Are athiests smarter than people that believe in God?

Question

It seems to me that religious people are not as smart as athiests. For instance, athiests (and skeptics in general) usually require a high threshold evidence for their scientific "beliefs". Therefore, aren't athiests/skeptics smarter than religious people?

Answer 1

Religion is influenced by many variants, including culture and level of education. I do not think religiosity is a reliable indicator of intelligence. I cannot make a sweeping generalization about whether or not atheists are smarter than theists.

I will say, however, that I think more intelligent people have a tendency to stand apart from the crowd and to see the world in shades of gray, versus white and black. It's also a bit easier to notice trends across cultures and groups of people, and to find flaws in traditional ways of thinking. Whether or not these traits influences atheism or religiosity, I will let you be the judge.

I think there is a correlation between level of education and religiosity. I have also met intelligent people from all philosophies, even the kind that I would hate to the core (radical Islam). There are many things that influence the continuation of religion in the modern world

Answer 2

Have you ever heard of Dr. Ken Miller??? He basically knows evolution like the back of his hand...I heard a really interesting presentation by him about how our genes are linked to apes. I would have sworn this guy was an atheist, but no, he believes in God. In fact, there is actually a large number of scientists, with PhDs from prestigous universities, that believe in God. So no, atheists are not neccesarily smarter than religous people.

Answer 3

They may have more evidence on their scientific beliefs that God does not exist, but that doesn't make them more intelligent than religious people. Many religious people have a wide knowledge on the history of their religion. Furthermore, there's more to intelligence than just religious/scientific information.

Answer 4

Well this kind of question is somewhat comparing apples and oranges because you are talking about two types of behavior that are intrinsic in man since the beginning of man's existence.

But in the way you framed the question I would answer yes, that atheists are smarter than religious people.

But me specifically as a Christian this should be the case since my premise for belief is not based on what is learned in the classroom or fixed solely on solutions found in man bound knowledge. My faith is based on a power wiser and more loving than man and that existed before man came into existence. This frees me to live my life without being bound to man's finite understanding of the universe. But to have a personal relationship that is more meaningful and fulfilling to me by helping my fellow man out.

My God does not require me to be the most intelligent but to be wise in using the wisdom that we have learned from others and apply them to our live. And to live good moral lives that are accountable not to man but to God.

It is a way of life that is it's own wisdom. This wisdom too is required for man to live at one and at peace with his neighbor. But for me it only happens because of God living freely in my life to help others while he is helping me..

Answer 5

earlier I start up this, enable me say, i'm a born lower back Christian. Atheists are quite sensible, and the dissimilar motives that they don't have faith in God are, they have been harm, and have faith if there become a God, the area in no way might have befell, they pray yet do not see consequences, they have been raised in a enjoyed ones who in no way taught them approximately Christ, or their mom and father have been non-believers. maximum did have faith in God at one time, yet circumstances in existence replaced their outlook. this is unhappy, there quite is a God, and he's ordinary, ideal, mind-blowing, and the superb Father i ought to ever ask for!

Answer 6

OK how do you explain believing Pluto was a planet for 50 years until 2006.

The only explaination is you're a ROBOT who repeats the party line.

Sounds like a Christain to me, Quotes the Good Book. Dr. Fred Hoyle, Dr. Carl Sagan (he didn't live to see Pluto's demise -- DIED beliving poor Pluto was a planet).

Answer 7

No, the laws of science and nature are man made laws and God defies those laws.
A belief in God has nothing at all to do with intelligence and everything to do with mentality, it takes a certain kind of mentality to belong to any certain religion just as it takes a certain kind of mentality to be a atheist. There are smart and stupid religious people just as there are smart and stupid atheists.

Answer 8

They think they are. Atheists call themselves intelligent. They have no need for God; they are God. God calls them fools/scoffers. Without faith and humility, you are a fool. Eternally speaking, that is.

"Whosoever does not enter as a little child shall not enter therein". To the atheist, having faith in God is child-like, and irrational; it is seen as foolishness to the "learned man". To God, believing as a faithful child (just believing) is wise.

All I know is, I sleep very well at night knowing that there is a power greater than myself or science. If it's all nonsense, I led a life with hope. For me, it's a much happier existence than my former agnostic, self-seeking college ways.

Answer 9

i don't think ones religion has to do with their IQ. belief is called 'belief' because it does not have anything to do with fact. people have the right to believe whatever they want to regardless of what their IQ is. just like athiests have the right to 'believe' that they are smarter than religious people if that's what they choose. just because they may believe it, doesn't mean it's true.

Answer 10

Just remember that "smart" can be defined in many different ways. I've met people who are well-read in many different theologies, but are totally ignorant when it comes to practical matters.

So, I don't think that just because someone accepts something at face value defines their intelligence. A lot of this goes down to whom you trust.