Based on available research, no single religion has been definitively identified as possessing the highest average IQ. Instead, studies have examined the relationship between general religious belief and intelligence.
Understanding IQ and Religious Belief
Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is a measure of a person's cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills. When examining IQ in relation to religious belief, studies often look at broad categories of belief or the presence/absence of belief in God rather than attempting to differentiate intelligence levels among individual religions due to the vast diversity of religious practices and varying definitions of religiosity.
Research on Belief vs. Non-Belief
A significant study by researchers Helmuth Nyborg and Richard Lynn explored the correlation between belief in God and IQ scores. Using data from a large U.S. study involving 6,825 adolescents, their findings revealed a notable difference in average IQ between atheists and non-atheists.
Table: Comparative Average IQ Differences
| Group | Average IQ Trend (Relative) |
|---|---|
| Atheists | Approximately 6 points higher |
| Non-Atheists | Baseline (compared to atheists) |
Interpreting These Findings
It is important to understand the nuances of these results:
- Atheism's Definition: Atheism typically refers to the absence of belief in a deity or deities, and is not generally classified as a religion itself.
- "Non-Atheists" Category: The "non-atheists" category in this research encompasses individuals from a wide spectrum of religious affiliations. Therefore, this particular study does not distinguish or compare IQ scores among specific religions (e.g., Christianity, Islam, Judaism).
- General Trend: The findings suggest a general trend where the lack of belief in God is associated with higher average IQ scores within the studied adolescent population, rather than identifying any specific religion with the highest IQ.
