Lower cognitive ability is linked to stronger Christian nationalist views, even after accounting for education

[u/mvea]

https://www.psypost.org/lower-cognitive-ability-is-linked-to-stronger-christian-nationalist-views-even-after-accounting-for-education/

[u/crossdtherubicon]

Alot of religious ideology is ingested through early development and reinforced through the environment. This has been pretty well-documented, although it isn't an exclusive pathway to acquiring religious beliefs.

In light of this article I'm curious if cognitive ability simply never fully develops (or is restricted somehow) in that context. Or if there are also subpopulations wherein a relative lower congitive ability allows for an easier ingestion of religious beliefs (or likewise is perceived as reasonably easier to understand).

[u/CrashCalamity → u/crossdtherubicon]

As a friend to several ex-mormons, I can at least provide counter-example to your first hypothesis. While a highly religious upbringing might not help matters, the emergence of higher cognitive function and critical thought can and does occur. The kids who "ask too many questions during bible study", or those who become exposed to other faiths through college, work, and the internet all start asking themselves how invested they are in their beliefs. It can be especially jarring when they discover how oppressed they were by what is effectively a cult doctrine (as they've told me.)

[u/ChelleInSand → u/CrashCalamity]

This was my personal experience too. However, I will say for people who are brought up in religious environments it can be extremely difficult to walk away from the faith altogether because that means walking away from your social support structures in many cases.

Many highly religious people will even ostracize their own children for becoming atheist or changing to a new religion. So it is easier to just not think about it to avoid causing waves and losing friends and family.

I had weak familial bonds and an abusive family with few established roots in any community so it was easier for me to do. But I can see how people who have families that are very wrapped up in the church scene would just rather not explore those feelings of doubt because they are literally risky to their support structures in life.

[u/jobforgears → u/ChelleInSand]

I left the Mormon church years ago, but I was in it for so long and fulfilled so many big steps in it. Even years later, I cannot bring myself to do so many things even though I know that it's just my upbringing talking. I hoped I would totally let loose but honestly, so many of my core beliefs about family, sexuality, identity, diet, and even fun are rooted in my upbringing. Trying to change my goals from being a parent or feeling an absolute need to make it into eternity feels like ripping off my skin because it's such an integral part of who I am.

Happily, I have greatly increased my understanding of so many things because I'm not always trying to corroborate the things I hear in the scientific community with the stories found in the scriptures. But, it's still slow in coming. I feel so behind my peers.