How much smarter are atheists than religious believers?

A video about religion from The Idiot's Guide to Smart People series makes fun of religious believers -- which isn't difficult, of course.

But I also enjoyed the take on adamant atheists.

They're much smarter than religious people, since they don't accept myths, fantasies, and wishful thinking. (At least, not of the godly variety.)

Yet how smart is it to waste a lot of time debating people who do believe in this theological crap?

I don't have a good answer.

I wouldn't have seen the godless light without having my beliefs challenged by friends, family, and a bunch of books by reality-minded scientists, philosophers, and others. 

These days, though, my churchless proselytizing zeal is at a low point.

I find myself spending almost all of my time simply living life without religiosity. Thinking, "I don't like religion" strikes me as akin to thinking "I don't like chocolate ice cream" while enjoying a dish of vanilla.

Useless.

Back in 2006, when I wrote The best one-sentence metaphysics ever written, I had much the same attitude as I do now. So maybe I've hit upon a non-religious sweet zone.

Anyway, here's the video.

 

Comments

[777]

-
The word 'belief' is incorrect

Those hearing the Sweet Sound,
while you are telling this
They are SURE
-
To tell a Lover, She shouldn't , . . .
That is not particulary
a proof of IQ

777

Love you all
.

[Brian Hines]

777, where did you get the crazy idea that anyone (on this blog, I assume) tells someone what or who to love?

Love is an individual's business. Reality is everybody's business. If you love your meditation, great. I love my wife and dog, plus many other things.

Of course you are sure you love what you love. So am I. So are we all. But this doesn't make love into something objectively real.

[Jim Surherland]

http://eternaloasisofsouls.blogspot.com

I love channeling my "self." My Oversoul is Eternal Flame. Who"s self have you been channeling, Brian,...........considering you have determined you have no self? Cheers, Jim

[777]

Brian , . . That's exactly what I tried to say
but your english is much better

You said :
"Yet how smart is it to waste a lot of time debating people who do believe in this theological crap?"

Answer
Not smart at all.
because some love what you call crap
ferociously

777

[Willie R]

Oh yes - egos are very ferocious. They kill each other all the time.

[sapient]

Well Smart or not I don't know, but apparently Brian you are a terrorist:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-declares-all-atheists-are-terrorists-in-new-law-to-crack-down-on-political-dissidents-9228389.html

Now let's hope the TSA doesn't catch wind of this :)