The Intelligence-Religiosity Correlation: Debunking the Myth

There is a persistent debate surrounding the relationship between intelligence and religiosity, with some studies suggesting that atheists and agnostics tend to have higher IQs. However, the evidence is not as straightforward as it might initially appear. Here, we explore the complexities of this correlation, providing a comprehensive look at the various research findings and the factors that influence intelligence and religiosity.

Meta-Analyses and General Findings

Several meta-analyses have consistently shown a negative correlation between intelligence and religiosity. A meta-analysis of 63 studies found a significant negative association with correlations ranging from -0.20 to -0.25 for college students and the general population. This negative correlation was confirmed by a subsequent meta-analysis of 83 studies which reported similar correlation ranges and highlighted the role of analytic cognitive style as a partial mediator.

Another comprehensive meta-analysis involving 89 studies also found a small but robust negative association r -0.14 between intelligence and religiosity, with stronger effects observed for psychometric intelligence tests compared to proxy measures like grade point averages. This suggests that higher intelligence is more closely linked to a cognitive style that is less supportive of religious beliefs.

National and Cross-Cultural Studies

The negative relationship between intelligence and religious belief extends beyond individual studies to cross-national analyses. For instance, a study examining 137 countries found a correlation of 0.60 between national IQ and disbelief in God, indicating that more intelligent nations tend to have higher rates of atheism. This finding underscores the robustness of the negative correlation across different cultural contexts.

Theoretical Explanations

Several theories have been proposed to explain the negative correlation between intelligence and religiosity. One theory suggests that intelligent individuals are less likely to conform and are more likely to resist religious dogma. Another theory posits that intelligent people tend to adopt an analytic thinking style which undermines religious beliefs. Additionally, intelligence may provide functions such as compensatory control, self-regulation, and secure attachment, reducing the need for religious beliefs and practices.

Emotional Intelligence and Religiosity

While most studies focus on cognitive intelligence, some research has explored the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and religiosity. One study found that ability EI was positively associated with general levels of religious belief, although both trait and ability EI were negatively correlated with extrinsic religious orientation and negative religious coping. This suggests that different dimensions of intelligence may have varying relationships with religiosity.

Specialized Cognitive Abilities and Autism Spectrum Traits

Some researchers argue that the negative correlation between religiosity and IQ is not necessarily related to general intelligence (g) but rather to specialized cognitive abilities. For example, higher IQ scores may be associated with autism spectrum traits, which are negatively correlated with religiosity. This perspective challenges the notion that the negative correlation is solely due to general intelligence.

Gender Differences and Intelligence Profiles

Gender differences in religiosity and intelligence profiles have also been examined. Studies have found that females are generally more religious than males and that religiousness is associated with a more stereotypically female intelligence profile. This raises intriguing questions about the interplay between gender, intelligence, and religiosity.

Education and Religious Background

The role of education in mediating the relationship between intelligence and religiosity has been debated. Some studies suggest that education does not mediate this relationship, although it may have varying effects depending on the strength of one’s religious background. This indicates that the relationship between intelligence and religiosity is complex and influenced by multiple factors.

Whether atheists or religious individuals are more intelligent, it is clear that the relationship between intelligence and religiosity is multifaceted and influenced by many variables. While some evidence suggests a negative correlation between higher IQ and religiosity, the differences are generally small and not absolute. The key takeaway is that both intelligence and religiosity encompass a wide spectrum of individual differences.

Keywords: intelligence, religiosity, atheist, agnostic, religious people