Do higher IQs mean less faith?

LONDON, June 12 (UPI) -- A British scientist argues that intelligence and religious faith are inversely related.

Richard Lynn, a professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Ulster, made his case in the journal "Intelligence," The Telegraph reported.

Lynn points to a study that showed that only 3.3 percent of fellows of the Royal Society, Britain's leading group for scientists, say they believe in God, while 68.5 percent of the general public do. Lynn argues that religious faith has declined because of rising intelligence and that young children give up believing in God as they become older and wiser.

"Why should fewer academics believe in God than the general population? I believe it is simply a matter of the IQ," Lynn said.

A number of academics have criticized Lynn.

Alistair McFadyen, a lecturer in Christian theology at Leeds, said Lynn's article combines "a slight tinge of Western cultural imperialism as well as an anti-religious sentiment."