A fascinating new sociological study reveals a distinct connection between cognitive resources and religio-political ideology in the United States. Research published in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion has found that individuals with lower cognitive ability scores are significantly more likely to endorse Christian nationalist beliefs, a trend that remains robust regardless of a person’s formal education level.
Sociologist Samuel L. Perry utilized extensive data from the General Social Survey, measuring cognitive capacity through the widely validated Wordsum vocabulary assessment. The analysis demonstrates a strong inverse relationship between verbal intelligence and the belief that being Christian is a fundamental requirement for being truly American. The data also indicates that those with lower cognitive scores show much higher support for state-mandated religious practices, such as requiring Christian prayers or Bible reading in public institutions.
What makes these findings particularly compelling is that the correlation persists even when researchers carefully control for demographic variables, political affiliation, religious background, and overall educational attainment. This suggests that the appeal of this specific ideological framework is tied deeply to underlying cognitive processing dynamics rather than merely reflecting a lack of access to formal schooling. By highlighting how cognitive capacities help shape adherence to complex societal beliefs, this research provides a valuable framework for understanding the psychological roots of modern political and religious movements.
Journal Paper source: Perry, S. L. 2026. “Cognitive Ability and Christian Nationalism.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion. DOI: 10.1111/jssr.70101
