Between Christians and Atheists, who are generally more intelligent?

Question

and what does that mean as far as our different philosophies and the question of who is correct??

note that i said generally.

"Intelligence has nothing to do with religion"

i am beginning to agree with this

Answer 1

There are intelligent people and idiots on both sides of the spectrum. It would be very difficult for anyone to persuade me that either one is automatically more intelligent than the other.

Answer 2

First of all, there's no reliable way to measure the relative intelligence of Christians and atheists, allowing for all other factors (education level, cultural background, socioeconomic background, race, gender, etc. etc.) to be equal. So the short answer to your question is, "insufficient data; impossible to determine." But rather than stop there, I have to turn around and ask a question in reply: Why does this matter to you? Do you need external validation for whichever world-view you happen to espouse? My advice to you is, weigh the evidence for yourself, listen to your head *and* your heart, and make the choice that you think/feel is right. And then, stop worrying about who's smarter or better. Of course, if new data comes your way that contradicts the conclusion you reached, be willing to reconsider your position. Be honest with yourself. Admit what you don't know. And keep asking questions. These qualities are the indicators of true intelligence, and are far more reliable indicators than mere demographic detail such as one's creed.

Answer 3

It's hard to say who is more intelligent, but Atheists tend to me more educated (i.e. more advanced college degrees). I think this is because more education leads to more critical thinking, which doesn't mesh very well with blind faith.

Education and intelligence aren't the same thing, so that doesn't really answer your question.

It also doesn't address "who is correct?" ... the answer is nobody is correct AND everybody is correct. If people want to worship a stalk of broccoli, then that is their right and that may be the key to eternal happiness, for all I know.

Answer 4

That's the thing, we don't know who is correct. I'm neither Christian nor Atheist, I believe in Spirituality and having a more personal relationship with God. Which one is correct is a good question. We won't really know till judgment day I guess. There's no proof to whats right or wrong. We honestly don't know. Which is why I choice to have a Spiritual relationship with God instead of going to church and reading the Bible which could be false information within the walls of the church.

Answer 5

The sets of data presented here:
http://kspark.kaist.ac.kr/Jesus/Intelligence%20&%20religion.htm
indicate a very compelling case for Atheists being generally more intelligent, better educated and wealthier than theists.

Of course, you cannot apply this to any individual. For instance- I suspect Ted Haggard is a very intelligent man.

Answer 6

Intelligence aside, those who are convinced one way or another from childhood will be more likely to grasp this concept for life.

However, the scientificly minded will find testable and verifiable evidence for the mainstream scientific understandings and concepts, while the religious set offer only "faith" as a mandate, therefor no proof will ever be necessary, and by design MUST, in part or in whole, reject mainstream scientific principles, regardless of their verifiability..

A pathetic cop out if ever there was one...!

Answer 7

If you're talking fundamentalists only when you say "Christian" I would assume atheists. If you are including 2 billion non-fundamentalist Christians,a rare thing to see on this site,then obviously Christians would be more intelligent,to go by most atheist postings. I've always felt atheist & fundies are a lot alike in many respects and that's one of them : not much on top.

Answer 8

It depends on the Christian and the atheist.

I've found that many of the more vocal atheists have a very inflated opinion of their intelligence, when in fact they aren't really all that bright.

I guess there are a fair number of Christians like that too, they just don't confront me as often.

Answer 9

Being religious or not are two disjoint criteria when taken on the individual level. If you are wishing to relate the two then the only way to make any conclusions it to speak generally of the overall population.

Answer 10

Since Christians believe in something that doesn't exist, I'd say that Atheists are more intelligent.