In “The Bell Curve”, Richard Herrnstein and Charles Murray suggest blacks are less intelligent than whites and assert that intelligence cannot be improved significantly enough to merit policies designed to help blacks. The authors’ conservatism may give “The Bell Curve” a stronger than usual hearing among some evangelicals, but the methodology and the implications of their findings ought to raise serious concerns.
Many of Herrnstein and Murray’s arguments are not new – they are the 1994 version of what other researchers have proposed over the past century. Nor are their methods and conclusions universally accepted by scholars. Thomas Sowell challenged Arthur Jensen’s claim in 1969 of black/white IQ differences by tracing 50 years of European immigrants. Sowell found that as ethnic groups rose categorically in socioeconomic status, so did their IQ scores. Jerome Sattler, one of the leading authorities on intelligence testing, argues that we cannot determine genetic IQ differences among races as long as systematic differences in opportunity and environment persist.
ABANDON PROGRAMS
Whether or not the authors intended it, “The Bell Curve” perpetuates racism. Herrnstein and Murray would have us abandon programs like Head Start for disadvantaged children, differential financial aid for black college students, and affirmative action. They argue that affirmative action is “manifestly unfair” and is “leaking a poison into the American soul.” Yet their acceptance of the validity of intelligence testing leaks a different type of poison – one that demoralizes people of color and undermines efforts to overcome the effects of 250 years of oppression.
How should we as Christians respond? First, we need to think critically about claims regarding intelligence and success. One of the most insidious themes of “The Bell Curve” is the authors’ assertion that intelligence is of utmost importance for success. Such intellectual chauvinism devalues the Christian teaching that one’s character is vastly more important than what one knows. History has shown us smart people of all races who were also cruel and despotic, while some of our heroes have been men and women whose honor outshone their intelligence. Jesus taught that the one who is to be greatest must be a servant. Christians should guard against a fascination with IQ that results in neglecting character, humility, and service.
Second, Christians have more important tasks than merely measuring or debating intelligence. Herrnstein and Murray’s kind of research can yield precise answers to the wrong questions. Christians need to go beyond debunking Herrnstein and Murray’s questionable scholarship (a necessary but insufficient task) to seek after the right questions that direct us toward reconciliation and justice. What does it mean to believe that all people, regardless of intelligence, are created in the image of God? How can we do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God (Mic. 6:8)?
Especially in the aftermath of the media blitz surrounding publication of “The Bell Curve”, Christians need to break out of racial boundaries and involve themselves in intentional, ongoing, committed interracial relationships. In a fallen world, the human tendency to demean others will find no shortage of support. Where others will use “The Bell Curve” to reinforce stereotypes of blacks, the church must stand firm on the truth that all people are precious in God’s sight.
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Lisa Graham McMinn, a sociologist, and Mark R. McMinn, a psychologist both teach at Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois.
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