Do you think IQ can be directly linked to Religious Beliefs/Denomination?

The problem with these studies is that all believers are included . Even ones living in third world countries where education is not available. When these same tests are given to atheists and believers in industrialized countries the results are dead even. Do you think IQ tests given to atheists in America and atheists in Ethiopia would produce the same results? Education DOES effect IQ scores. Contrary to popular belief, IQ's can and do change .

If you don't have a love for the truth then your IQ based on what your learning or have learned will be way down. TRue Genius never settle for what is supposed to be the truth or the answer. They seek the reason why and find that learning one thing leads to another which is why IQ's are always growing on these people who seek knowledge and understanding in Love..

Any religion that would want you to sit blindly and take someones word for the truth is a false one. Whether it is disguised as Christianity or other.

True christianity wants you to learn with an open mind on How GReat Thou art and his magnificent world he created here before man so unkindly condemned it to the Hell it is now by ignorance and hate

Great example. April 6th 1945. Man discovers another use for nucleur power.

What could be used as a cheap source of energy in a productive manner was made to be a bomb to be dropped on Japan.

Men of Brilliance and love seek to be helpful.

Men of ingnorance and hate seek to dominate and kill.

I don't think those statistics are at all accurate. I became a Christian (Apostolic Pentecostal) at age 14. My IQ was tested a year later as part of a college research study. It was 148. My IQ was tested in my 30's, and tested over 150.

I'm still Apostolic, and although my IQ has declined since my 30's as the result of a neurological disorder, I think that my own experience, which is hardly unique, shows that IQ is not related to belief or denomination.

@FIREBALL "My Minister has a PHD...do you??"

Do YOU?

BTW, kent hovind has a phd, too, but I've had dogs and cats that were smarter.

@MONTE54Q "When these same tests are given to atheists and believers in industrialized countries the results are dead even"

This is BS. Just plain BS.

@"Education DOES effect IQ scores."

Yes, it does, but in a very curious way.

The fact remains that within a population given equal access to the same educational environment, those with higher IQs will absorb more information than those with lower IQ.

That's what IQ IS. "Q" stands for "quotient". Do you know why?

And as for empirical evidence, hang out here for awhile. Start a roster where you list the dumbest questions and statements you've ever heard anywhere. Mark them according to their belief system. I'll bet money that the vast majority are marked as religious fundamentalists.

According to the Bible it does not matter much. And, I know from my own experience that you can be very smart and not accept the truth of God. I have witnessed to many different walks of life. The highly educated and those who can not read past an 8th grade level. And find, those who are open to God are so, because He has reveled Himself to them, and those who are not He has not. I have found that the more educated one is the harder it is for them to let go of physical proof and rely on faith. And, we believers know, that faith is what's required. So, I think it's just a way for satan to try and make believers look foolish. It doesn't work, but it none the less tries.

Larry---dear----you lost me. Studies have absolutely nothing to do with faith. Studies have nothing to do with IQ when it comes to belief in God. Studies have nothing to do with whether you will be inclined to believe one way or another if you have a higher IQ. Remember, some of the greatest preachers in history had only the Holy Spirit to rely on. No fundamental dogmatic teachings, no doctrinal foundations, just the pure, unadulterated, loving, word of the ALMIGHTY GOD. So, I am going back to sleep now because I only got through the 4th paragraph before I started nodding off. I promise to finish the question when I am more rested. God bless you my friend.

I've seen many studies that would indicate that atheists are generally smarter than people of faith. Generally. I've met many very intelligent theists. I've concluded that education is the great religion buster.

I can't cite a study, as it is through personal experience, but I have observed that people who tend to be ignorant, "stupid", and/or ordinary live the most fulfilling lives.

Here is what the BIBLE the TRUE Word of God says;

1Cr 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is WISER than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men .

Psa 119:98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me WISER than mine enemies: for they [are] ever with me.

Pro 9:9 Give [instruction] to a WISE [man], and he will be yet WISER: teach a just [man], and he will increase in learning.

1Sa 2:3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let [not] arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD [is] a God of KNOWLEDGE, and by HIM actions are weighed.

Rom 10:2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to KNOWLEDGE.

Ecc 1:18 For in much WISDOM [is] much grief: and he that increaseth KNOWLEDGE increaseth sorrow.

Isa 11:2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of WISDOM and UNDERSTANDING, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of KNOWLEDGE and of the fear of the LORD;

Isa 28:9 Whom shall he teach KNOWLEDGE? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? [them that are] weaned from the milk, [and] drawn from the breasts.

yes the higher your IQ the less religious you are.

I once heard from a christian "the smarter you are the further away from god you are."

actually it does not matter, I have a friend who is smarter than I am an and is a die hard christian (I am an atheist) and a friend who is stupider than I am who is a die hard christian.

IQ has no bearing on religious beliefs

many people with high IQ's believe and follow God.