Religious people are less intelligent than atheists, according to analysis of scores of scientific studies stretching back over decades

[Ben Kenobi]

As always, the word “correlation” is important. It hasn’t been shown that higher intelligence causes someone to be less religious. So, it wouldn’t be right to call someone a dimwit just because of their religious beliefs. Unless, of course, you are an ancient playwright looking to provoke your audience.

Kentonio is Euripides? mind. blown.

[Asher]

You're lucky I don't throw you in jail for disagreeing with me. Catholics like to do that.

[Elok]

If you're so bloody clever, why do you still spend time arguing with Ben?

[Ben Kenobi]

You're lucky I don't throw you in jail for disagreeing with me. Catholics like to do that.

Bondage?

[kentonio]

If you're so bloody clever, why do you still spend time arguing with Ben?

I was kind of assuming that this was a living hell where I and others were paying for their previous sins by endlessly being drawn into conversations with Ben against our will.

A bit like Lost but with less polar bears.

[DaShi]

Someone from Ars Technica read it.

[Aeson]

Hard to take water from an empty barrel..

Good thing it's not empty then

[giblets]

One of Ben's wild claims turns out to be conveniently unverifiable?! I'm shocked! Shocked I tell you!

What, you don't believe that he had an employer who wanted him to conduct super secret research on a correlation between education and certain beliefs...?

[Ben Kenobi]

What, you don't believe that he had an employer who wanted him to conduct super secret research on a correlation between education and certain beliefs...?

I did 'super secret research' for the BBC too! Wish I'd framed the check.

[Aeson]

I was kind of assuming that this was a living hell where I and others were paying for their previous sins by endlessly being drawn into conversations with Ben against our will.

It's sad but true. You have no willpower or common sense. If you don't like talking to someone, don't. Simple. It's not like Ben can reach through your computer screen and make you open up a thread and start posting drivel ...

[Ben Kenobi]

It's not like Ben can reach through your computer screen and make you open up a thread and start posting drivel ...

I think it's listed under 'force choke'. It's a dark side power though.

[Patroklos]

1928 eh? Caliper measurements FTW.

[rah]

The scientific method was originally developed by a Catholic priest. It was expanded upon by another Catholic priest, and then developed further by a Catholic layperson who was one of the most famous scientists of his age.

To be fair, in my discipline, it's chief proponent was a Protestant who became famous by writing about the Pope. He was invited to the Vatican and widely praised for his research.

So yeah, religion bad atheism good. Asher smash puny Jesus.

Leave it to Ben to point out an exception as proof that the survey has no value. Not very scientific.

[Elok]

1928 eh? Caliper measurements FTW.

I think phrenology might have been dead by then. Eugenics, however, was still all the rage, so your broader point stands.

[Dinner]

So the takeaway is is that college creates atheists.

Education, period, makes people less superstitious.