Study Claims Religious People are Less Intelligent Than Atheists

A review of scientific studies conducted over the decades reveals that people who are religious were less intelligent compared to atheists.

Researchers at University of Rochester conducted a review of over 63 studies and found a �reliable negative relation' between intelligence and religiosity. The researchers said that even at extreme old age, when people usually give more emphasis to religion, intelligent people were less likely to believe in religion.

The researchers added that the reason why intelligent people tend to shun religion was not simple as previously thought. Some studies suggest that intelligent people tended to be non-religious simply because they �know better', but researchers said that the reasons may be more complex. For example intelligent people were more likely to be married and successful and hence had less need for religion.

"Intelligent people typically spend more time in school-a form of self-regulation that may yield long-term benefits. More intelligent people get higher level jobs (and better employment (and higher salary) may lead to higher self-esteem, and encourage personal control beliefs. Last, more intelligent people are more likely to get and stay married (greater attachment), though for intelligent people, that too comes later in life. We therefore suggest that as intelligent people move from young adulthood to adulthood and then to middle age, the benefits of intelligence may continue to accrue", the researchers wrote in their report.

Source: Medindia