I've found that theism is no more an impediment to intelligence than atheism is a guarantee of it. The PBS television journalist Bill Moyer is my favorite American Christian. Of course, the vast majority of theists I've met have been intellectually castrated by the way in which they hold their faith. It doesn't have to be that way but I'd say the challenge for them is probably greater since they have to come to terms with integrating what is essentially irrational with rationality at such an early age. And that says nothing about the way the adults in their environment will often sacrifice integrity in order to instill the all-important faith.
The challenge for atheists, I think, is to eventually accept the irrational basis for our rationality. Early on we want to gloat about our rational advantage and identify too strongly or exclusively with the rational. That is warped too.
The challenge for atheists, I think, is to eventually accept the irrational basis for our rationality. Early on we want to gloat about our rational advantage and identify too strongly or exclusively with the rational. That is warped too.
