Religious people are less intelligent than atheists, study finds

[FredisDead]

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/religious-people-are-less-intelligent-than-atheists--study-finds--113350723.html

Religious people are less intelligent than non-believers, according to a new review of 63 scientific studies stretching back over decades.

A team led by Miron Zuckerman of the University of Rochester found “a reliable negative relation between intelligence and religiosity” in 53 out of 63 studies

Even in extreme old age, intelligent people are less likely to believe, the researchers found - and the reasons why people with high IQs shun religion may not be as simple as previously thought.

Previous studies have tended to assume that intelligent people simply “know better”, the researchers write - but the reasons may be more complex.

For instance, intelligent people are more likely to be married, and more likely to be successful in life - and this may mean they “need” religion less.

[bravenak]

1. Having to accept the improbable or impossible as fact probably doesn't help.

Noah's ark. It's hard for an intelligent person, who knows math and science to accept the flood myth. It goes downhill from there.

[awoke_in_2003]

15. And not only all the animals on one ark...

but where the hell did all the water go?

[dimbear]

2. God turned to Adam and Eve and explained that the very worst thing they could do was acquire

knowledge. Advice taken.

[awoke_in_2003]

16. I inwardly chuckle...

when my Christian coworkers use their iPhones. Right there on the back is an Apple with a bite missing. I guess it never dawned on them that the Apple symbol could have another meaning.

[Curmudgeoness]

3. I am glad to know that I finally have proof of my intelligence.

Although that married thingie, and the successful thingie.....they have evaded me. Grateful to have intelligence anyways.

[BillStein]

4. Reminds me of an old joke

What did Jesus say to his followers before he ascended to heaven?

Just play dumb until I get back

[trotsky]

6. OK, I laughed.

[trotsky]

5. I personally don't like to draw any conclusions based on IQ tests.

But given other study/survey results, like those that show atheists know more about religion than believers do, I think the tendency to learn and question is what makes the link. Those who do that are more intelligent, and those that do that with religion are more likely to be atheists. Correlation, for sure. But it's fun to watch the Arbiters of All Things get their underwear in knots whenever something like this is posted.

[JNelson6563]

8. +1

Well said.

[damnedifIknow]

7. I don't think this meant to imply religious people are stupid

just less intelligent. I mean, they can still start and drive cars and work doors.

[Evoman]

9. How do you even begin to control for all the factors that go into believing and into

"Intelligence"?

Not buying it. I don't even like talking about intelligence... IQ tests are stupid and knowing you have a high one has ruined many a life. People tell you your IQ is high, you begin to think success and intelligence are not malleable things. You maybe start to forget that success lies in challenging yourself and practicing at what you want to be good at.

Imagine if I had taken seriously the IQ test that told my parents I was mildly retarded. Maybe I would have never believed enough in myself to get a graduate degree in biology. And maybe if I had not taken seriously the belief that I was a genius (what everybody kept telling me growing up), I wouldn't have gone into a degree I didn't like just because it was "suitable for someone of my intellect", and instead done something I loved (or paid more).

I don't think religious people are less intelligent than atheists. Nope, not buying it. I do think that people indoctrinated in religion are ruining their potential (thinking of fundie Muslims and Christians who could be doing amazing things but waste their minds and culture with religious crap).

[trotsky]

10. Evo!!

How are you doing man? PM me if you prefer.

[Evoman]

11. I'm alive and kicking

Getting the shit beat out of me with chemo. I have two rounds left, then I get a break so I'll be strong enough for my wedding. Then it's probably back to getting my ass kicked. Doctors told me I'm palliative.... Stage 4 and probably a year or two to live even with chemo.

But you gotta keep going anyways. Two days ago a cousin of my fiance died at age 21 in a car accident. Fucking sad, but goes to show you any one of us can be taken at any time... Who would have ever thought I'd outlive someone so young and healthy?

Anyhow, been posting a little more frequently lately... Mostly out of boredom. Not so much into the religion thing anymore... Seems like a bit of a waste of time when your dying. Funny that while most people get more interested in religion when faced with a terminal disease, I've lost almost all interest.

[trotsky]

12. Thank you for the update.

So glad you have positives to focus on. And you're right, none of us knows how many days we will get - without wading too deep into Hallmark card territory, best to make the most of each one.

Wishing you well, Evo. Let me know if you see Blotsky.

[Evoman]

13. you hear him burp before you ever see him.

ROFL

Been thinking about doing a play with all the latest characters in religion but I just know it would be alerted on and blocked and I'm not sure if I wanna waste the time.

[trotsky]

14. If it's something you feel like doing, I'd love to see it.

They can't alert on a PM.

[MarkLaw]

17. The study is on target.

For instance, intelligent people are more likely to be married, and more likely to be successful in life - and this may mean they “need” religion less.

This hypothesis supports other known variables about about religiosity. If the "need" for religion decreases because people are largely happier, then it is a reward based neurochemical deficit that takes place similar to a drug.