Thread: Does being atheistic make you smarter?

As an atheist: no.

Originally Posted by Cephus

Atheism doesn't cause intelligence, intelligence causes atheism.

This is what I don't understand.

Why would intelligence cause atheism?

One can be logical, able to understand, able to keep vast amounts of data in their head with all of their interwining interrelationships, etc, and still be able to believe in a God(s), imho.

I think it's ironic that some say intelligence leads to atheism, while the most intelligent man in the world with 200 IQ believes that intelligent design and evolution are compatible, as evidenced by his Conceptual-Theoretic Model of the Universe.

Originally Posted by 99percenter

He was a bright men and a religious one. It did hamper him a little. I think he spent part of his career figuring out when the world would end. 2050. if you are all wondering.

Bright? Sure, if that's an apropos adjective to describe monumental and staggering genius.

Newton was one of those guys born in the wrong time.

Originally Posted by Wake

This is what I don't understand.

Why would intelligence cause atheism?

One can be logical, able to understand, able to keep vast amounts of data in their head with all of their interwining interrelationships, etc, and still be able to believe in a God(s), imho.

I think it's ironic that some say intelligence leads to atheism, while the most intelligent man in the world with 200 IQ believes that intelligent design and evolution are compatible, as evidenced by his Conceptual-Theoretic Model of the Universe.

Intelligent design can be (depending on the flavor) compatible with evolution. There's nothing that bars the two. What you need to understand is that in these general terms when people are saying "intelligence leads to atheism" or some variant thereof, it's reference to statistics; not the individual. There are plenty of very very intelligent people who are theists. But on average, the more "intelligent" one is, the more likely they are to be atheist (above mean value).

There's no causation here. Only attitude, bias and insecurity.

An atheist must be more intelligent, since they get to heckle from the sidelines, the so so silly God-botherers, with their archaic superstitions, and their ahistorical rigidity.

Neither camp holds the monopoly on grey matter. And each have their pride.

100 Scientists Who Shaped World History

Originally Posted by Ikari

Intelligent design can be (depending on the flavor) compatible with evolution. There's nothing that bars the two. What you need to understand is that in these general terms when people are saying "intelligence leads to atheism" or some variant thereof, it's reference to statistics; not the individual. There are plenty of very very intelligent people who are theists. But on average, the more "intelligent" one is, the more likely they are to be atheist (above mean value).

While that is interesting, I really want to know why that is. What makes these people, on average, smarter?

Originally Posted by NoC_T

100 Scientists Who Shaped World History

Very informative link. Thanks!

Originally Posted by Wake

While that is interesting, I really want to know why that is. What makes these people, on average, smarter?

Not their atheism. Likely some combination of genetics, environment, and personal determination.

Originally Posted by NoC_T

100 Scientists Who Shaped World History

Damn. Look at that list of religious cretins, huh?

Not a braincell between them.