Most everyone knows that IQ stands for Intelligence Quotient, which is a measure of our ability to perceive the relatively obvious, physical aspects of reality; to solve problems and acquire conviction intellectually.
Michael Guillen, Ph.D., theoretical physicist, former science correspondent for ABC News, and author of the book, Can a Smart Person Believe in God?, advances the theory that we also have a measurable SQ or Spiritual Quotient. He says that the SQ is that ineffable, instinctive aptitude which is a measure of our ability to perceive the subtler, nonphysical aspects of reality; to solve problems and acquire conviction spiritually.
Michael believes that all through our lives IQ and SQ vie for preeminence. We are influenced to raise one over the other as two competing worldviews collide. Where IQ teaches life has rhyme and reason; SQ teaches it has purpose and meaning. Where IQ teaches that seeing is believing; SQ teaches that believing is seeing. And the battle for our minds and our faith rages on.
The secret to managing both IQ and SQ is to bring them into balance. Michael calls this his Third Law of Stereoscopic Faith. This Third Law states: Wisdom, love, and humility are the end results of stereoscopic faith - the culmination of a synergistic process by which, in becoming smarter, we become more spiritual, and in becoming more spiritual, we become smarter.
On the practical side, according to science: godliness - or SQ - is good for us, demonstrably good, both mentally and physically. Compared to the average population, high SQ people appear to:
- heal faster from illness and injury;
- recover more easily from alcohol and substance abuse;
- cope better with stress, trauma, and emotional loss;
- be less likely to suffer from depression; and
- be more likely to feel happy and optimistic.
In many ways, our SQ is shaping up to be more important than even our IQ. Our devoutness to God appears to be a fairly reliable predictor of how well we'll do not just in school or the job market, but in life as a whole, which ultimately is what matters most.
Once again these thoughts moved my mind to a passage in Proverbs that promises these things to an individual who embraces God's Word and His definition of a life of spirituality.
My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Proverbs 2:1-10 (ESV)
Michael provides an SQ Test of 20 questions at the end of his book and then instructions on how to calculate your SQ: Spiritual Genius; Very Spiritual; Spiritual; Marginally Spiritual, Secular. I won't tell you how I scored but suffice it to say, I certainly can appreciate the power of the SQ!
