Why do so many atheists radiate the opinion that they are somehow the 'believers' intellectual superior ?

Question

Most attacks on christians and other believers,by atheists, are on their intellect.Is there really a connection between IQ and what you believe ? Since EVERYONE believes in something without proof thereof.

Answer 1

I'm an atheist and I don't think there is an intellectual difference between religions (or lack there of). I just think we have very different ways of thinking and dealing with things. I must say though that an average atheists seems to do a lot more thinking and researching (hence becoming more educated) than an average Christian, which is perhaps not a surprise when Christianity discourages people from seeking knowledge. That doesn't mean atheists are necessarily intellectually superior though.

Please note that the superiority complex goes the other way too. Some Christians here constantly claim to be intellectually superior to atheists (and not only to atheists, but to every non-Christian).

Answer 2

Intelligence is a gradient. It starts with autonomous, like a snail or a barnacle. Most organisms are this way. Robots. Then cognitive ability rises. Soon we get to sentience: basic self awareness, crucially the ability to suffer, to feel pain and know it. I suggest snakes fit somewhere here. Mice, too, but a bit higher up. We get to the realm of problem solving, in which the problems able to be solved get more and more complex and abstract. Then we reach sapience. Self-awareness, the ability to think, imagine what it is like to be someone else, recognise yourself in the mirror (and not think it's a rival). Humans, the dolphins we've tested, all the great apes, and ravens have passed the mirror test at least, and seem to qualify otherwise. Aliens are often imagined at this level. We can also assume that it keeps going up, but we have no examples of that on Earth (that we know of). Perhaps we should take another look at mice.

Answer 3

In a recent study of scientific knowledge vs faith the Jews won hands down. Liberal Christians came in second with Atheists coming in third. Fundies were a close 4th.

Answer 4

Because it is generally true, as studies of the matter have confirmed. It is true that everyone must believe in some things without proof; it is not necessary to believe in anything without evidence, and to do so is silly.

Answer 5

Generally speaking, Atheists have an intellectual edge. Statistics bear this out.

And I'm not just saying that because I happen to be an Atheist. ;)

Answer 6

This is what you would call a way to try to shake someone up.

Lol, all groups have used these tactics though. I've seen plenty of religious folks use these methods too. Don't let it bother you.

Answer 7

There is no connection between how smart you are and what you believe...but there is a difference in spiritual smarts....Christians know that we have a spirit as well as a mind and body...atheists don't know that. So I guess in a way you could say Christians are smarter....

Answer 8

ignorance is a harsh word wich means lack of knowledge, we neve call any christian stupid exept for all the killing they did in the past but lets forget about that

Answer 9

Wouldn't you consider yourself a bit smarter than someone who believes tiny hot pink elves live in their ears?

Christians who believe in God and Jesus seem, to me, to believe in something just as ridiculous as those ear-dwelling tiny hot pink elves.

Answer 10

some commenters simply invite such attacks. i'm not saying that it's nice or productive to attack their intellect, but come on... some commenters here seem like they are not so smart. maybe it's just me but it seems like more such comments come from the believers. you disagree?