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Atheism and intelligence (view source)

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Thomas Hally wrote:

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{{cquote|In many areas [[Phenotype|phenotypic]] intelligence has been increasing (the [[~~Flynn Effect|~~Flynn Effect]]) while [[Genotype|genotypic]] intelligence is decreasing due to the negative association between intelligence and that which is known as "[[~~Dysgenic fertility|~~dysgenic fertility]]". Gains of as much as 7.5 IQ points in phenotypic intelligence are much greater than the 0.43 IQ points per generation in the world-wide genotypic IQ that had been estimated for the period 1950-2000. The situation in the industrially developed world appears to follow the lead of the United States and a handful of other developed nations in so far as the phenotypic IQ has been increasing at a greater rate as a result of environmental improvements.

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{{cquote|In many areas [[Phenotype|phenotypic]] intelligence has been increasing (the [[Flynn Effect]]) while [[Genotype|genotypic]] intelligence is decreasing due to the negative association between intelligence and that which is known as "[[dysgenic fertility]]". Gains of as much as 7.5 IQ points in phenotypic intelligence are much greater than the 0.43 IQ points per generation in the world-wide genotypic IQ that had been estimated for the period 1950-2000. The situation in the industrially developed world appears to follow the lead of the United States and a handful of other developed nations in so far as the phenotypic IQ has been increasing at a greater rate as a result of environmental improvements.

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In Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Great Britain and Australia phenotypic intelligence has stabilized and now is declining.<ref>[https://www.academia.edu/1203173/The_Rise_and_Fall_of_the_World_1_ ''The Rise and Fall of the World's IQ''] by Thomas Hally</ref>}}

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In Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Great Britain and Australia phenotypic intelligence has stabilized and now is declining.<ref name="academia.edu">[https://www.academia.edu/1203173/The_Rise_and_Fall_of_the_World_1_ ''The Rise and Fall of the World's IQ''] by Thomas Hally</ref>}}

The [[dysgenic fertility]] theory posits an inverse relationship between intelligence and fertility (Lower intelligence people having more children).

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[[Denmark]], [[Sweden]]. [[Great Britain]], [[Norway]] and [[Australia]] are less religious than many regions of the world (see: [[Secular Europe]] and [[Irreligion in Australia]]).

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The ''Daily Mail'' reported in 2014, "Evidence suggests that the IQs of people in the [[UK]], [[Denmark]] and Australia have declined in the last decade."<ref>[https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2730791/Are-STUPID-Britons-people-IQ-decline.html Are we becoming more STUPID? IQ scores are decreasing - and some experts argue it's because humans have reached their intellectual peak], ''Daily Mail'', 2014</ref>

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The ''Daily Mail'' reported in 2014, "Evidence suggests that the IQs of people in the [[UK]], [[Denmark]] and Australia have declined in the last decade."<ref name="dailymail.co.uk">[https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2730791/Are-STUPID-Britons-people-IQ-decline.html Are we becoming more STUPID? IQ scores are decreasing - and some experts argue it's because humans have reached their intellectual peak], ''Daily Mail'', 2014</ref>

*[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/4548943/British-teenagers-have-lower-IQs-than-their-counterparts-did-30-years-ago.html British teenagers have lower IQs than their counterparts did 30 years ago], ''The Telegraph'', 2009

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Atheists and religious individuals have significant differences in terms of the various types of intelligence (See: [[Atheism and the theory of multiple intelligences]]).

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According to a psychologist of atheism, Will Gervais, in his 2024 review of global literature on rationality he stated that most of the literature shows that the "rational atheist" is a myth since the differences in intelligence or rationality in studies are generally insignificant and negligible and also notes that rationality is common among religious people. Upbringing, not intelligence or cognitive style, is the better predictor on if a person ends up religious or not.<ref>Will M. Gervais. 2024. Disbelief: The Origins of Atheism in a Religious Species. Prometheus Books. ISBN 9781633889248. Chapter 3. The (more or less) Myth of Rational Atheism </ref>

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According to a psychologist of atheism, Will Gervais, in his 2024 review of global literature on rationality he stated that most of the literature shows that the "rational atheist" is a myth since the differences in intelligence or rationality in studies are generally insignificant and negligible and also notes that rationality is common among religious people. Upbringing, not intelligence or cognitive style, is the better predictor on if a person ends up religious or not.<ref>Will M. Gervais. 2024. Disbelief: The Origins of Atheism in a Religious Species. Prometheus Books. ISBN 9781633889248. Chapter 3. The (more or less) Myth of Rational Atheism</ref>

== Atheism, intelligence and the United States ==

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''See also:'' [[American atheism and intelligence]] and [[Atheism, intelligence and the General Social Survey]]

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[[File:Atheism, intelligence and the General Social Survey.png|thumbnail|right|400px|right|Citing data from the [[General Social Survey]] (GSS), Theodore Beale writes: "..the two most common types of atheists are the [[High church|High Church]] atheists with +2[[Standard deviation|SD]] [[IQ]]s (128+) and [[Low church|Low Church]] atheists with -2SD IQs (65-72). Note that the Low Church atheists actually outnumber the High Church atheists, 22.9 to 17.2 percent."<ref>[https://voxday.net/2014/01/22/mailvox-on-distribution-of-atheis/ Mailvox: The distribution of atheist intelligence]</ref> (click on the graph above to enlarge)]]

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[[File:Atheism, intelligence and the General Social Survey.png|thumbnail|right|400px|right|Citing data from the [[General Social Survey]] (GSS), Theodore Beale writes: "..the two most common types of atheists are the [[High church|High Church]] atheists with +2[[Standard deviation|SD]] [[IQ]]s (128+) and [[Low church|Low Church]] atheists with -2SD IQs (65-72). Note that the Low Church atheists actually outnumber the High Church atheists, 22.9 to 17.2 percent."<ref name="voxday.net">[https://voxday.net/2014/01/22/mailvox-on-distribution-of-atheis/ Mailvox: The distribution of atheist intelligence]</ref> (click on the graph above to enlarge)]]

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In the United States, social scientists define [[atheism]] in various ways which makes determining the number of atheists in the United States more difficult to determine.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/blackwhiteandgray/2012/01/how-many-americans-are-atheists-fewer-than-you-might-think/ ''How Many Americans are Atheists? Fewer than You Might Think''] by Bradley Wright, January 26, 2012</ref> See also: [[Definition of atheism]] and [[Attempts to dilute the definition of atheism]] and [[Definitions of Atheist and Agnostic|Definitions of atheist and agnostic]]

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In the United States, social scientists define [[atheism]] in various ways which makes determining the number of atheists in the United States more difficult to determine.<ref name="patheos.com">[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/blackwhiteandgray/2012/01/how-many-americans-are-atheists-fewer-than-you-might-think/ ''How Many Americans are Atheists? Fewer than You Might Think''] by Bradley Wright, January 26, 2012</ref> See also: [[Definition of atheism]] and [[Attempts to dilute the definition of atheism]] and [[Definitions of Atheist and Agnostic|Definitions of atheist and agnostic]]

Atheism, as defined by the ''Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy'', the ''Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy'', and other [[philosophy]] reference works, is the denial of the existence of [[God]].<ref>Multiple references:

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{{cquote|"..the two most common types of atheists are the High Church atheists with +2[[Standard deviation|SD]] [[IQ]]s (128+) and Low Church atheists with -2SD IQs (65-72). Note that the Low Church atheists actually outnumber the High Church atheists, 22.9 to 17.2 percent...

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Now, the statistically naive might look at this chart, note that the +2SD theists only account for 3.5 percent of the theistic population, and assume that this means there are more highly intelligent atheists than highly intelligent theists. This is not the case. As it happens, there are 11.4x more +2SD theists who either know God exists or believe God exists despite having the occasional doubt than there are +2SD atheists who don't believe God exists.<ref>[https://voxday.net/2014/01/22/mailvox-on-distribution-of-atheis/ Mailvox: The distribution of atheist intelligence]</ref>}}

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Now, the statistically naive might look at this chart, note that the +2SD theists only account for 3.5 percent of the theistic population, and assume that this means there are more highly intelligent atheists than highly intelligent theists. This is not the case. As it happens, there are 11.4x more +2SD theists who either know God exists or believe God exists despite having the occasional doubt than there are +2SD atheists who don't believe God exists.<ref name="voxday.net">[https://voxday.net/2014/01/22/mailvox-on-distribution-of-atheis/ Mailvox: The distribution of atheist intelligence]</ref>}}

In a 2010 article, Beale writes: "Never forget that the smarter and more knowledgeable act put on by many atheists is inevitably nothing more than that, an act, and one that has absolutely no basis in empirical reality except for a three-point average advantage in IQ which is almost surely a statistical artifact of their insignificant numbers and self-selected identification.<ref>[http://voxday.blogspot.com/2010/04/always-call-their-bluff.html Always call their bluff]</ref>

=== Weak atheism and individuals with low intelligence ===

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[[File:Infant.JPG|thumbnail|right|200px|[[Weak Atheism]] is an individual merely lacking a belief there is a God/gods. Using this very broad definition of atheism, there are atheists who argue that babies are atheists.<ref>[https://carm.org/are-babies-born-atheists Are babies born atheists?] by Matt Slick</ref>]]

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[[File:Infant.JPG|thumbnail|right|200px|[[Weak Atheism]] is an individual merely lacking a belief there is a God/gods. Using this very broad definition of atheism, there are atheists who argue that babies are atheists.<ref name="Are babies born atheists">[https://carm.org/are-babies-born-atheists Are babies born atheists?] by Matt Slick</ref>]]

''See also:'' [[Weak atheism and intelligence]]

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[[Weak Atheism]] (sometimes referred to as "negative [[atheism]]") describes a belief system and philosophical stance whereby a person lacks a belief in God/gods. Using this very broad definition of definition of atheism, there are atheists who argue that babies are atheists (Of course, atheists cannot verify what is in the minds of babies).<ref~~>[https://carm.org/are-babies-born-atheists~~ Are babies born atheists~~?] by Matt Slick<~~/~~ref~~> Also, using this very broad definition of definition of atheism, it could be argued that individuals with severe mental disabilities and/or individuals born with extremely low IQs are more apt to be weak atheists (Of course, this also would be difficult to verify in many cases). This helps explain why the General Social Survey (GSS) data has twice as many low IQ atheists as high IQ atheists.<ref>[http://voxday.blogspot.com/2014/01/mailvox-distribution-of-atheist.html Mailvox: The distribution of atheist intelligence]</ref>

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[[Weak Atheism]] (sometimes referred to as "negative [[atheism]]") describes a belief system and philosophical stance whereby a person lacks a belief in God/gods. Using this very broad definition of definition of atheism, there are atheists who argue that babies are atheists (Of course, atheists cannot verify what is in the minds of babies).<ref name="Are babies born atheists"/> Also, using this very broad definition of definition of atheism, it could be argued that individuals with severe mental disabilities and/or individuals born with extremely low IQs are more apt to be weak atheists (Of course, this also would be difficult to verify in many cases). This helps explain why the General Social Survey (GSS) data has twice as many low IQ atheists as high IQ atheists.<ref>[http://voxday.blogspot.com/2014/01/mailvox-distribution-of-atheist.html Mailvox: The distribution of atheist intelligence]</ref>

=== United States, atheism, socioeconomic data and intelligence ===

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...Craig Keener, in his huge review of claims of miracles in a wide variety of cultures, concludes that routine rejection of the possibility of the [[supernatural]] represents an impulse that is [[Secular Europe|deeply Eurocentric]].<ref>[http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-03-27/the-atheism-gap The Atheism Gap] By Stephen L. Carter, ''BloombergView'', Mar 27, 2015 4:26 PM EDT</ref>}}

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Research in the United States indicates that the daily pressures associated with being in the low income bracket reduces IQ by 13 points.<ref>[https://www.businessinsider.com/poverty-effect-on-intelligence-2013-8 Poverty Stresses The Brain So Much That It's Like Losing 13 IQ Points], ''Business Insider'', 2013</ref> African-American and Hispanic Americans are more likely to live in poverty in the United States. The poverty rate for Blacks and Hispanics is more than double that of non-Hispanic Whites.<ref>[http://federalsafetynet.com/us-poverty-statistics.html U.S poverty rates]</ref> In addition, schooling increases IQ scores and many racial minorities in the United attend low quality, inner city public schools with high drop out rates.<ref>[http://www.pnas.org/content/109/2/425.full.pdf Schooling in adolescence raises IQ scores]</ref><ref>[https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=16 Drop out rates]</ref>

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Research in the United States indicates that the daily pressures associated with being in the low income bracket reduces IQ by 13 points.<ref name="businessinsider.com">[https://www.businessinsider.com/poverty-effect-on-intelligence-2013-8 Poverty Stresses The Brain So Much That It's Like Losing 13 IQ Points], ''Business Insider'', 2013</ref> African-American and Hispanic Americans are more likely to live in poverty in the United States. The poverty rate for Blacks and Hispanics is more than double that of non-Hispanic Whites.<ref>[http://federalsafetynet.com/us-poverty-statistics.html U.S poverty rates]</ref> In addition, schooling increases IQ scores and many racial minorities in the United attend low quality, inner city public schools with high drop out rates.<ref>[http://www.pnas.org/content/109/2/425.full.pdf Schooling in adolescence raises IQ scores]</ref><ref>[https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=16 Drop out rates]</ref>

== Atheism, intelligence, IQ tests and autism ==

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''See also:'' [[Asian atheism and intelligence]] and [[Asian atheism]]

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[[File:China location.png|thumbnail|200px|left|[[China]] has the world's largest [[atheism|atheist]] population.<ref>[http://www.thechapmans.nl/news/Atheist.pdf Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics (Zuckerman, 2005)]</ref><ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/23/a-surprising-map-of-where-the-worlds-atheists-live/ A surprising map of where the world’s atheists live], ''Washington Post'' By Max Fisher and Caitlin Dewey May 23, 2013</ref> ]]

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[[File:China location.png|thumbnail|200px|left|[[China]] has the world's largest [[atheism|atheist]] population.<ref name="thechapmans.nl">[http://www.thechapmans.nl/news/Atheist.pdf Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics (Zuckerman, 2005)]</ref><ref name="washingtonpost.com">[https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/23/a-surprising-map-of-where-the-worlds-atheists-live/ A surprising map of where the world’s atheists live], ''Washington Post'' By Max Fisher and Caitlin Dewey May 23, 2013</ref> ]]

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Razib Khan points out in ''Discover Magazine'', "most secular nations in the world are those of [[East Asia]], in particular what are often termed “Confucian societies.” It is likely therefore that the majority of the ~~world’s~~ atheists are actually East Asian."<ref>[http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2010/11/most-atheists-are-not-white/ Most atheists are not white & other non-fairy tales], Discover magazine</ref>

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Razib Khan points out in ''Discover Magazine'', "most secular nations in the world are those of [[East Asia]], in particular what are often termed “Confucian societies.” It is likely therefore that the majority of the world's atheists are actually East Asian."<ref>[http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2010/11/most-atheists-are-not-white/ Most atheists are not white & other non-fairy tales], Discover magazine</ref>

The current [[Atheist Population|atheist population]] mostly resides in East [[Asia]] (particularly China) and in secular Europe/Australia among whites.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/23/a-surprising-map-of-where-the-worlds-atheists-live/ A surprising map of where the world’s atheists live], By Max Fisher and Caitlin Dewey, ''Washington Post'', May 23, 2013</ref> See: [[Atheist Population|Atheist population]] and [[Global atheism]] and [[Western atheism and race]]

[[China]] has the world's largest [[atheism|atheist]] population.

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<ref~~>[http://www.~~thechapmans.nl/~~news/Atheist.pdf Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics (Zuckerman, 2005)]</ref~~><ref~~>[https://www.~~washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/23/a-surprising-map-of-where-the-worlds-atheists-live/ A surprising map of where the world’s atheists live], ''Washington Post'' By Max Fisher and Caitlin Dewey May 23, 2013</ref> China is a [[communism|communist]] country and the [[Communist Party of China]] requires its members to be atheists (see: [[Atheism and communism]]).<ref>

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<ref name="thechapmans.nl"/><ref name="washingtonpost.com"/> China is a [[communism|communist]] country and the [[Communist Party of China]] requires its members to be atheists (see: [[Atheism and communism]]).<ref>

*[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/asia/item/19567-china-s-communist-party-reaffirms-marxism-maoism-atheism China’s Communist Party Reaffirms Marxism, Maoism, Atheism], ''New American'', 2014

*[https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/02/china-communist-party-atheism-zhejiang-ban-religious-members-christianity_n_6599722.html China's Communist Party Bans Believers, Doubles Down On Atheism]</ref>

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China has the 5th highest national IQ in the world with a score of 105.<ref name="CountryIQ"/> China's Zhejiang province is China's Christianity heartland.<ref name="Zhejiang">[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2017/03/chinas-christian-province-had-highest.html China's Christian Province had the highest IQ in China in 2005], ''Examining Atheism''</ref> In 2005, the ''Chinese Journal of Endemiology'' (Owned by China ‘s ministry of health) reported that Zhejiang province had the highest IQ of all the provinces in China with an average IQ of 115.8 which was markedly higher than China's average IQ at the time which was a score of 103.4.<ref name="Zhejiang"/>

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In the latter part of the 20th century and throughout the 21st century, China has seen a rapid growth of [[Evangelical Christians|evangelical Christianity]] within their nation, increased economic development and a leap in intelligence scores.<ref>

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In the latter part of the 20th century and throughout the 21st century, China has seen a rapid growth of [[Evangelical Christians|evangelical Christianity]] within their nation, increased economic development and a leap in intelligence scores.<ref name="telegraph.co.uk">*[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/10776023/China-on-course-to-become-worlds-most-Christian-nation-within-15-years.html China on course to become 'world's most Christian nation' within 15 years]

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*[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/10776023/China-on-course-to-become-worlds-most-Christian-nation-within-15-years.html China on course to become 'world's most Christian nation' within 15 years]

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*[http://blog.tifwe.org/the-protestant-work-ethic-alive-well-in-china/ The Protestant Work Ethic: Alive & Well…In China] By Hugh Whelchel on September 24, 2012</ref><ref name="Are human beings becoming smarter">[https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-31556802 Are human beings becoming smarter], BBC, March 2, 2015</ref> See also: [[Growth of Christianity in China]] and [[Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism]] and [[East Asia and global desecularization]]

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*[http://blog.tifwe.org/the-protestant-work-ethic-alive-well-in-china/ The Protestant Work Ethic: Alive & Well…In China] By Hugh Whelchel on September 24, 2012</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-31556802 Are human beings becoming smarter], BBC, March 2, 2015</ref> See also: [[Growth of Christianity in China]] and [[Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism]] and [[East Asia and global desecularization]]

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In addition, compared to China, [[Singapore]] and [[South Korea]] (which have higher degrees of religion/religious freedom} have higher national IQ scores of 108 and 106 respectively.<ref name="CountryIQ"/> In addition, [[Hong Kong]], which has a greater degree of religiosity than China as a whole and greater religious freedom than mainland China, has a regional IQ score of 108.<ref name="CountryIQ"/> See also: [[Growth of Christianity in China#China, state atheism and persecution|China, state atheism and persecution]]

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In addition, compared to China, [[Singapore]] and [[South Korea]] (which have higher degrees of religion/religious freedom) have higher national IQ scores of 108 and 106 respectively.<ref name="CountryIQ"/> In addition, [[Hong Kong]], which has a greater degree of religiosity than China as a whole and greater religious freedom than mainland China, has a regional IQ score of 108.<ref name="CountryIQ"/> See also: [[Growth of Christianity in China#China, state atheism and persecution|China, state atheism and persecution]]

There is a significant amount of [[racism]] in the [[atheist population]] and this includes [[atheism|atheists]] in East Asia/[[China]] (see: [[Atheism and racism]] and [[East Asia, China, atheism and racism]]). For example, the Chinese have a significant amount of racist attitudes against the [[Japan]]ese and towards [[blacks]]/[[African]]s so it is unlikely there is a significant amount of intermarriage between the Chinese and these groups/geographical regions (see: [[East Asia, China, atheism and racism#China and racism|China and racism]]).

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*[[UK]]: National IQ is 100.<ref name="CountryIQ"/>

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*[[The Netherlands]]: National IQ is 100. <ref name="CountryIQ"/>

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*[[The Netherlands]]: National IQ is 100.<ref name="CountryIQ"/>

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*[[Sweden]]'s national IQ is 99. <ref name="CountryIQ"/>

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*[[Sweden]]'s national IQ is 99.<ref name="CountryIQ"/>

*[[Estonia]]'s national IQ is 99.<ref name="CountryIQ"/>

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*[[Germany]]'s national IQ is 99. <ref name="CountryIQ"/>

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*[[Germany]]'s national IQ is 99.<ref name="CountryIQ"/>

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*[[Finland]]'s national IQ is 99. <ref name="CountryIQ"/>

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*[[Finland]]'s national IQ is 99.<ref name="CountryIQ"/>

*[[Denmark]]'s national IQ is 98.<ref name="CountryIQ"/>

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== Irreligious Australia and intelligence ==

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[[File:Flag of Australia.png|thumbnail|200px|[[Australia]]'s national IQ is 98..<ref name="CountryIQ"/>

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[[File:Flag of Australia.png|thumbnail|200px|[[Australia]]'s national IQ is 98.<ref name="CountryIQ"/>

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The ''Daily Mail'' reported in 2014, "Evidence suggests that the IQs of people in the [[UK]], [[Denmark]] and Australia have declined in the last decade."<ref~~>[https://www.~~dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2730791/Are-STUPID-Britons-people-IQ-decline.html Are we becoming more STUPID? IQ scores are decreasing - and some experts argue it's because humans have reached their intellectual peak], ''Daily Mail'', 2014</ref>]]

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The ''Daily Mail'' reported in 2014, "Evidence suggests that the IQs of people in the [[UK]], [[Denmark]] and Australia have declined in the last decade."<ref name="dailymail.co.uk"/>]]

''See also:'' [[Irreligious Australia and intelligence]]

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=== Australia's falling national IQ ===

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[[Australia]]'s national IQ is 98.<ref name="CountryIQ"/> Evidence suggests that the IQs of people in Australia have declined in the last decade."<ref~~>[https://www.~~dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2730791/Are-STUPID-Britons-people-IQ-decline.html Are we becoming more STUPID? IQ scores are decreasing - and some experts argue it's because humans have reached their intellectual peak], ''Daily Mail'', 2014</ref>

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[[Australia]]'s national IQ is 98.<ref name="CountryIQ"/> Evidence suggests that the IQs of people in Australia have declined in the last decade."<ref name="dailymail.co.uk"/>

== Latino atheism and intelligence ==

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=== National IQ of Cuba compared to more religious Latino countries ===

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Culturally, [[Cuba]] is considered to be Latin American. The non-religious/atheists are about 24% of Cuba's population.<ref>[http://www.prolades.com/cra/regions/caribe/cub/cub-rd.htm Religion in Cuba]</ref> The national IQ of Cuba is 85.<ref name="CountryIQ"~~>[https:~~/~~/iq-research.info/en/page/average-iq-by-country WORLD RANKING OF COUNTRIES BY THEIR AVERAGE]</ref~~>

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Culturally, [[Cuba]] is considered to be Latin American. The non-religious/atheists are about 24% of Cuba's population.<ref>[http://www.prolades.com/cra/regions/caribe/cub/cub-rd.htm Religion in Cuba]</ref> The national IQ of Cuba is 85.<ref name="CountryIQ"/>

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In [[Argentina]], where 10.3% describe themselves as atheist, agnostics, or having no religion, the national IQ is 93.<ref>"[http://www.clarin.com/diario/2008/08/27/um/encuesta1.pdf Encuesta CONICET sobre creencias]" (PDF). 6 August 2008. A very detailed survey on belief and religious practice f life. (Spanish)</ref~~><ref name="CountryIQ"/~~> In addition, the more religious Latino countries of [[Chile]], [[Costa Rica]], [[Ecuador]], [[Mexico]] and [[Bolivia]] also have higher national IQ scores than Cuba.<ref name="CountryIQ"/>

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In [[Argentina]], where 10.3% describe themselves as atheist, agnostics, or having no religion, the national IQ is 93.<ref name="CountryIQ"/><ref>"[http://www.clarin.com/diario/2008/08/27/um/encuesta1.pdf Encuesta CONICET sobre creencias]" (PDF). 6 August 2008. A very detailed survey on belief and religious practice f life. (Spanish)</ref> In addition, the more religious Latino countries of [[Chile]], [[Costa Rica]], [[Ecuador]], [[Mexico]] and [[Bolivia]] also have higher national IQ scores than Cuba.<ref name="CountryIQ"/>

After the 1959 communist revolution, the government of Cuba did not restrict religious practice to the extent that was done in the [[Soviet Union]]. However, the large atheist population in Cuba compared to other Latino nations, was caused by its communist history (see: [[Atheism and communism]]).

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''See also:'' [[African atheism and intelligence]]

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African IQ scores are a matter of controversy among social scientists.<ref name="~~AfricanIQ~~"/><ref name="~~NatureIQ~~"/> See also: [[African atheism and intelligence#African atheist IQ scores|African atheist IQ scores]]

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African IQ scores are a matter of controversy among social scientists.<ref name="NatureIQ"/><ref name="AfricanIQ"/> See also: [[African atheism and intelligence#African atheist IQ scores|African atheist IQ scores]]

=== Africa and atheist art/atheist music/atheist architecture ===

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The atheist population does not have a tradition of children's choirs singing atheist songs.]]

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[[Howard Gardner]] at [[Harvard University]] has identified various distinct intelligences: interpersonal, intrapersonal, visual–spatial, verbal–linguistic, logical–mathematical, musical–rhythmic, bodily–kinesthetic, and naturalistic.<ref>[http://www.tecweb.org/styles/gardner.html Multiple Ingelligence]</ref>

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[[Howard Gardner]] at [[Harvard University]] has identified various distinct intelligences: interpersonal, intrapersonal, visual–spatial, verbal–linguistic, logical–mathematical, musical–rhythmic, bodily–kinesthetic, and naturalistic.<ref name="Multiple Ingelligence">[http://www.tecweb.org/styles/gardner.html Multiple Ingelligence]</ref>

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In addition, Gardner later indicated that existential intelligence exists.<ref>[https://www.thoughtco.com/existential-intelligence-profile-8097 Teaching Students With Existential Intelligence]</ref> See: [[Theory of multiple intelligences]]

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In addition, Gardner later indicated that existential intelligence exists.<ref name="thoughtco.com">[https://www.thoughtco.com/existential-intelligence-profile-8097 Teaching Students With Existential Intelligence]</ref> See: [[Theory of multiple intelligences]]

According to Thoughtco.com:

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{{Cquote|Existential intelligence involves an individual's ability to use collective values and intuition to understand others and the world around them. People who excel in this intelligence typically are able to see the big picture. [[Philosophy|Philosophers]], [[Theology|theologians]] and life coaches are among those that Gardner sees as having high existential intelligence.<ref>[https://www.thoughtco.com/existential-intelligence-profile-8097 Teaching Students With Existential Intelligence]</ref>}}

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{{Cquote|Existential intelligence involves an individual's ability to use collective values and intuition to understand others and the world around them. People who excel in this intelligence typically are able to see the big picture. [[Philosophy|Philosophers]], [[Theology|theologians]] and life coaches are among those that Gardner sees as having high existential intelligence.<ref name="thoughtco.com">[https://www.thoughtco.com/existential-intelligence-profile-8097 Teaching Students With Existential Intelligence]</ref>}}

The majority of philosophers of [[religion]], or those who have extensively studied the issue of the [[Arguments for the existence of God|existence of God]], are [[theism|theists]] (72 percent).<ref name="strangenotions.com">[http://www.strangenotions.com/atheist-scientists/ Does it matter that many scientists are atheists?]</ref>

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An atheist posted to atheist [[Sam Harris]]' discussion board: "This idea started when I googled “atheist art”. You see I was expecting to find art. Instead, what you get is a whole bunch of knockoffs of famous religious art that has been disfigured and mutilated. This made me slightly ashamed."<ref>[https://www.samharris.org/forum/viewthread/58689/ Atheist post at Sam Harris' discussion board]</ref>

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Individuals advocating irreligion in [[Africa]] have been dated to go back several millennia.<ref> M.B. Mat'e, The History of Freethinking in Ancient Egypt (1956), no. 3.</ref> Although, there are artistic and musical achievements when it comes to African Christian art and African Christian music (for example African art museums displaying African Christian art), there has been a lack of significant African achievements when it comes to African atheist art and African atheist music.

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Individuals advocating irreligion in [[Africa]] have been dated to go back several millennia.<ref>M.B. Mat'e, The History of Freethinking in Ancient Egypt (1956), no. 3.</ref> Although, there are artistic and musical achievements when it comes to African Christian art and African Christian music (for example African art museums displaying African Christian art), there has been a lack of significant African achievements when it comes to African atheist art and African atheist music.

Africa has many beautiful church buildings. Wikipedia, which again is a online encyclopedia found by an atheist and agnostic, has a church architecture article which features an entire section on [[Ethiopia]]n church architecture.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Church_architecture&oldid=770772508 Wikipedia - Church architecture]</ref> However, there is not a single notable example of African atheist architecture (see also: [[Atheism and architecture]]).

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[[File:800px-Mikolow protestant church pulpit.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|[[Harvard University]]

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historian [[Niall Ferguson]] declared: "Through a mixture of hard work and thrift the [[Protestantism|Protestant]] societies of the North and West Atlantic achieved the most rapid economic growth in history."<ref>[http://blog.tifwe.org/the-protestant-work-ethic-alive-well-in-china/ The Protestant Work Ethic: Alive & Well…In China] By Hugh Whelchel on September 24, 2012</ref> See: [[Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism|Protestant work ethic]]

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historian [[Niall Ferguson]] declared: "Through a mixture of hard work and thrift the [[Protestantism|Protestant]] societies of the North and West Atlantic achieved the most rapid economic growth in history."<ref name="blog.tifwe.org">[http://blog.tifwe.org/the-protestant-work-ethic-alive-well-in-china/ The Protestant Work Ethic: Alive & Well…In China] By Hugh Whelchel on September 24, 2012</ref> See: [[Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism|Protestant work ethic]]

Higher societal wealth and better nutrition is positively correlated with intelligence.<ref>[http://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/science-and-technology/intelligence-quotient-james-flynn Received wisdom: Average IQ is falling in Britain and beyond, explains Philip Hunter] by Philip Hunt, March 21, 2012, Published in April 2012 issue of Prospect Magazine</ref><ref>[http://noahpinionblog.blogspot.com/2015/06/iq-and-wealth-of-states.html IQ and the Wealth of Nations]</ref><ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/8308726/Food-for-thought-diet-does-boost-your-intelligence.html Food for thought – diet does boost your intelligence] By Richard Alleyne, Science Correspondent, ''The Telegraph'', 2001</ref> (Picture: Protestant church pulpit) ]]

Factors such as greater wealth with its attendant better quality of education/health/nutrition help increase IQ scores.<ref>[http://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/science-and-technology/intelligence-quotient-james-flynn Received wisdom: Average IQ is falling in Britain and beyond, explains Philip Hunter] by Philip Hunt, March 21, 2012, Published in April 2012 issue of Prospect Magazine</ref><ref>[http://noahpinionblog.blogspot.com/2015/06/iq-and-wealth-of-states.html IQ and the Wealth of Nations]</ref><ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/8308726/Food-for-thought-diet-does-boost-your-intelligence.html Food for thought – diet does boost your intelligence] By Richard Alleyne, Science Correspondent, ''The Telegraph'', 2001</ref>

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Developed countries with greater wealth, better educational systems and nutrition often have a cultural heritage of [[Christianity]] and often have significant Christian populations within them.<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2011/12/19/global-christianity-exec/ Global Christianity – A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World’s Christian Population], Pew Forum, December 10, 2011</ref><ref>[https://www.cai.org/bible-studies/these-were-christian-nations These Were Christian Nations]</ref> In terms of economic development, biblical Christianity has historically had a positive affect on countries.<ref>

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Developed countries with greater wealth, better educational systems and nutrition often have a cultural heritage of [[Christianity]] and often have significant Christian populations within them.<ref name="pewforum.org">[http://www.pewforum.org/2011/12/19/global-christianity-exec/ Global Christianity – A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World’s Christian Population], Pew Forum, December 10, 2011</ref><ref>[https://www.cai.org/bible-studies/these-were-christian-nations These Were Christian Nations]</ref> In terms of economic development, biblical Christianity has historically had a positive affect on countries.<ref>

*[http://blog.tifwe.org/the-protestant-work-ethic-alive-well-in-china/ The Protestant Work Ethic: Alive & Well…In China] By Hugh Whelchel on September 24, 2012

*[https://creation.com/christianity-as-progress ''Christianity as progress: A review of The Victory of Reason: How Christianity Led to Freedom, Capitalism, and Western Success by Rodney Stark Random House, New York, 2005''] by Lael Weinberger

*[https://creation.com/the-biblical-origins-of-science-review-of-stark-for-the-glory-of-god The biblical origins of science: A review of For The Glory of God: How Monotheism Led to Reformations, Science, Witch-hunts and the End of Slavery by Rodney Stark] by Alex Williams</ref>

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The atheist and [[Harvard University]] historian [[Niall Ferguson]] declared: "Through a mixture of hard work and thrift the [[Protestantism|Protestant]] societies of the North and West Atlantic achieved the most rapid economic growth in history." (See: [[Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism|Protestant work ethic and capitalism]]).<ref~~>[http://~~blog.tifwe.org/~~the-protestant-work-ethic-alive-well-in-china/ The Protestant Work Ethic: Alive & Well…In China] By Hugh Whelchel on September 24, 2012</ref~~>

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The atheist and [[Harvard University]] historian [[Niall Ferguson]] declared: "Through a mixture of hard work and thrift the [[Protestantism|Protestant]] societies of the North and West Atlantic achieved the most rapid economic growth in history." (See: [[Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism|Protestant work ethic and capitalism]]).<ref name="blog.tifwe.org"/>

Many irreligious countries, particularly [[Nordic]] countries, have cultural legacies of Protestantism which affects their current cultures as cultural legacies are often slow to disappear (see: [[Protestant cultural legacies]]).

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== Flynn effect on intelligence: Religious/secular nations trends ==

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The Flynn effect is the significant and long-sustained increase intelligence test scores measured in many parts of the world from roughly 1930 to the present.<ref name=R2000>Raven, John (2000). The Raven's Progressive Matrices: Change and Stability over Culture and Time. Cognitive Psychology 41, 1–48 (2000) {{doi|10.1006/cogp.1999.0735}}. John Raven, 30 Great King Street, Edinburgh EH3 6QH, Scotland. http://eyeonsociety.co.uk/resources/RPMChangeAndStability.pdf</ref> In many parts of the world, such as the developing world, biblical Christianity is seeing rapid growth (see: [[Global Christianity]]) which has the potential to improve their economies and thus improve their societal cognitive abilities as well given the link between economic well-being and increased cognitive abilities.<ref~~>[http://www~~.~~pewforum~~.org/~~2011/12/19/global-christianity-exec/ Global Christianity – A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World’s Christian Population], Pew Forum, December 10, 2011</ref~~><ref~~>[http://blog.tifwe~~.org/~~the-protestant-work-ethic-alive-well-in-china/ The Protestant Work Ethic: Alive & Well…In China] By Hugh Whelchel on September 24, 2012</ref~~> Furthermore, religiosity has a positive correlation with health and increased health has a beneficial effect on intelligence (see: [[Atheism and health]]).

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The Flynn effect is the significant and long-sustained increase intelligence test scores measured in many parts of the world from roughly 1930 to the present.<ref name=R2000>Raven, John (2000). The Raven's Progressive Matrices: Change and Stability over Culture and Time. Cognitive Psychology 41, 1–48 (2000) {{doi|10.1006/cogp.1999.0735}}. John Raven, 30 Great King Street, Edinburgh EH3 6QH, Scotland. http://eyeonsociety.co.uk/resources/RPMChangeAndStability.pdf</ref> In many parts of the world, such as the developing world, biblical Christianity is seeing rapid growth (see: [[Global Christianity]]) which has the potential to improve their economies and thus improve their societal cognitive abilities as well given the link between economic well-being and increased cognitive abilities.<ref name="blog.tifwe.org"/><ref name="pewforum.org"/> Furthermore, religiosity has a positive correlation with health and increased health has a beneficial effect on intelligence (see: [[Atheism and health]]).

In some secular economically developed countries, the Flynn effect has ceased and their scores on standardized intelligence tests are falling (See: [[Intelligence trends in religious countries and secular countries]])<ref>

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''See also:'' [[Atheism and the brain]] and [[Atheism and logic]] and [[Atheism and logical fallacies]] and [[Causes of atheism]]

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[[File:Atheism and brain function - satirical graphic.png|thumbnail|200px|left|Satirical graphic used by the [[Freedom From Atheism Foundation]] (FFAF). The FFAF shared Dr. Joel McDurmon's article entitled ''Atheists embarrassed: study proves atheism uses less brain function'' with their supporters.<ref>[http://americanvision.org/12630/atheists-embarrassed-study-proves-atheism-uses-less-brain-function/ Atheists embarrassed: study proves atheism uses less brain function]</ref>]]

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[[File:Atheism and brain function - satirical graphic.png|thumbnail|200px|left|Satirical graphic used by the [[Freedom From Atheism Foundation]] (FFAF). The FFAF shared Dr. Joel McDurmon's article entitled ''Atheists embarrassed: study proves atheism uses less brain function'' with their supporters.<ref name="americanvision.org">[http://americanvision.org/12630/atheists-embarrassed-study-proves-atheism-uses-less-brain-function/ Atheists embarrassed: study proves atheism uses less brain function]</ref>]]

Dr. Joel McDurmon at the organization American Vision wrote about a University of York study involving magnetism and brain function:

{{cquote|This has to be embarrassing . . . if you’re an atheist. A new study performed at the University of York used targeted magnetism to shut down part of the brain. The result: belief in God disappeared among more than 30 percent of participants.

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That in itself may not seem so embarrassing, but consider that the specific part of the brain they frazzled was the [[posterior medial frontal cortex]]—the part associated with detecting and solving problems, i.e., reasoning and logic.

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In other words, when you shut down the part of the brain most associated with logic and reasoning, greater levels of atheism result.<ref>[http://americanvision.org/12630/atheists-embarrassed-study-proves-atheism-uses-less-brain-function/ Atheists embarrassed: study proves atheism uses less brain function]</ref>}}

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In other words, when you shut down the part of the brain most associated with logic and reasoning, greater levels of atheism result.<ref name="americanvision.org">[http://americanvision.org/12630/atheists-embarrassed-study-proves-atheism-uses-less-brain-function/ Atheists embarrassed: study proves atheism uses less brain function]</ref>}}

(To read about some of the functions of the posterior medial frontal cortex (pMFC), please read the article: [[Posterior medial frontal cortex]])

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== Recent intelligence trends in secular Europe/Australia ==

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[[File:Flag of Sweden.png|thumbnail|200px|right|Sweden is one of the most atheistic countries in the world.<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_atheist.html Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics(Zuckerman, 2005)]</ref> In [[Sweden]], phenotypic intelligence is now declining.<ref>[https://www.academia.edu/1203173/The_Rise_and_Fall_of_the_World_1_ ''The Rise and Fall of the World's IQ''] by Thomas Hally</ref> ]]

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[[File:Flag of Sweden.png|thumbnail|200px|right|Sweden is one of the most atheistic countries in the world.<ref name="adherents.com">[http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_atheist.html Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics(Zuckerman, 2005)]</ref> In [[Sweden]], phenotypic intelligence is now declining.<ref name="academia.edu">[https://www.academia.edu/1203173/The_Rise_and_Fall_of_the_World_1_ ''The Rise and Fall of the World's IQ''] by Thomas Hally</ref> ]]

''See also:'' [[Intelligence trends in religious countries and secular countries]]

To a certain extent intelligence is heritable and the link between higher IQ individuals having fewer kids is known as dysgenic fertility.<ref>[http://www.examiner.com/article/how-the-world-s-iq-is-decline How the world's IQ is in decline July 31, 2010]</ref>

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Michael Blume, a researcher at the University of Jena in Germany, wrote about the sub-replacement level of fertility among [[Atheist Population|atheistic populations]]: "Most societies or communities that have espoused atheistic beliefs have not survived more than a century."<ref>[http://www.scilogs.eu/en/blog/biology-of-religion/2011-01-06/atheists-a-dying-breed-as-nature-favours-faithful-sunday-times-jan-02-2011-jonathan-leake-full-draft-version Atheist: A dying breed as nature favours faithful]</ref> Blume also indicated concerning concerning his research on this matter: "What I found was the complete lack of a single case of a secular population, community or movement that would just manage to retain replacement level."<ref~~>[http://www.~~scilogs.eu/en/blog/biology-of-religion/2011-01-06/atheists-a-dying-breed-as-nature-favours-faithful-sunday-times-jan-02-2011-jonathan-leake-full-draft-version Atheist: A dying breed as nature favours faithful]</ref> See also: [[Atheism and sexuality]]

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Michael Blume, a researcher at the University of Jena in Germany, wrote about the sub-replacement level of fertility among [[Atheist Population|atheistic populations]]: "Most societies or communities that have espoused atheistic beliefs have not survived more than a century."<ref name="scilogs.eu">[http://www.scilogs.eu/en/blog/biology-of-religion/2011-01-06/atheists-a-dying-breed-as-nature-favours-faithful-sunday-times-jan-02-2011-jonathan-leake-full-draft-version Atheist: A dying breed as nature favours faithful]</ref> Blume also indicated concerning concerning his research on this matter: "What I found was the complete lack of a single case of a secular population, community or movement that would just manage to retain replacement level."<ref name="scilogs.eu"/> See also: [[Atheism and sexuality]]

Professor [[Eric Kaufmann]]'s academic work and his book ''Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?'' argue using a wealth of demographic data that due to the higher birth rates of religious conservatives (and the below replacement level of the irreligious) and religious immigration to the [[Western World]], atheism/secularism will decline in the Western World as early as 2021 or by 2050.<ref>[http://www.sneps.net/RD/uploads/1-Shall%20the%20Religious%20Inherit%20the%20Earth.pdf Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?: Demography and Politics in the Twenty-First Century by Eric Kaufmann, Belfer Center, Harvard University/Birkbeck College, University of London]</ref><ref>[http://kitmantv.blogspot.com/2011/05/eric-kaufmann-shall-religious-inherit.html Eric Kaufmann: Shall The Religious Inherit The Earth?]</ref><ref>[http://kitmantv.blogspot.com/search/label/atheist%20demographics Eric Kaufmann's Atheist Demographic series]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwmgFZsgSo0 Eric Kaufmann: Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?, Australian Broadcasting Corporation]</ref>

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{{cquote|In many areas phenotypic intelligence has been increasing (the Flynn Effect) while genotypic intelligence is decreasing due to the negative association between intelligence and that which is known as ³dysgenic fertility´. Gains of as much as 7.5 IQ points in phenotypic intelligence are much greater than the 0.43 IQ points per generation in the world-wide genotypic IQ that had been estimated for the period 1950-2000. The situation in the industrially developed world appears to follow the lead of the United States and a handful of other developed nations in so far as the phenotypic IQ has been increasing at a greater rate as a result of environmental improvements.

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As noted above, in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Great Britain and Australia phenotypic intelligence has stabilized and now is declining.<ref>[https://www.academia.edu/1203173/The_Rise_and_Fall_of_the_World_1_ ''The Rise and Fall of the World's IQ''] by Thomas Hally</ref>}}

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As noted above, in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Great Britain and Australia phenotypic intelligence has stabilized and now is declining.<ref name="academia.edu">[https://www.academia.edu/1203173/The_Rise_and_Fall_of_the_World_1_ ''The Rise and Fall of the World's IQ''] by Thomas Hally</ref>}}

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As noted above, the ''Daily Mail'' reported in 2014, "Evidence suggests that the IQs of people in the [[UK]], [[Denmark]] and Australia have declined in the last decade."<ref~~>[https://www.~~dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2730791/Are-STUPID-Britons-people-IQ-decline.html Are we becoming more STUPID? IQ scores are decreasing - and some experts argue it's because humans have reached their intellectual peak], ''Daily Mail'', 2014</ref>

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As noted above, the ''Daily Mail'' reported in 2014, "Evidence suggests that the IQs of people in the [[UK]], [[Denmark]] and Australia have declined in the last decade."<ref name="dailymail.co.uk"/>

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[[File:Flag of Denmark.png|thumbnail|left|200px|In godless [[Denmark]], phenotypic intelligence is now declining.<ref>[https://www.academia.edu/1203173/The_Rise_and_Fall_of_the_World_1_ ''The Rise and Fall of the World's IQ''] by Thomas Hally</ref> ]]

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[[File:Flag of Denmark.png|thumbnail|left|200px|In godless [[Denmark]], phenotypic intelligence is now declining.<ref name="academia.edu">[https://www.academia.edu/1203173/The_Rise_and_Fall_of_the_World_1_ ''The Rise and Fall of the World's IQ''] by Thomas Hally</ref> ]]

In 2012, it was reported that Norway was the eighth most godless country on earth.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2012/05/14/whats-the-most-godless-place-on-earth/ What’s the Most Godless Place on Earth?] by [[Hemant Mehta]], May 14, 2012</ref>

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Sweden is one of the most atheistic countries in the world and the website adherents.com reported that in 2005 46 - 85% of Swedes were agnostics/atheists/non-believers in God.<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_atheist.html Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics(Zuckerman, 2005)]</ref> In 2012, it was reported to be the 4rth most godless place on earth.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2012/05/14/whats-the-most-godless-place-on-earth/ What’s the Most Godless Place on Earth?] by [[Hemant Mehta]], May 14, 2012</ref> Sweden also has the 3rd highest rate of belief in evolution as far as [[Western World]] nations.<ref>[http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/bigphotos/21329204.html Photo: Evolution Less Accepted in U.S. Than Other Western Countries, Study Finds]</ref> See also: [[Sexual immorality and Sweden]]

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Denmark has the highest rate of belief in evolution in the [[Western World]].<ref~~>[http://~~news.nationalgeographic.com/~~news/bigphotos/21329204.html Photo: Evolution Less Accepted in U.S. Than Other Western Countries, Study Finds]</ref~~> In addition, in 2005 [[Denmark]] was ranked the third most atheistic country in the world and the website adherents.com reported that in 2005 43 - 80% of Danes are [[agnosticism|agnostics]]/atheists/non-believers in God.<ref~~>[http://www.~~adherents.com/~~largecom/com_atheist.html Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics(Zuckerman, 2005)]</ref~~>

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Denmark has the highest rate of belief in evolution in the [[Western World]].<ref name="news.nationalgeographic.com"/> In addition, in 2005 [[Denmark]] was ranked the third most atheistic country in the world and the website adherents.com reported that in 2005 43 - 80% of Danes are [[agnosticism|agnostics]]/atheists/non-believers in God.<ref name="adherents.com"/>

According to Rabbi [[Shmuley Boteach]] and an article on Belief.net, Britain (which was the fountainhead of Darwinism) has become one of the most godless places on earth.<ref>[http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/watchwomanonthewall/2011/07/has-godlessness-truly-%E2%80%98doomed%E2%80%99-great-britain.html HAS GODLESSNESS TRULY ‘DOOMED’ GREAT BRITAIN?]

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== Atheism, intelligence and dysfunctional individuals/families/communities ==

[[File:Estocolmo The Royal Official Castle.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|In atheistic [[Sweden]], 81 percent of women said they had been harassed at some point after the age of 15 - compared to the EU average of 55 percent.<ref>[http://www.thelocal.se/20140305/sweden-out-top-in-eu-domestic-violence-league Sweden stands out in domestic violence study] Published: 05 Mar 2014 08:3</ref> See: [[Irreligion and domestic violence]] ]]

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Children in dysfunctional homes/communities and/or homes/communities with financial problems often perform poorer on intelligence tests as result.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/1991-02-17/news/mn-2176_1_sexual-abuse Studies Link Childhood Abuse to Adult Social Dysfunction : Research: Neglect is tied to lower IQs and misuse of drugs, alcohol. Results also dispel notions related to temperament and prostitution.] February 17, 1991|THOMAS H. MAUGH II | TIMES SCIENCE WRITER</ref><ref>[http://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/science-and-technology/intelligence-quotient-james-flynn Received wisdom: Average IQ is falling in Britain and beyond, explains Philip Hunter] by Philip Hunt, March 21, 2012, Published in April 2012 issue of Prospect Magazine</ref>

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Children in dysfunctional homes/communities and/or homes/communities with financial problems often perform poorer on intelligence tests as result.<ref name="prospectmagazine.co.uk"/><ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/1991-02-17/news/mn-2176_1_sexual-abuse Studies Link Childhood Abuse to Adult Social Dysfunction : Research: Neglect is tied to lower IQs and misuse of drugs, alcohol. Results also dispel notions related to temperament and prostitution.] February 17, 1991|THOMAS H. MAUGH II | TIMES SCIENCE WRITER</ref>

As far as a comparison between atheistic/[[theism|theistic]] homes/individuals, see:

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There are forms of intelligence that contribute to human performance that are more difficult to precisely measure than the types of intelligence commonly measured by standard IQ tests.

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As noted above. [[Howard Gardner]] at Harvard University developed the [[theory of multiple intelligences]] which has identified various distinct intelligences: interpersonal, intrapersonal, visual–spatial, verbal–linguistic, logical–mathematical, musical–rhythmic, bodily–kinesthetic, and naturalistic.<ref~~>[http://www.tecweb.org/styles/gardner.html~~ Multiple Ingelligence]</~~ref~~> Gardner later suggested that [[moral intelligence]] may merit being included in his multiple intelligence model.<ref>[http://infed.org/mobi/howard-gardner-multiple-intelligences-and-education/ Howard Gardner, multiple intelligences and education]</ref>

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As noted above. [[Howard Gardner]] at Harvard University developed the [[theory of multiple intelligences]] which has identified various distinct intelligences: interpersonal, intrapersonal, visual–spatial, verbal–linguistic, logical–mathematical, musical–rhythmic, bodily–kinesthetic, and naturalistic.<ref name="Multiple Ingelligence"/> Gardner later suggested that [[moral intelligence]] may merit being included in his multiple intelligence model.<ref name="infed.org">[http://infed.org/mobi/howard-gardner-multiple-intelligences-and-education/ Howard Gardner, multiple intelligences and education]</ref>

For information related to atheism and various forms of intelligence, please see [[Atheism and the theory of multiple intelligences]]

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''See also:'' [[Atheism and moral intelligence]]

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Howard Gardner suggested that moral intelligence may merit being included in his multiple intelligences model.<ref~~>[http://~~infed.org/~~mobi/howard-gardner-multiple-intelligences-and-education/ Howard Gardner, multiple intelligences and education]</ref~~> As far as moral intelligence, not possessing a [[Religion|religious]] basis for [[morality]], [[atheist]]s are fundamentally [[Moral relativism|incapable]] of having a coherent system of morality. For example, atheists have been the biggest mass murderers in history (see: [[Atheism and mass murder]]). For more information please see: [[Atheism and morality]] and [[Atheism and hedonism]]

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Howard Gardner suggested that moral intelligence may merit being included in his multiple intelligences model.<ref name="infed.org"/> As far as moral intelligence, not possessing a [[Religion|religious]] basis for [[morality]], [[atheist]]s are fundamentally [[Moral relativism|incapable]] of having a coherent system of morality. For example, atheists have been the biggest mass murderers in history (see: [[Atheism and mass murder]]). For more information please see: [[Atheism and morality]] and [[Atheism and hedonism]]

Also, atheists within the [[United States]] have developed a reputation of uncharitableness as they gave far less to charities, even if church donations are not counted (see: [[Atheism and charity|Atheism and uncharitableness]]).

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Militant atheism was an integral part of the materialism of [[Marxism-Leninism]], and significant in the [[French Revolution]], atheist states such as the [[Soviet Union]], and [[Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution]] (See: [[Atheism and communism]]). The term militant atheism has also been applied to antireligious political thinkers.

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According to the [[University of Cambridge]], historically, the "most notable spread of atheism was achieved through the success of the 1917 [[Russian Revolution]], which brought the [[Marxism-Leninism|Marxist-Leninists]] to power."<ref name="Marxism-Leninism">{{cite web|url=~~https://web.archive.org/web/20130728215151/~~http://www.investigatingatheism.info/marxism.html|title=Investigating atheism: Marxism|publisher = [[University of Cambridge]]|quote=The most notable spread of atheism was achieved through the success of the 1917 Russian Revolution, which brought the Marxist-Leninists to power. For the first time in history, atheism thus became the official ideology of a state.|year=2008|accessdate=July 17, 2014}}</ref>

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According to the [[University of Cambridge]], historically, the "most notable spread of atheism was achieved through the success of the 1917 [[Russian Revolution]], which brought the [[Marxism-Leninism|Marxist-Leninists]] to power."<ref name="Marxism-Leninism">{{cite web|url=http://www.investigatingatheism.info/marxism.html|title=Investigating atheism: Marxism|publisher = [[University of Cambridge]]|quote=The most notable spread of atheism was achieved through the success of the 1917 Russian Revolution, which brought the Marxist-Leninists to power. For the first time in history, atheism thus became the official ideology of a state.|year=2008|accessdate=July 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728215151/http://www.investigatingatheism.info/marxism.html|archive-date=2013-07-28}}</ref>

It is estimated that in the past 100 years, governments under the banner of atheistic [[communism]] have caused the death of somewhere between 40,472,000 and 259,432,000 human lives.<ref>Multiple references:

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=== Atheism and verbal–linguistic intelligence ===

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[[Image:800px-Crop Book of Isaiah 2006-06-06.jpg|thumb|left|200px| The [[Bible]] has been translated into 518 languages and 2,798 languages have at least some portion of the Bible.<ref>[http://www.audiobiblesdownload.com/bible-translations/ Bible translations]</ref>

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[[Image:800px-Crop Book of Isaiah 2006-06-06.jpg|thumb|left|200px| The [[Bible]] has been translated into 518 languages and 2,798 languages have at least some portion of the Bible.<ref name="Bible translations">[http://www.audiobiblesdownload.com/bible-translations/ Bible translations]</ref>

<br />

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Atheism does none of these things. According to an international study done by William Bainbridge, atheism is common among people whose interpersonal social obligations are weak and is also connected to lower fertility rates in advanced industrial nations (See also: [[Atheism and loneliness]]

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and [[Atheism and fertility rates]]).<ref> Bainbridge, William (2005). "[http://www.religjournal.com/pdf/ijrr01002.pdf Atheism]" (PDF). Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion. 1 (Article 2): 1–26.</ref>

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and [[Atheism and fertility rates]]).<ref>Bainbridge, William (2005). "[http://www.religjournal.com/pdf/ijrr01002.pdf Atheism]" (PDF). Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion. 1 (Article 2): 1–26.</ref>

Since [[World War II]] a majority of the most prominent and vocal defenders of the [[evolution]]ary position which employs methodological naturalism have been atheists and agnostics (see also: [[Causes of evolutionary belief]]).<ref>

* Dr. Don Batten, [https://creation.com/a-whos-who-of-evolutionists A ''Who’s Who'' of evolutionists] ''Creation'' 20(1):32, December 1997.

* Jonathan Sarfati, Ph.D.,F.M., [http://www.creation.com/content/view/3830 ''Refuting Evolution'', Chapter 1, Facts and Bias]

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</ref> In 2013, [[Charles Darwin]]'s evolutionary book ''The Origin of the Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life'' was been translated into 35 languages.<ref~~>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170213224633/https://amphilsoc.org/library/valentinedarwin/vanwyhe~~ Darwin in Translation]</~~ref~~>

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</ref> In 2013, [[Charles Darwin]]'s evolutionary book ''The Origin of the Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life'' was been translated into 35 languages.<ref name="Darwin in Translation"/>

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In terms of its geographic distribution, [[Christianity]] is a more [[Global Christianity|global religion]] than most, if not all, religions (See also: [[Global Christianity]]).<ref>[https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/08/27/many-religions-heavily-concentrated-in-one-or-two-countries/ Many religions heavily concentrated in one or two countries]</ref><ref>[http://wwwgordonconwell.com/netcommunity/CSGCResources/ChristianityinitsGlobalContext.pdf Christianity in its global context]</ref> The [[Bible]] has been translated into 518 languages and 2,798 languages have at least some portion of the Bible.<ref~~>[http://www.audiobiblesdownload.com/bible-translations/~~ Bible translations]</~~ref~~> In addition, the Christian community is far more [[evangelism|evangelistic]] than the atheist community and Christian [[Missionary|missionaries]] are throughout the world.

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In terms of its geographic distribution, [[Christianity]] is a more [[Global Christianity|global religion]] than most, if not all, religions (See also: [[Global Christianity]]).<ref>[https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/08/27/many-religions-heavily-concentrated-in-one-or-two-countries/ Many religions heavily concentrated in one or two countries]</ref><ref>[http://wwwgordonconwell.com/netcommunity/CSGCResources/ChristianityinitsGlobalContext.pdf Christianity in its global context]</ref> The [[Bible]] has been translated into 518 languages and 2,798 languages have at least some portion of the Bible.<ref name="Bible translations"/> In addition, the Christian community is far more [[evangelism|evangelistic]] than the atheist community and Christian [[Missionary|missionaries]] are throughout the world.

Collectively speaking, the Christian community has a greater degree of linguistic and cultural intelligence than the atheist community. See also: [[Atheist Population|Atheist population]] and [[Western atheism and race]] and [[Social Darwinism]] and [[Evolutionary racism]]

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[[New Atheism]], a recent form of militant atheism, has a reputation for shallow arguments. For example, atheist philosopher Dr. [[Michael Ruse]] declared concerning Richard Dawkins' book ''The God Delusion'': "''The God Delusion'' makes me embarrassed to be an atheist."<ref>http://www.alternet.org/media/47052?page=entire</ref>

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[[Image:~~Billcraig_czvx~~.jpg‎‎|thumb|150px|Dr. [[William Lane Craig]] ]]

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[[Image:Billcraig czvx.jpg‎‎|thumb|150px|Dr. [[William Lane Craig]] ]]

Dr. [[William Lane Craig]] is one of Christianity's leading defenders and many individuals over the years have attempted to arrange a debate between Dr. Craig and Richard Dawkins. Richard Dawkins has offered various ruses on why he will not debate William Lane Craig, which Dr. Craig supporters have shown were inconsistent and merely a dodge to avoid debating one of Christianity's strongest advocates.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlnVe934u38&feature=related</ref><ref name="uncommon">[http://www.uncommondescent.com/evolution/william-lane-craig-is-avoided-by-richard-dawkins William Lane Craig is avoided by Richard Dawkins]</ref>

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== Miron Zuckerman meta-study ==

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A [[Meta-analysis|meta-study]] conducted by Miron Zuckerman, a psychologist at the University of Rochester, examined 63 studies that measured intelligence and religiosity which found that atheists scored higher on [[Intelligence testing|intelligence tests]].<ref>[http://www.religionnews.com/2013/08/16/are-atheists-smarter-than-believers-not-exactly/ Are atheists smarter than believers? Not exactly]</ref> The original 2013 paper stated a correlation of -.20 to -.25. In a later 2019 study (see below) the correlation got weaker to -.20 to -.23. All of these are very weak-poor correlations in psychology, statistically speaking.<ref>Akoglu H. "[https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6107969/ User's guide to correlation coefficients.] Turk J Emerg Med. 2018 Aug 7;18(3):91-93. doi: 10.1016/j.tjem.2018.08.001. See Table 1.</ref> (see Table 1 in ref for how to interpret correlation coefficients).

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A [[Meta-analysis|meta-study]] conducted by Miron Zuckerman, a psychologist at the University of Rochester, examined 63 studies that measured intelligence and religiosity which found that atheists scored higher on [[Intelligence testing|intelligence tests]].<ref>[http://www.religionnews.com/2013/08/16/are-atheists-smarter-than-believers-not-exactly/ Are atheists smarter than believers? Not exactly]</ref> The original 2013 paper stated a correlation of -.20 to -.25. In a later 2019 study (see below) the correlation got weaker to -.20 to -.23. All of these are very weak-poor correlations in psychology, statistically speaking.<ref name="pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov">Akoglu H. "[https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6107969/ User's guide to correlation coefficients.] Turk J Emerg Med. 2018 Aug 7;18(3):91-93. doi: 10.1016/j.tjem.2018.08.001. See Table 1.</ref> (see Table 1 in ref for how to interpret correlation coefficients).

=== Theodore Beale's criticisms of Zuckerman's study ===

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'''Socioeconomic factors:'''

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As noted above, research in the United States indicates that the daily pressures associated with being in the low income bracket reduces IQ by 13 points.<ref~~>[https://www.~~businessinsider.com/~~poverty-effect-on-intelligence-2013-8 Poverty Stresses The Brain So Much That It's Like Losing 13 IQ Points], ''Business Insider'', 2013</ref~~> Africa is a very religious region and many Africans live in abject poverty. The same applies to India.

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As noted above, research in the United States indicates that the daily pressures associated with being in the low income bracket reduces IQ by 13 points.<ref name="businessinsider.com"/> Africa is a very religious region and many Africans live in abject poverty. The same applies to India.

Furthermore, poorer individuals are more religious and they often have lower access to quality education (attend low quality, public schools in the inner city) and health care plus face other factors which would negatively affect their intelligence score tests (nutrition, poor children are more likely to ingest lead paint which causes intellectual impairment, etc.)<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/07/does-atheism-thrive-on-economic.html Does atheism thrive on economic prosperity? Does religion prosper when people are desperate and ignorant?]</ref>

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Miron Zuckerman states that though he finds a robust result in his updated study, he qualifies his findings by noting that "the effect size of the relation is small. This means that there are factors besides intelligence that explain why people are or are not religious." And also notes "predicting religiosity from intelligence for individuals is fallible". Additionally he stated that "“Although we present reasons for the negative relation, the empirical evidence for these explanation is not definitive.” Furthermore, he admits that his study is limited to Western nations and is unsure about the generalizability as he sates "We don't know whether it generalizes to other populations, particularly those in the Far East."<ref>Eric W. Dolan. 15 November 2019. "Meta-analysis of 83 studies produces 'very strong' evidence for a negative relationship between intelligence and religiosity". PsyPost. Psychology News.</ref>

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The original 2013 paper stated a correlation of -.20 to -.25 based on 63 studies between intelligence and religiosity. However, this updated 2019 paper increased to include even more studies (83 studies), the correlation actually got weaker to -.20 to -.23. All of these are very weak-poor correlations in psychology, statistically speaking.<ref~~>Akoglu H.~~ "~~[https://~~pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/~~articles/PMC6107969/ User's guide to correlation coefficients.] Turk J Emerg Med. 2018 Aug 7;18(3):91-93. doi: 10.1016/j.tjem.2018.08.001. See Table 1.</ref~~> (see Table 1 in ref for how to interpret correlation coefficients).

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The original 2013 paper stated a correlation of -.20 to -.25 based on 63 studies between intelligence and religiosity. However, this updated 2019 paper increased to include even more studies (83 studies), the correlation actually got weaker to -.20 to -.23. All of these are very weak-poor correlations in psychology, statistically speaking.<ref name="pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov"/> (see Table 1 in ref for how to interpret correlation coefficients).

*[http://swilling.com/are-religious-people-dumb/ Are Religious People Dumber? Not quite]

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