Religion, Intelligence and Education

Religion and Intelligence: an evolutionary analysis by Edward Dutton

Ulster Institute for Social Research, 2014

Notes from an article in the Church Times, 30 May 2014

His work combined findings from a number of independent studies (meta-analysis) which show a weak but significant negative correlation between ‘religiousness’ and ‘intelligence’. Atheists have higher IQs than liberal religious, who have higher IQs than conservative religious. Religious people also score lower on proxies for intelligence (e.g. being highly educated). Fervent advocacy of any ideology (religion, Marxism, multi-culturism, conservative nationalism) is associated with low intelligence.

Intelligence is defined as the ability to solve problems quickly. It is linked to levels of education, socio-economic status, salary, health, criminality (negatively) and future orientation, amongst others. It is measured by IQ tests, which are not culturally biased.

Religiousness is c. 44% genetic, while religious conversion is c. 65% genetic. In people with pronounced personality traits (which are c. 50% genetic), these can overwhelm their intelligence. Religious academics and unintelligent atheists both arise from personality overwhelming intelligence.

There are five main personality characteristics: (1) Extra-version: experiencing positive feelings strongly; (2) Neuroticism: experiencing negative feelings strongly; (3) Conscientiousness: impulse control; (4) Agreeableness: altruism and (5) Openness-intellect: intellectual curiosity, creativity, hypnotisability, unusual psychological experiences. These have important implications. Very high extraversion predicts obesity and alcoholism, while very high neuroticism is linked with depression.

ED found religiousness weakly related to being agreeable or conscientious. Neuroticism is linked with periodic bouts of religious fervour or unusual religiosity. Openness and neuroticism are linked with both educational success and temporary religiousness, and likely to be set off by factors such as uncertainty and social exclusion (e.g. at top universities, far from home and under pressure to succeed). Post-graduates are generally less religious than undergraduates, PhD students less religious still. The most successful academics (e.g. Nobel Prize winners) were least religious of all.

ED found that compared with the general population, academics are agreeable, conscientious, open, neurotic and intelligent. Highly original thinkers have very high openness-intellect and neuroticism and relatively low agreeableness and conscientiousness, so less likely to care if new ideas offend and more likely to reject orthodox ways of doing things (offices tend to be chaotic, dress sense embarrassing, difficult to live with). The aggression of some atheists suggest ideological fervour is linked with low agreeableness and conscientiousness, high neuroticism and low intelligence; in comparison with Christians they would have similar IQs but be nasty, have poor emotional control and be mentally unstable.

Christians are likely to have very high agreeableness, conscientiousness and, perhaps, openness and neuroticism. They are likely to make better friends and partners than non-religious people when intelligence is taken into account. It is possible that religiousness (c. 44% genetic) was selected for in pre-history because people liked the characteristics associated with it.

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Could this theory explain why:

(a) Roman Catholicism and Islam are strongest in poor communities with little education.

(b) Countries with higher levels of education are the least religious

Source: Church Times, 30 May 2014

Risk Taking and Novelty Seeking Genes

Neanderthals carried a gene called DRD4-7R forty thousand years ago. This gene is associated with risk taking and sensation seeking; always seeking but never satisfied.

A similar gene exists in 10% of the current human population and this 10% are more likely to be addicts. In fact, what kept humans progressing through evolution was this quest for novelty.

Entrepreneurs get us addicted to devices with constant updates and new features. Both substance (hard drugs) and behavioural (sex, shopping, etc.) addictions involve the release of dopamine - the brain's reward system.

With constant 'rushes' of dopamine, the brain decides to stop releasing dopamine, so you don't get the same buzz, and need more dopamine to get the same kick. And if you don't get it, you are left with the craving, in some cases leading to even more harmful addictions (e.g. cocaine).

Source: How to be human by Ruby Wax. Penguin Life, 2018

Your Passport and Purse or Wallet is Stolen Abroad

Your bag is stolen. Try not to panic. Write out a list of everything that was in your bag, including credit cards, money and traveller's cheques.

Report the theft to the police and insist they give you a written report, including a list of the items that were in your bag. You'll need this to make an insurance claim.

Cancel any credit cards and cash cards (keep emergency numbers in your hotel safe). Otherwise, take all reasonable steps to contact your bank and the company that issued your credit cards and traveller's cheques.

Get in touch with the nearest British Embassy or Consulate (for a list of locations by country go to www.fco.gov.uk). Either office will be able to arrange a money transfer to you from relatives or friends at home, as well as a replacement passport or emergency travel documents. This costs between £35.50 and £56.60 (2005 prices) and the process will be far easier if you have a photocopy of your passport, or at least a note of its number, as well as the date and place of issue.

Contact your travel insurance company. A typical policy will cover the cost of your new passport, the items in your bag, the travel costs to reach the police station, or embassy, and the cash you had in your purse (though this is usually limited to £250). Keep the receipts when you buy foreign currency as this will make it easier to claim on your insurance.

Block your mobile phone. Contact your network provider immediately to avoid being charged for calls made by the thief.

Source: Travel feature in Good Housekeeping, August 2005

Dress Code

Here are some examples of how to dress for a range of occasions.

Smart Casual
Aim to look presentable but understated and not too formal. For women, an unstructured jacket with a dress or a long skirt, or smart trousers with a silk shirt for women. For men, either a smart jacket with trousers and an open-neck shirt, or for a slightly more informal event, trousers, polo shirt and jumper.

Elegant Casual
For women, a well-fitted knee or calf length dress with overshirt, elegant cardigan or wrap. For men, a smart daytime suit in a dark colour, with a shirt and tie.

Lounge Suit
Smart but not dressy. For women, a knee length cocktail dress with a wrap, or a pair of evening trousers and a silk shirt. For men, a casual suit with an open shirt or polo shirt.

Black Tie
For women, it's best to ask the hostess what dress she is expecting, full-length or knee length. Accessorize with your best jewellery. Easier for men, a dinner jacket teamed with trousers with one row of braid and worn with soft-collared shirt and a black tie.

White Tie
Grander than black tie, and reserved for for formal events. Women should always wear long, formal evening dress (short dress and trousers not acceptable). Long evening gloves are correct, though few wear them. For men, a black evening tail coat, matching trousers with two rows of braid, stiff 'boiled' shirt, detachable wing collar, white bow tie and white evening waistcoat. Black patent shoes and black silk socks are a must.

Cocktail
Usually relaxed affairs. For women, a smart day dress or knee-length party dress. For men, a smart suit with a shirt and tie.

Come As You Are
Dress casually, but not sloppy. For women, smart casual trousers or skirt with jumper or tunic top. For men, smart trousers with casual shirt or polo shirt. [The original article ruled that jeans and trainers were not acceptable; in 2018 designer versions might be deemed ok.]

Source: feature in Good Housekeeping, September 2000.

What to Store in the Hotel Safe

When abroad it is recommended that you store the following items in the hotel safe.

• A photocopy of your passport or a note of its number and the date and place of issue.
• A note of the numbers on your credit and debit cards, with the emergency phone numbers for each issuer.
• The contact number for your travel insurance company and your policy number.
• The location and phone number of the nearest British embassy or consulate.
• A contact number for your mobile phone company.
• Receipts for any foreign currency you buy.
• A photocopy of your E111 form.

Source: Travel feature in Good Housekeeping, August 2005