Are scientists smarter than religious followers?

Question

I ask this because science at least allows for the fact that it could be wrong, and encourages people to test its theories constantly.

Whereas in religion, "my way is right" is the thinking of almost any follower. There is no leeway in religion to allow for anything other than what has been indoctrined for centuries.

If religions were more open-minded about the fact that they could be wrong, would people like the religious followers more?

Answer 1

Not only would people like the religious followers more, but we may actually be able to find answers to questions that most people are afraid to ask because it defies their faith. Not to mention that maybe, just maybe, a little open-mindedness would eliminate one of the reasons for war.

Answer 2

The question is good, though it is not worded well.

Scientists are not necessarily smarter or more intelligent than religious people, but we (I am a scientist) are far more open-minded, logical thinkers.

Anyone who seriously believes in religion and can not accept the possibility that there is no god is quite frankly, a closed-minded bigot.

You who say that scientists cannot accept the possibility that theories like evolution may not be correct are idiots. We accept the possibility, but we know it is highly unlikely that the theory is incorrect. Provide a valid argument with experimental proof and procedures to support another hypothesis and any good scientist would love to discuss the possibilities.

Answer 3

I think you have lumped all religious people together. I have met many people who were athiests who were as closed minded as religious people.
There is leeway. We study, we debate, we discuss. In that respect there is leeway.There is no leeway in some things because it is the word of God. We don't change that. You can't change gravity or the shape of the planet.
In my religion my way is he right way "for me". We are allowed to ask questions, debate, argue etc. That is how you learn.
If anyone was open-minded they are liked more than a closed minded person, not matter what they believe.

Answer 4

A smart church will also encourage its members to question things...

Unitarian Universalists are like this. They do not accept "because this book says so" as a valid answer (although many of them are Christians).

I believe smart scientists and smart religious people are in the same club.

Answer 5

Scientists are open minded. Skepticism is part of the scientific method, and new facts are integrated. Biblical Literalism rejects reality where it conflicts with a book.

Answer 6

Religious adherents who choose to make up their own minds and to to generate their own ideas and interpretations, are sometimes smarter than the preachers and scientists rolled together! The rest of them are little more intelligent than a flock of sheep.

Answer 7

Yes scientists are smarter, pick up -God: The Failed Hypothesis. How Science Shows That God Does Not Exist by Victor J Stenger, it will prove it to you, its incredible

Answer 8

I like anyone open-minded. Regardless of religion. And I generally find that open-mindedness is closely tied to how smart I think a person is.

But let's admit it, people tend to judge how intelligent they think another person is by how much they agree with them.

Answer 9

scientists are deff smarter than religious followers by far...i mean come one! religion gives us lots of things to believe but gives us no proff or reason to believe in them but expects us to anyway...science gives us much less to believe but backs up its ideas with much proof
religions shoudnt believe that they are always right all of the time because honestly lets face it...no religion is always right all of the time but thats ok as long as people dont believe that their religion is better than others or that it is always right

Answer 10

No, scientists today are just as religious as any Christian. They do NOT allow for the idea that they might be wrong! They are just as dogmatic about evolution as any religious person.
Sure, atheists admit that in scientific circles, scientists disagree on the mechanisms of evolution, but never, EVER tell them that the whole theory of evolution might be wrong! God forbid!