Do Atheists Have Superior Morals and Intellects?

The question of whether atheists are morally and intellectually superior to believers has been a topic of debate for centuries. While some argue that atheism inherently leads to moral and intellectual superiority, others contend that it does not. This article explores the arguments on both sides, highlighting the complexities of the relationship between belief, morality, and intelligence.

Do Atheists Fill Jails?

One common argument against the notion of atheists being morally and intellectually superior is the claim that atheists and those with extremist beliefs are more likely to fill jails. According to this perspective, the prison population is primarily composed of individuals with strong religious beliefs, particularly atheists and other so-called ldquo;devil followers.rdquo;

However, this is a misrepresentation of the facts. In reality, the majority of lawbreakers tend to have low IQs, and marital infidelity and divorces are also linked to lower intelligence levels. Promiscuous lifestyles are similarly associated with lower IQ, which suggests that intelligence and morality may not be directly linked to one's beliefs. Psychopaths, for instance, are often entirely amoral, regardless of their belief system.

Are Atheists Necessarily Morally Superior?

The assertion that atheists are morally superior often hinges on the idea that without a belief in God, there can be no ultimate right and wrong. If morality is determined by divine fiat, then atheists are perceived as lacking a guiding moral compass. However, this perspective ignores the role of reason and logical consistency in ethical decision-making.

Consider Richard Dawkins' quote: ldquo;Do you really mean to tell me the only reason you try to be good is to gain God's approval and reward or to avoid his disapproval and punishment? That's not morality, that's just sucking up, apple-polishing, looking over your shoulder at the great surveillance camera in the sky or the still small wiretap inside your head, monitoring your every move, even your every base thought.rdquo;

This quote suggests that morality can exist independently of God, driven by human reason and empathy rather than divine command. If God were to decree that rape and murder were morally acceptable, this hardly makes them acceptable, as a rational being would recognize that such actions are inherently wrong.

Leading scientists like Lawrence Krauss argue that even if a divine being existed, it would have to appeal to reason to determine morality. Why not, then, eliminate the need for a divine entity altogether and base morality directly on reason? This implies that the concept of morality can exist and be understood independently of any deity.

The Relationship Between Intelligence and Beliefs

There is a correlation between intelligence and moral behavior. Generally, more intelligent individuals tend to have higher moral standards and engage in less law-breaking behavior. This can be evidenced in prison populations, where the majority of lawbreakers typically have lower IQs.

However, this correlation does not necessarily imply causation. Some of the least intelligent individuals classified as ldquo;atheistsrdquo; may actually be ldquo;High Church Atheistsrdquo; or ldquo;Low Church Atheists.rdquo; The distinction lies in whether one actively rejects belief in a deity or simply lacks belief due to lower cognitive functioning.

Vox Day, a notable author, distinguishes these groups. He labels those who actively reject religion as ldquo;High Church Atheistsrdquo; and those who simply lack belief as ldquo;Low Church Atheists.rdquo; The latter group, often found in prison populations, is more likely to engage in promiscuous behavior and higher rates of criminal activity.

A notable example is that porn magazines are far more popular reading material in prisons than Bibles. In 2010, the Finnish Freethinkers' Union, a militant atheist organization, launched a campaign to replace Bibles with porn magazines, advocating for ldquo;liberation of sexual mores.rdquo; This campaign backfired, reinforcing negative stereotypes about atheists.

Conclusion

The relationship between belief, morality, and intelligence is complex and multifaceted. While there is a general trend suggesting that more intelligent individuals tend to be atheists and exhibit higher moral standards, this does not guarantee that all atheists are inherently morally or intellectually superior. Similarly, lower intelligence does not preclude someone from being a believer and having high moral standards.

The key takeaway is that morality and intelligence are influenced by a range of factors, including personal beliefs, societal influences, and individual character. Debating the superiority of one group over another is ultimately less productive than fostering a society where individuals can engage in rational, ethical discussions regardless of their beliefs.