**Religion v. Education/IQ

http://religions.pewforum.org/pdf/comparison-Educational+Distribution+of+Religious+Traditions.pdf

A Pew Research study of approximately 35,000+ people of different religious affiliations and educational levels shows a major inverse relationship between educational levels and religious belief. Jews and Hindus who enjoy higher educational levels of their populations compared to Christians and Muslims, trend more to the observant by virtue of their demographic makeup.

In general the more educated a person is, the less apt they are to be religious. People who are more educated see the world more through science, critical thinking , and logic. People who are religious tend to see the world more through faith, mythology, and biblical fantasy. People who live in larger cities, who have more access to education and multi-cultural resources tend to be less religious. There is also a correlation between educational levels and intelligence, with those with higher IQ’s trending more toward higher levels of education. Higher IQ Levels of educational attainment, as evidenced by the Jewish, Hindu, and Asian groups is also influenced by ethnicity and cultural values. Many people trend toward modified religious observance as a means of social connection and community, rather than strict religious orthodox or evangelical observance. The non religious seem to embrace the concept of “Evolution” more than those who are religious who embrace the old world concept of “Creationism”.

There is no correlation between religious observance and morality. History has shown that most of the pain and suffering that has been brought about by mankind has been by those who are labeled as Christian followers. A majority of those who label themselves as atheist, agnostic, or Buddhist have a tendency to be more compassionate and humane in their behavior.

Based on this survey, “In the Main”, it would be fair to conclude that strong religious observance does not go over well with people who are more highly educated and intelligent. I am not saying that because one is more educated or intelligent that they are a better person. I am saying that the tools of intelligence and education generally give one a more evolved and finite ability to see the world in broader terms and in reality.