Why do people associate intelligence with religion....?

Question

I always hear atheists calling religious people stupid and irrational. I always hear religious people calling atheists perverts and sinners. I am currently going to college for engineering. Some of the smartest people I have ever meet have been religious. I have meet some extremely smart evangelicals and some extremely smart muslims. Some of the smartest people I have ever meet have also been atheists. I think if you tried to find a coorelation between religous beliefs and intelligence, you would fail horribly. No religious or non-religious group is any smarter than any other group. Personally, I don't think too highly of people who proclaim to be better or smarter than anyone else. I also don't think too highly of people who claim that they are saved and that the rest of us are going to Hell. In class, I see people from all different belief systems getting along perfectly. Why can't that happen every where else???

Answer 1

What you're seeing is basic human nature at work. We are instinctively "programmed" to dislike, and even fear, that which is different. We tend to want to change someone who we perceive as "different" - it's just a basic survival instinct. Christianity is particularly notable in this respect because they believe that they are directed by God to spread the word; I believe Islam has similar beliefs, but I'm not as familiar with it. When someone wants a person to change, and that person doesn't WANT to change (also something that we do by instinct!), then conflicts are inevitable.

I agree; I see people of all faiths and of no faith at all who are intelligent, and likewise plenty who aren't especially sharp. I just try to leave people alone, and let them believe as they wish, as long as they'll do the same for me.

Shalom!

Answer 2

It's more used as a general statement. There are always going to be exceptions.
Atheists call religous people stupid and irrational because atheism is a very rational viewpoint. You don't need to have leaps of faith to believe in it. They call them stupid because many atheists (myself included) became atheists by accident. Being a scholar, I too came to the conclusion by accident. Many associate learning with the doubt of God, as if you read the right things you'll start wondering how anyone can believe in God in the first place.
Religious people call atheists perverts and sinners because they're told that's what they are. It's just prejudice (not saying the atheist viewpoint isn't, just saying there's a bit more logic behind it). Anyone who doesn't agree with them is a pervert and sinner. This is shown in many cases.
I personally don't let religious choices affect my opinions of a person. I wouldn't have many friends if I only hung out with atheists.
The problem is recently that people don't want to live and let live. It's all about 'agree with me or leave.' Religion itself creates an us-vs.-them mentality, so a group of people who aren't religious will do the same thing, as they're being lumped in the same category.
Basically it's a lot of people not using common sense who need to grow up. Good job noticing that it's all just pointless and that we really CAN all get along.

Answer 3

Some of it is insecurity. There have been and always will be people who can't handle anyone who has a different belief system or doesn't even have a belief. I think some atheists see Christians as "dumb" because they hold on to a belief that the atheists see as illogical. I think some Christians attack atheists because they can't understand how anyone couldn't believe in God. I personally have no problem with atheists and really like and respect many of the ones I've met here and in real life. I think the problem comes about when others try to force their beliefs or lack of on others. It's like I tell my students: "It's okay to disagree, but you must always respect others."

Answer 4

Intelligence has nothing to do with religion. Many atheists have studied religions and know a great deal about it. Some do not. Many theists have studied religion, while others do not. Many people simply take someone's word for what they believe (whether a friend, teacher, or minister) and simple follow along. Others study on their own.

I believe in God having studied many religions, but my beliefs changed after having studied them. There are certainly a lot of intelligent people on both sides of the coin, but religion itself cannot be proven (despite what some may think). Religion is an issue of faith. When it ceases to be an issue of faith, it ceases to be religion. I believe in God because the existence of the universe suggest it, but that is not proof. I do not, however, believe in any prophets, etc. because I see nothing that suggests God communicates with us, or at least in that manner. Why would God need a mouthpiece?

Answer 5

Dear bookaysha G,

Thanks for your observations- they are very well stated.

First as someone who was a psychology major- we know that it would be impossible for their to be a study that could conclusively determine that one's religion is correlated to their IQ. There are too many variables- first people come to faith at different times: So would a man with a 165 IQ all of a sudden reduce his IQ by 15 points because he chose a certain religion, etc.

Plus you would have to find a tangible way to assess what people believe. Supposedly over 80% of America is Christian but when you talk to an individual and find out what they believe- you find that God can be a lot of different things to a lot of different people. IE: There are a lot of people on yahoo answers who speak for certain religions but their views do not match what that religion teaches.

i agree with you that i don't think too highly of those who proclaim to be better than others.

In terms of those who claim salvation and that the rest of the people are going to hell- i think how that message is conveyed is important. The Bible does teach that there is only one way to have a relationship with God: John 14:6- Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father expect by me." i don't think Christians can change what the Bible teaches for their own convenience- but i think the message should be conveyed rightly- Jesus shared this message but lovingly and compassionately and not with fire and brimstone as it is often presented. Like Jesus- i am sad that there is a way to know God and to not go to hell- that many people choose- although i respect everyone's right to make their own choices.

Good luck with your studies!!!

Kindly,

Nickster

Answer 6

Athiests feel that religion is a huge lie, and anyone willing to believe such an obvious lie is obviously and idiot (this is generalizing, but this is the reason for the hate).

For religious people, they just cannot get why people would turn away from their savior- they feel it must be so they can sin. No lord, no heaven, no hell, no punishment in the afterlife, means sinning goes generally unpunished, so they view atheists as amoral (amoral i think, right?). Again, this is generalizing, but I think it answers your question.

Answer 7

Amen! It's been said before, but they just keep on trying to figure out who is the smartest. Being egotistical is not a becoming trait.

Answer 8

Your right there is no correllation between intelligence and religion. I think people of different beleif systems get along publically because they know that is what society expects of them but all of us also like to sit here on YA and argue to try to validate our beleifs to ourselves.

Answer 9

A college education is great, but without common-sense one soon tells on themselves.

Answer 10

Research would disagree with your no correlation between intelligence and religion.