Intelligent people can overcome the 'instinct' of religion

From Stephen Hawking to Alan Turing, many of the most intelligent people in the world are atheists. In the hope of understanding the link between intelligence and religion, researchers have created a model based on historical evidence and a recent survey. The findings suggest that religion should be considered an instinct, with intelligence the ability to rise above one's instincts. From Stephen Hawking to Alan Turing, many of the most intelligent people in the world are atheists. Hawking famously said: 'Science can explain the universe, we don't need God to explain why there is something rather than nothing' The researchers argue that religion should be seen as a separate evolved domain or instinct, whereas intelligence allows people to rise above their instincts.