THE RELATION BETWEEN INTELLIGENCE AND RELIGIOSITY
A Meta-analysis and Some Proposed Explanations

by Miron Zuckerman and Jordan Silberman from the University of Rochester, NY, USA, and Judith A. Hall of Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA

Published on 6 August 2013 in Personality and Social Psychology Review, 2013

This is the first ever meta-analysis of 63 studies on intelligence and religiosity conducted between 1928 and 2012.  The advantage of a meta-analysis compared to single studies is that it can reach a more accurate and less biased conclusion by using statistical theory to compensate for the inadequacies of individual studies in terms of sample size, quality of data collection and methods of analysis.

The authors had defined "intelligence" as the ability to reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, comprehend complex ideas, learn quickly, and learn from experience. Strictly speaking, this is what experts call "analytic intelligence".

"Religiosity" was defined as involvement in some (or all) facets of religion, which includes belief in the supernatural, offering gifts to this supernatural, and performing rituals affirming their beliefs. Other signs of religiosity were measured using surveys, church attendance, and membership in religious organizations.

RESULTS

The results of the study showed that, in 53 out of the 63 studies, there was a significant negative association between intelligence and religiosity. This was especially so for college students and the general population compared to participants younger than college age; and the correlation was stronger for religious beliefs rather than for religious behavior. 

CONCLUSION 

The authors concluded that, generally, religious people are less intelligent than non-believers.  In their analysis, there is little doubt that religious people score worse on varying measures of intelligence.

EXPLANATIONS

There are three possible explanations why intelligent people appear to be less religious.

First, intelligent people are less likely to conform and, therefore, are more likely to resist religious dogma. 

Second, intelligent people may think more analytically rather than intuitively. Analytic thinking is slow, controlled and systematic, whereas intuitive thinking is fast and heuristic-based. So, they dislike accepting beliefs that are not subject to empirical tests or logical reasoning. There may be less religiosity in intelligent people simply because they find religious beliefs unscientific and irrational. 

Thirdly, religion provides people with a sense of control in a more predictable and less threatening worldview; provides a method of instilling discipline in pursuing goals; provides a higher sense of self-worth; and provides a sense of anchoring attachment to a God when facing the challenges of life.  But, intelligent people may find that their intelligence can serve whatever functions that religion provides for believers. So, they may feel that they do not need religion to live a confident and fulfilling life.