the right denomination I want to be a good person. Life is full of questions and answers and sometime the unheard and unseen are more important than what's right infront of your face. Science proves this. I think that some people spend so much time worrying about pleasing god that they forget to enjoy his gift, and one of his gifts was intelligence. I think some religions dwell in the week minded.

Answer 3

It is because God hates religion and because:

1Co 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

Understand or are you still confounded???

By your additional details, the answer is, "Yes, you're still confounded." Sorry but there are actual studies that prove that over 60% of people doing studies lie when reporting there findings. Try reading with your eyes open.

Answer 4

For most of us the increase of intelligence requires some sort of energy output such as study. Quite often religiosity requires a lot less output of energy because it is involved with the culture we have.
I Cr 13;8a
10-7-6

Answer 5

The brighter you are, the more questions you ask about life. You want to know the hows and whys. You will want proof so as not to be fooled. You are willing to do the research, but the religious community only offers one book per religion. You are expected to make a great leap from one books' information to belief and as an intelligent person, you need more information to determine the likeliness of the scenario. Intelligent ppl are leaders not followers.

Answer 6

I am not at all insulted and would tend to agree. Unfortunately, many "religious" types often accept what they're are taught without question or verification. Instead of seeking confirmation in order to strengthen their faith. Some are even taught NOT to seek answers for themselves. I would assume this gullibility would carry on into every day life. Not just regarding religion.

Be Blessed and Blessed Be

Answer 7

Yeah, and that conclusion came from a truly unbias...oh, heavens, I can't even type that without laughing.

Not true. There is no correlation between IQ and religion or lack thereof.
Besides, it's my opinion that IQ tests are crap, even though I've tested at over 120 on all of them that I've taken. They don't really measure intelligence, or true knowledge.

I would say that it's about even. Some atheists are more intelligent than some Christians, while some Christians are more intelligent than some atheists. Same goes for any religion.

Answer 8

That is a stereotype. There are many highly intelligent people, who are religious, I know of Doctors and other very intelligent people who have faith in God. Faith means one believes in the unseen. It has nothing to do with intelligence, some people of very low intelligence are Atheists or Humanists. There are both intelligent and not so intelligent people in every aspect of our society to single out Religion is counter productive.

Answer 9

I think the issue isn't intelligence but pride. The smarter a person is, the more self-reliant they might feel, and they may feel that they are above any sort of notion that they will be accountable to God.

Answer 10

That shows me that God can use a very simple person, One that is not using great education as a means of their thinking, someone just simple, that he can speak to, & that person mind is not filled with mans Ideals. God always use the simple, But That does not mean God don't use the highly educated one.