New meta-analysis checks the correlation between intelligence and faith | Ars Technica
Very interesting read. Covers 3 different main reasons for what the explanation could be that more *intelligent* (IQ tests and their validity are another whole story, not for now).
Ars Technica:
Overall, Zuckerman, Silberman, and Hall conclude that, according to their meta-analysis, there is little doubt a significant negative correlation exists (i.e. people who are more religious score worse on varying measures of intelligence). The correlation is more negative when religiosity measures beliefs rather than behavior.
but, lot of caveats:
This meta-analysis only targets analytic intelligence, which surely is not the full measure of human intelligence despite the ongoing debate about how to define the rest of it.
and a couple more.
Most importantly:
As always, the word “correlation” is important. It hasn’t been shown that higher intelligence causes someone to be less religious. So, it wouldn’t be right to call someone a dimwit just because of their religious beliefs. Unless, of course, you are an ancient playwright looking to provoke your audience.
emphasis mine.
Respect people and their believes!