1) Highly advanced countries have huge/significant number of atheists in their population eg (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland)

2) Analysis of scientific studies over a decade shows that intelligent people are less likely to religious
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/religious-people-are-less-intelligent-than-atheists-according-to-analysis-of-scores-of-scientific-studies-stretching-back-over-decades-8758046.html

3) Nigeria is a religious country with few atheists (less than 1%) of the population, yet our greatest minds have been atheists/agnostics/skeptics (Chinua Achebe, Soyinka, Seun Osewa, Tai Solarin)




So the question remains- "why are intelligent people more likely to be atheists"?



My theory is that it is not atheism that makes people smarter. It is the other way around. The thing is that the things that lead people to atheism and irreligiousity make them smarter. For instance, skepticism is very important to having a reasonable outlook....skepticism is what leads many away from religion......



What is your own say on this matter of intelligence?


NB; I use "atheism" in the general sense to cover irreligious people, deists, agnostics, skeptics etc


(tags- Seun, Stricklymi, Reyginius, majaze1, apatheist tbaba1234, tbaba12345, deols, maclatunji, mynd44, ujsizzle, pastoraio, anony1, mranony1, braveguy, alfaseltzer, coogar, ihedinobi, texanomaly

But Satanists are the smartest.

AlfaSeltzer: But Satanists are the smartest.

Sharaap

TheBigUrban2:

Sharaap

Butthurt?

They have to be smart because Hell fire is awaiting them. Extra smartness will be required for eternity in such place

TheBigUrban2: 1) Highly advanced countries have huge/significant number of atheists in their population eg (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland)

Highly advanced countries have a Christian historical foundation and a large white population. So what's your point?

2) Analysis of scientific studies over a decade shows that intelligent people are less likely to religious
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/religious-people-are-less-intelligent-than-atheists-according-to-analysis-of-scores-of-scientific-studies-stretching-back-over-decades-8758046.html

And studies also show that white men on average have the highest IQ. So what's your point?

3) Nigeria is a religious country with few atheists (less than 1%) of the population, yet our greatest minds have been atheists/agnostics/skeptics (Chinua Achebe, Soyinka, Seun Osewa, Tai Solarin)

Yet our greatest minds and our bravest men have been religious: Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, Obafemi Awolowo e.t.c. So what's your point?

By the way how does Seun's buttocks taste?

So the question remains- "why are intelligent people more likely to be atheists"?

Why are intelligent people more likely to be caucasian? What's your point?

My theory is that it is not atheism that makes people smarter. It is the other way around. The thing is that the things that lead people to atheism and irreligiousity make them smarter. For instance, skepticism is very important to having a reasonable outlook....skepticism is what leads many away from religion......

Actually it was skepticism that led me away from atheism. So what's your point?

What is your own say on this matter of intelligence?

A valid relationship has not been shown by you to exist between intelligence and atheism,

NB; I use "atheism" in the general sense to cover irreligious people, deists, agnostics, skeptics etc

Lol, so you use atheism to cover things that are not and even directly opposed to atheism hence effectively destroying the meaning of the word.

balaclava: They have to be smart because Hell fire is awaiting them. Extra smartness will be required for eternity in such place

So extra dumbness is required for heaven?

When did you conduct such a poll? Mankind has always been known to take the easier, simpler way out, but that does not make ur assertion credible. And life is full of mystery that ordinary logic or smartness alone cannot solve.

MrAnony1:
Highly advanced countries have a Christian historical foundation and a large white population. So what's your point?


And studies also show that white men on average have the highest IQ. So what's your point?

Sir, address the topic. The fact remains that intelligent people are less likely to be religious (or more likely to be atheists/irreligious). The question is why

And it is also a lie (and a strawman) what you say about IQ of white people. Consider the chinese and also the level of education in diff coountries

whatofyou: When did you conduct such a poll? Mankind has always been known to take the easier, simpler way out, but that does not make ur assertion credible. And life is full of mystery that ordinary logic or smartness alone cannot solve.

Dont you read?

Scientific studies are quoted in the op.

MrAnony1:


Yet our greatest minds and our bravest men have been religious: Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, Obafemi Awolowo e.t.c. So what's your point?

Another falsehood (this time though, not a strawman)

None of these men were known for purely intellectual ability but rather their political prowess....compare them to Seun Osewa and Soyinka

the difference is always clear.- when the source of your reasoning is your God-gifted brain, and when it is an ancient middle east story book.

e.g if someone walks to you and gives you a dirty slap, luke 6:29 says you should turn the other side of your cheek for another slap.

now does it make sense to you??

None of your highly advanced countries is a world power. What of US, France, Germany, China, Japan, Russia, UK etc. These are the countries that make things happen in our world today.

A chinese buddhist would couple electronics and fabricate mechanical gadgets while a Nigerian atheist would only argue. So who is smarter?

Rendezvou: None of your highly advanced countries is a world power. What of US, France, Germany, China, Japan, Russia, UK etc. These are the countries that make things happen in our world today.

A chinese buddhist would couple electronics and fabricate mechanical gadgets while a Nigerian atheist would only argue. So who is smarter?

A chinese Buddhist is usually an atheist. Try and read more.


Also, 64% of Japanese do not believe in God
Majority of Chinese do not believe in God
West Germany is the most atheistic place in the world (Germany itself has 33% irreligious)

Scyllapatron: the difference is always clear.- when the source of your reasoning is your God-gifted brain, and when it is an ancient middle east story book.

e.g if someone walks to you and gives you a dirty slap, luke 6:29 says you should turn the other side of your cheek for another slap.

now does it make sense to you??

Well said

TheBigUrban2:
Sir, address the topic. The fact remains that intelligent people are less likely to be religious (or more likely to be atheists/irreligious). The question is why

I am addressing the topic. The fact remains that intelligent people are more likely to be Caucasian and less likely to be Negro, The question is why.

You still haven't made any point. You can start by explaining to me the point you are trying to deduce from your "fact"

MrAnony1: I am addressing the topic. The fact remains that intelligent people are more likely to be Caucasian and less likely to be Negro, The question is why.

You still haven't made any point. You can start by explaining to me the point you are trying to deduce from your "fact"

I will report you for trying to derail if you mention your Caucasian nonsense again. Not only is it false and racist, it is a strawman.


The thread is asking why it is a fact that intelligent people are more likely to be atheists or irreligious. We are not here to argue against facts but to find out why it is so. You have been warned

Rendezvou: None of your highly advanced countries is a world power. What of US, France, Germany, China, Japan, Russia, UK etc. These are the countries that make things happen in our world today.

A chinese buddhist would couple electronics and fabricate mechanical gadgets while a Nigerian atheist would only argue. So who is smarter?

I was about to reply u and saw this post.
Scientific journals are not also free from error. If there should be a global census on this, u will find out that those who do not believe in (a) Supernatural being pale into insignificance.

TheBigUrban2:



So extra dumbness is required for heaven?

U already av d answer sir.

whatofyou:

I was about to reply u and saw this post.
Scientific journals are not also free from error. If there should be a global census on this, u will find out that those who do not believe in (a) Supernatural being pale into insignificance.

Are you saying that we should ignore the fact that in advanced countries there are many irreligious people because there are numerous religious people in backwards countries (which are generally)

China is the most populous country in the world with over a billion people. Majority of them are atheists....so, it would do you well to rethink how pale atheism is in global terms

Rendezvou: None of your highly advanced countries is a world power. What of US, France, Germany, China, Japan, Russia, UK etc. These are the countries that make things happen in our world today.

A chinese buddhist would couple electronics and fabricate mechanical gadgets while a Nigerian atheist would only argue. So who is smarter?

given an equal opportunity, nigerian atheists could do more than the chinese buhdhists. believe it or not.

what do you expect, when from infanthood the chinese are already technologically oriented, while our kids are here reciting chapters and verses of bible and koran, singing 36 sates and capital. ...

OP

If intelligent people are more likely to be atheists and about 1 percent of the Nigerian population are atheists, doesn't it follow from your argument that 99 percent of Nigerians are not likely to be intelligent?

rationalmind: OP

If intelligent people are more likely to be atheists and about 1 percent of the Nigerian population are atheists, doesn't it follow from your argument that 99 percent of Nigerians are not likely to be intelligent?

You are quite dull.


"More likely" is the important phrase here.


Let me teach you basic maths and grammar.

A study of cows and intelligence
-there are 2,000 cows in Nigeria
-only 1,500 are smart
-out of the smart cows, 900 are brown and 600 are white

Following the above study of cows, I can say that intelligent cows are more likely to be brown. THAT DOESNT MEAN THAT ONLY 900 COWS OR A ONLY MINORITY OF COWS ARE INTELLIGENT
=============================================

Parallel to the cow analogy, just because intelligent people are more likely to be atheists it doesnt mean that only atheists are the intelligent people or that there are no intelligent christians.

So the 1% of atheists is no determinant of the total percentage of the intelligent people in nigeria

rationalmind: OP

If intelligent people are more likely to be atheists and about 1 percent of the Nigerian population are atheists, doesn't it follow from your argument that 99 percent of Nigerians are [size=18pt]not likely[/size] to be intelligent?

"Less likely"


The 99% in such a a situation would be less likely to be intelligent (compared to atheists)

Scyllapatron:

given an equal opportunity, nigerian atheists could do more than the chinese buhdhists. believe it or not.

what do you expect, when from infanthood the chinese are already technologically oriented, while our kids are here reciting chapters and verses of bible and koran, singing 36 sates and capital. ...

Deep.

Sometimes, the environment has effects on one's intelligence. If a child is brought in a society where knowledge/education is emphasised as a human right with adequate learning technology and infrastructures, that child would be more likely to be smarter than a child brought up in a country where religion and tribalism come first before knowledge

TheBigUrban2:

A chinese Buddhist is usually an atheist. Try and read more.


Also, 64% of Japanese do not believe in God
Majority of Chinese do not believe in God
West Germany is the most atheistic place in the world (Germany itself has 33% irreligious)

Buddhism is not atheism dear. Though it does not bother about the existence of a Supreme being. Do you pray to Buddha or any other mythical figures? Do you believe in divine creatures who are capable of answering prayers. Do not try to call budhists atheists simply because budhism is nontheistic.

Not believing in God does not necessarily mean not believing in deities. This is what is obtainable in China and Japan you are talking about. Or do atheists believe in gods, spirits or certain individuals as divine creatures?


Tell us the percentage of atheists in West Germany and how does 33% irreligious in Germany make the smarter majority?

TheBigUrban2:


Are you saying that we should ignore the fact that in advanced countries there are many irreligious people because there are numerous religious people in backwards countries (which are generally)

China is the most populous country in the world with over a billion people. Majority of them are atheists....so, it would do you well to rethink how pale atheism is in global terms

Even though the Bible rightly pointed this out as one of the signs of the Last days, I still maintain that the number of smart people who believe in (a) God will still be higher than the smart atheists.

Rendezvou:

Buddhism is not atheism dear. Though it does not bother about the existence of a Supreme being. Do you pray to Buddha or any other mythical figures? Do you believe in divine creatures who are capable of answering prayers. Do not try to call budhists atheists simply because budhism is nontheistic.

Not believing in God does not necessarily mean not believing in deities. This is what is obtainable in China and Japan you are talking about. Or do atheists believe in gods, spirits or certain individuals as divine creatures?


Tell us the percentage of atheists in West Germany and how does 33% irreligious in Germany make the smarter majority?

Do you have any experience with Japan?


Atheism is simply the disbelief in god. A nontheist is an atheist.


Many Asians, especially the Japanese, Chinese and South Koreans, follow their ancestral religions out of tradition not belief.

An atheist can burn incense, pray at ancestors' graves etc but he or she will still be an atheist if there is no belief in God.

whatofyou:


Even though the Bible rightly pointed this out as one of the signs of the Last days, I still maintain that the number of smart people who believe in (a) God will still be higher than the smart atheists.

When will your foolish rapture come? Since 70's, since I was born, I have been hearing this rapute that was supposed to be near for over 2000 years.


Dead men do not come back to life. Jesus isnt coming back

the answer is in the question.

religion defies logic cos it's based on faith. the holy book defines faith as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. it follows no logic.

smart people generally possess logical minds. they work with statistics & facts. these facts are evidence. in a nutshell, smart people are polar opposites to religious people.

coogar: the answer is in the question.

religion defies logic cos it's based on faith. the holy book defines faith as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. it follows no logic.

smart people generally possess logical minds. they work with statistics & facts. these facts are evidence. in a nutshell, smart people are polar opposites to religious people.

Some truth and a little falsehood in your comment.

There are geniuses that are religious....they just suffer from cognitive dissonance....they can compartmentalize their brains. They ratioanl when it comes to their jobs and education but irrational when it comes to their religious beliefs.

TheBigUrban2:


You are quite dull.

How old are you? You remind me of my pre-teen years.

you: "More likely" is the important phrase here.


Let me teach you basic maths and grammar.

A study of cows and intelligence
-there are 2,000 cows in Nigeria
-only 1,500 are smart
-out of the smart cows, 900 are brown and 600 are white

Following the above study of cows, I can say that intelligent cows are more likely to be brown. THAT DOESNT MEAN THAT ONLY 900 COWS OR A ONLY MINORITY OF COWS ARE INTELLIGENT

The problem is, you rush to reply without taking time to understand what one is saying.

I can't remember saying you implied 99 percent of Nigerians are not intelligent. I did say you implied 99 percent of Nigerians are not likely to be intelligent.

Using your own analogy, by admitting intelligent cows are more likely to be brown, you are in other words saying white cows are not likely to be intelligent.

Note that I didn't say you implied white cows are not intelligent.

There's a difference, no matter how slight, between the two.

you: Parallel to the cow analogy, just because intelligent people are more likely to be atheists it doesnt mean that only atheists are the intelligent people or that there are no intelligent christians.

So the 1% of atheists is no determinant of the total percentage of the intelligent people in nigeria

Except that this is your own built up strawman and never what I argued.

PS: I just saw your last reply. Now that you re-read my post as against rushing, you got the point I was intending to make.

Using "less likely" would have been more apt.

Since that's settled, I'll be back with my response.