IQ & Bizarre Religiosity: Exploring False Religious Tendencies by Intelligence Level

“For all the gods of the Gentiles are devils: but the Lord made the heavens.”
–Psalm 95:5

That refers to ALL the idols created by pagans, irrespective of the intelligence of the creators. Whether you worship a wooden dragon, the Mexican lady of the dead, some ugly blue bitch with several appendages, or (worse of all) yourself, it’s idolatry all the same. Every perversion offends God and prepares the idolater to experience an eternity of suffering in Hell.

I’ve noticed, however, a few idolatrous tendencies, broadly speaking, among members of specific IQ cohorts. Put simply, folks often fit into one of two categories based on intelligence.

1. Gnosticism & Awareness – for High-IQ Cultures
2. Superstition & Syncretism – for Low-IQ Cultures

Less intelligent folks might embrace the most obvious fiction (like Pachamama), whereas your “big-brained” types almost always gravitate toward the false religions, which would grant access to otherwise inaccessible wisdom. Both are errant, for certain, but I suggest we further explore why these two tendencies prevail. From there, we can return to authentic spiritual devotions and avoid succumbing to those common spiritual traps.

Also, yes, there are exceptions to these rules (i.e., intelligent people, like Thomas Merton, who fall for syncretism). However, exceptions do not break the rules; just forbid them from being iron laws.

“What? How can you possibly make ANY generalization based on IQ? Certainly, this puts you in companionship with ‘bad guys’ such as Charles Murray!!!!”

Since the Catholics Aren’t Zombies blog does not concern itself with what the world considers “evil and racist,” we shall indeed explore the relationship between IQ and erroneous religiosity. Modernists and leftists who cannot endure such topics should revisit their coloring books or refill their electric cars while the adults have a serious discussion.

High-IQ Folks → Gnosticism & “Awareness”

Must the high-IQ fellows always presume to be smarter than God?

It’s tragic how so few of them bother to learn the bible’s very first moral lesson: eating the forbidden fruit won’t make you smarter.

The gnostic or gnostic-like belief systems come in many shapes and flavors, forming a stark opposition to what many refer to as “organized religion.” It would be impossible to list every bizarre permutation, but here are a few of the more popular kinds. Keep in mind, what I mention here is just a brief introduction to many complex (but assuredly awful) schools of gnosticism, “mystery,” and awareness. 

• Age of Aquarius (New Age/Astrology) – We’ll start with arguably the most dangerous because of its popularity within elite circles. The Age of Aquarius, if you didn’t know, promises to be the foretold golden epoch, well anticipated and all the rage among occultists, high and low, nowadays. They use not only the stars but earth’s own rotation to predict future events and “ages” (each lasting 2,160 years) as well as to guide gullible believers’ spiritual lives. If you’ve ever heard them discuss their “signs” (Pisces, Leo, Aquarius, etc.), then you’ve had exposure to it. It appeals to the superstitious and analytical alike, leaving me convinced that Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and many other elites adhere to this system. It transcends the political left and right. As I mentioned in the Trump Dossier (point # 4), he could be the master or harbinger for a Golden Dawn of secular prosperity. This golden era, however, would have nothing to do with Jesus Christ (who they consider nothing more than just another guru or master). The supposed dawning of a new era offers one of several versions of the potential golden Age of Aquarius, the hopes and dreams of astrologers everywhere. At any rate, it might remind us of mankind’s sorrowful tendency toward foolish earth and sun worship, reflected well within astrology. As usual, demonic spirits are overjoyed to lead hapless astrologers ever further into their pseudo-scientific stupidity, since they wish for us to worship anything but God.
• Buddhism – These are the ones who seek “Nirvana,” their ultimate objective, the elimination of all passions and desires, terminating their imagined “rebirthing cycle.” Some of this might appeal to acetic Catholics if not for its countless theological and logical problems. First, Buddhists do not believe in the existence of a soul, making the mechanism for rebirthing (transferring from one “life” to another) absurd at face value. Next, the process of emptying oneself presents the problem of a spiritual vacuum, in which something must fill the void. Unfortunately for the delusional Buddhists, this usually involves something in the neighborhood of demonic possession. We Catholics seek detachment from the world and mortification of the flesh, but for different reasons. Our purpose is not to experience a huge vacuum of emptiness, abhorrent to our nature, but to create room for the sanctifying love of the Holy Spirit.
• Wicca – Are you a young person with a penchant for casting spells after smoking plentiful portions of pot? Then this might appeal to you (alas). Of course, I’m compelled to report that not every adherent to this belief system qualifies as “high IQ,” but several smart folks fall for its charms (pun intended).
• Palmistry – Because apparently you’re “special” if you have the letter “m” in one of your palmar creases. I suspect the appropriate “m” word rhymes with the metalloid element, boron.
• Awareness & Mindfulness – There are variations of this stemming from either Buddhism or Hinduism, related to the twisted eastern principles of attaining Nirvana and other soul-less aspirations. On the Hindu level, awareness entails the desired dissolution of the individual into a “divine whole” through meditative exercises. Once again, we find man attempting to become God (in some nebulous way or another) rather than worship and commune with Him. It’s the type of nonsense you would expect from wayward clerics like Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. Tragically, this now comprises the so-called “Catholic Mindfulness,” where the participant co-opts Buddhist activities like the “lotus position” and other meditative elements. You’ll find nothing related to redemptive suffering or repentance for sins; just purposeless “centering,” therapeutic measures, and other such gibberish. Why in the world would any observant Catholic choose this over our rich patrimony of Lectio Divina, short prayers, the Divine Office, and mental prayer? Why bother with Buddhist breathing tricks and self-centered therapy solutions when we already have much better options from the Ignatian Exercises or Daily Meditations? Furthermore, wouldn’t confessing one’s sins more than once or twice a year negate the need for Catholics to waste precious energy on cheap eastern garbage (and its demonic baggage)? I have no idea why they do this other than capitulation to the modernist objectives of universalism and acceptance of other “religions” promoted by the evil 2nd Vatican Council. Either way, intelligent people fall for this stuff all the time.
• Theosophy – This is a manmade concoction of theology, science, and philosophy, introduced into western civilization by notorious deviants like Helen Blavatsky and Aleister Crowley. You could say it tries to syncretize several religions (Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, etc.), but, despite the propaganda, it’s never been much more than a thin veneer for black magic and satanism. Moreover, there are numerous links between it and astrology. Worse still, many theosophists have developed entire gnostic liturgies, mocking the Traditional Roman Rite, up to and including full-scale “black masses.” Some iterations, such as the “Liberal Rite” of the Liberal Catholic Church, mimic the true Mass and sacraments, before devolving deeply into esoteric practices replete with rampant pederasty. These groups are inevitably sex perverts of the worst variety.

As you can see, there is no shortage of diversity found within what we might term, “disorganized religion.” Then again, you may wonder why so many people chase after these spiritual phantoms when there is abundant proof for the existence of a singular God. I suspect the answer involves pride and the unwillingness to acknowledge the difference between creature and creator.

By the way, if all these High-IQ individuals are so wise, then why do they arrive at so many disparate points of view? Don’t great minds think alike and congregate around similar truths. Perhaps these minds are not as great as they profess.

Gnostics & Astrologers: What’s Most Important to Them?

Behold the worst problem for Gnostics, fortune tellers, and astrologers → they believe the entirety of religion boils down to knowledge and awareness rather than loving God.

They find it much more important to learn esoteric truths or predict future events, even to the neglect of the far greater endeavor of loving our Creator for all eternity. As it pertains to following God’s commandments or performing acts of sacrifice or penance, they’re ambivalent at best. Everything is self-oriented, devoid of any concern for requiting the infinite love God has for us.

Making matters worse, you could almost say they possess no concept of the beatific vision, since it doesn’t fit into all their “awareness” mumbo-jumbo. Why fret over contemplating God, in their view, when one can just “center” and worship themselves instead?

“We shall not worry about some ‘flying spaghetti monster’ when there is so much ‘inner consciousness’ for us to cultivate.”

Some of these brainiacs (very often the Jews) believe they enjoy a monopoly on interpreting Holy Scripture and other ancient texts. You’ll know them when you hear them marvel nonstop over their linguistic skills and superior research methodology. They even do their own exegesis of Scripture, totally independent of the bountiful insights of the Church Fathers.

Why, after all, would such wise men confine themselves to the interpretations of ancient figures, or submit to an unwavering Catholic Magisterium? Isn’t that beneath such learned individuals, those enlightened members of Lodges, theosophical societies, Palmist circles, and the like?

Again, it ultimately comes down to what one loves: either God or oneself.

In a previous article, I delved further into the authentic meaning of love, specifically God’s Infinite Love, lamenting how few could even define the concept. It is no wonder why so many resort to asinine tautologies such as “love is love.” Nevertheless, the below illustration summarizes God’s love, and should alert the eastern theist as to what they are attempting to escape.

What, however, happens when one doesn’t return God’s love, preferring instead to fiddle with esoteric knowledge sources? In short, the Gnostics place themselves in league with the rotten preternatural forces, of whom they communicate with so often. The demons enslave them mercilessly.

Who is the Patron Demon for All Gnostics & Eastern Theists?

Since all the idols of the gentiles (including those of gnostics, astrologers, Hindus, Manicheans, etc.) are demons, we can expect every false religion to have its own patron demon. For gnostics and friends, this would be none other than Lucifer.

Yes, that first fallen angel also had a prodigious IQ. However, since he refused God’s love, Lucifer will spend the rest of his brilliant afterlife toiling away in Hell with all the other enemies of Jesus Christ. How many of today’s analytical and sophisticated astrologers have taken the time to review Pascal’s Wager, and ponder whether they might join Lucifer, owing, ironically, to their utter lack of vision?

Smart People → Eternally Foolish Decisions

Anyone who understands Pascal’s Wager, would know how it’s irrational to gamble with the existence of a true God, who affects our destiny far more than any idiotic astrological signs. Whatever you do, don’t follow the ways of several brilliant people, and exchange the precious gift of the Catholic faith for crummy, ineffective, and laughable fortune-telling.

All the Age-of-Aquarius, cyclical mumbo-jumbo provides nothing better than a sophisticated version of Miss Cleo, with marginally stronger predictive power. Every variation relies on parlor tricks, con-artistry, and/or divination to ascertain future knowledge. Either way, it has everything to do with unlocking secret knowledge, and nothing to do with charity toward God and neighbor.

Why is the Catholic Religion Superior to Seeking Selfish Awareness?

If the answer is not already obvious, let us cut to the chase and not mince words . . .

MARTYRDOM! 

No other “religions” can boast of anywhere near as many men, women, and children who have died for their beliefs. No other belief system, spirituality, or philosophy has such a volume of heroic souls as those who have suffered martyrdom in the Name of Jesus Christ. Here, I refer not only to quick, painless executions, but rather the most brutal and horrifying imaginable.

• Stoned to death
• Burnt Alive
• Nails driven into feet before being chased by chariots
• Roasted in brazen bulls
• Crucifixion in several positions
• Dismemberment (in almost every conceivable way)
• Drowning at sea
• Slain with the sword
• Submerged into hot oil (either head or feet first)
• Beheadings after severe cudgeling and/or scourging with loaded whips
• Murder of entire families (children first, while their mothers watch)
• . . . just to name a few examples of the (at least) tens of millions who have received the palm of martyrdom for the love of Jesus Christ.

With that in mind, could you imagine any of the fortune-telling, Nirvana-seeking eastern theists with the willingness to die for their perceived truths? Would they allow their sides to be ripped, breasts chopped off, eyes gouged, or be hung from their hands to defend a belief in the stupid Age of Aquarius? Would any Astrologer or palm-reading parents encourage their children to die for what they consider the truth the same way ancient Christian parents did?

No, and it’s because they merely seek to deceive and manipulate. How so?

Well, making matters worse, none of these folks, who pretend to uncover all the hidden celestial secrets, ever address authentic prophecy or indisputable public miracles. None of the star-deciphering geniuses have anything to say, for instance, about Our Lady of Fatima and the great Miracle of the Sun, which occurred in 1917 Portugal. 

Although it was witnessed by tens of thousands, including skeptics, all the modern geniuses can do is to suppress the Sun Miracle, evident by how few of us know about it. You would think something of this magnitude would at least crack the list of “the greatest events of the 20th century” (it doesn’t). Nonetheless, just as they censor legitimate speech and debate in the public sphere, the powerful esoteric religionists also whitewash public awareness of the outstanding Fatima events.

Shouldn’t all these delightful star gazers have at least a passing interest in such an incredible occurrence, featuring the closest star to the earth? That, of course, would imply intellectual honesty, something few of them possess despite their lofty IQs. Worse yet, since they cannot handle the Fatima consequences, their only recourse is to ignore them, stymying public awareness all the while.

In other words, all that eastern “awareness” malarkey is quite the ruse. None of them have an interest in any other knowledge than that which titillates their senses.

Now, having thoroughly assailed the arrogance of the world’s wise men, let us examine the typical spiritual shortcomings of those on the other side of the intellectual bell curve.

Low-IQ Folks → Superstition & Syncretism

There are perhaps two most predominant errors facing lower-IQ men and women. I contend there is a greater level of culpability among higher-IQ individuals, though it doesn’t mean the enfeebled are exempt from idolatry.

For today’s Catholics, it has become regular to find poor catechesis across all groups, especially the more vulnerable, overall less-informed members. While there’s nothing wrong with having less intelligence or education, God still expects folks to learn the basic truths of religion.

I’ve had the misfortune of witnessing so many bad practices, demonstrative of poor formation, syncretism, superstition, and other preventable follies.

• Reliance on blessed objects as good-luck charms. You’ve probably seen this, too, if you’ve paid attention. Some of our academic opponents have picked up on the habit as well.
• Touching and kissing the Holy Eucharist in adoration chapels. Who teaches mentally disabled people to do this (as I’ve seen)? Surely, they do not conceive of this practice on their own.
• The use of “dream catchers” for good luck, typically as rear-view-mirror ornaments or window displays. Some hang these right along with their Rosary beads.
• Holding one’s hands in the “Orans formation” while praying, particularly during the Our Father prayer.
• Adopting a prostrate prayer position similar to that of the Muslims.
• . . . countless other miserable examples.

In general, I’ve noticed a greater return to “indigenous” superstitions within the Mexican, Filipino, and African cultures. They could be less prone to “sophisticated” theosophy, yet more vulnerable to the abject ridiculousness of voodoo, the “Santa Muerte,” literally crucifying oneself during Lent, or sacrificing to Pachamama. 

Yet as I record these indisputably horrible behaviors and tendencies, I do not criticize lower-IQ Catholics anywhere as much as their “wiser” counterparts. Their mistakes are far less severe (and potentially less culpable) than the more pre-meditated errors of astute individuals. I believe that if these errors can be overcome, less-intelligent Catholics have quite a lot to offer the Church and society.

Advantages to Feeble-Mindedness?

Also, don’t forget that God never “short changes” any of us with his blessings, even the mentally deficient, who have ways of shining in various other virtues.

This often includes a much greater aptitude for kindness. People with Down Syndrome confirm this all the time. Not only do roughly 99% claim to live happy lives, but they consistently excel in the virtue of kindness far beyond most of the population. Where they lack in terms of intellect, they more than make up for it when it comes to love of neighbor.

Hence, why it is so abominable for leftists throughout the world to insist that almost all Down Syndrome children be aborted upon discovery via ultrasound. While it’s tragic to abort any of God’s children, the matter becomes all the worse when you consider the amiable company the mentally handicapped offer us.

None of this is mere rhetoric, either. I’ve seen it firsthand, and can share personal experiences I’ve had, demonstrating the understated qualities of those suffering from learning disabilities.

Personal Anecdote: Joys of Working with the Mentally Challenged

When yours truly was in junior highschool, I had the joyful opportunity to assist in the special education classes at the school I attended. I would have never thought to volunteer for such an activity, yet it became an incredibly rewarding and memorable experience. What I remember most was that the children with learning disabilities (some moderate, some more profound) were always happy to see you.

Moreover, they never whined, bickered, or gossiped about anything. Contrast that with the rest of the society, which can barely look you in the eye to say “hello” let alone smile and greet with enthusiasm. The folks in the special education class had difficulties learning or doing things beyond a second-grade level, for sure, but they did nothing uncharitable or obnoxious.

By the way, with examples like this in mind, could we imagine any moral obligation for those with higher intelligence to support and care for the intellectually challenged?

Yes, let us be quite clear on the responsibility (a Noblesse oblige, of sorts) for those with a keen intellect to look after the feeble minded. This involves Catholic catechesis (with authentic teachings), guidance through complex secular affairs, protection against scandal, and other significant duties.

Alas, as I’ve noted elsewhere, Noblesse oblige is dead, certainly if you consider today’s wicked oligarchs, but I also lament it among Catholics who neglect the poor or less intelligent. If high-IQ Catholics refuse the responsibility of assisting the feeble-minded, then an eternity of madness and agony awaits them in the fiery inferno. A person’s intellect benefits them not at all in the infinite abyss of Hell.

Conclusion → The Rosary: The Perfect Prayer for All IQ Levels

Once again, our solution to all the rampant idolatry comes straight from the Mother of God, Mary Most Holy, Mediatrix of All God’s Graces.

Her Holy Rosary is the quintessential prayer for individuals of any intelligence level, requiring no further modifications.

This most cherished prayer formula humbles the clever, while remaining practical and accessible for the humble. It is the Rosary, given to us my Blessed Mary, which we can all pray together, genius and imbecile alike, in splendid harmony, thus confirming the words of St. Bonaventure:

“A poor little old woman can love God even more than a doctor of theology.”

That poor old woman, if this is true, must pray the Rosary (as we must all).

Furthermore, let us always remember that the intellectual chasm between the most intelligent man and God is infinite next to the gap between the most feeble and most intelligent man. Hence, we might all humble ourselves, pray Our Lady’s Psalter, and cease offending His Infinite Majesty by worshipping false gods.

God bless you and continue to have a blessed Epiphany season.