omg what is going on with this forum?
here is the link that won't hyperlink.
rebel8, I noticed your link has spaces in it (the "%20"s). I had the same problem the other day when I tried to embed a URL with spaces in some of my post text here. I had to just paste it in naked like you did. Nothing we can do about it, just thought I'd mention that it seems to be a forum bug.
I'd like to add another factor to DJS' statement that atheists are more intelligent, which is that higher intelligence improves socioeconomic standing and improves quality of life. When a person feels confident in their ability to provide for themself, they are less likely to feel a need to rely on God for help. We've all known someone who, by contrast, seems completely overwhelmed by life and frequently mentions that they are praying to God for help. I think it's important to keep in mind that people are born this way, so to suggest that they don't need a belief in God seems a little insensitive. Scientists have suggested that smart people also find more of a sense of purpose in their work, and a sense of community, while others may need religion to provide this.
Furthermore, the difference in IQ points in the cited study is not significant even if the correlation to IQ is statistically significant. 6 IQ points is nothing. It's 2/5 of a standard deviation. So-called genius IQ typically starts at least 35 points above the average.