Man With Highest IQ Ever Recorded Says: “I believe that Jesus Christ is God, the way and the truth and the life.”
As a Catholic, I am filled with awe and gratitude when I witness the Holy Spirit’s work in the most unexpected places. On June 18, 2025, Dr. YoungHoon Kim, a South Korean scientist renowned for possessing the highest recorded IQ of 276, stirred the hearts of millions with a bold proclamation on X: “As the world’s highest IQ record holder, I believe that Jesus Christ is God, the way and the truth and the life.” This declaration, viewed by 14 million souls and embraced with a quarter-million likes by June 18, resonates deeply with our faith, affirming that even the sharpest intellect can find its home in Christ.
Kim’s extraordinary mind, validated by esteemed organizations like the Giga Society, Mensa, the World Memory Championships, and the World Memory Sports Council in partnership with Guinness World Records, has long been a beacon of human potential. Yet, as Catholics, we know that true wisdom lies in recognizing God’s sovereignty. Kim’s embrace of Christianity echoes the teachings of our Church, as found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (No. 36): “God, the first principle and last end of all things, can be known with certainty from the created world by the natural light of human reason.” This truth, rooted in Vatican Council I’s Dei Filius, assures us that reason, when guided by grace, leads to the Creator. Kim’s journey seems to embody this, as his intellect has discerned the divine order in creation.
In February, Kim shared on X, “God exists. 100%,” a statement that now finds fuller expression in his recent testimony. His intriguing suggestion that “our consciousness is not just brain activity—it may be quantum information, something that continues after death” aligns with our belief in the immortal soul, created by God for eternal life. As Catholics, we see in Kim’s words a bridge between science and faith, a reminder that the mysteries of the universe point to the eternal truths of our Creator.
At 36, Kim leads NeuroStory as founder and CEO, an organization supported by the South Korean government to pioneer AI-powered brain health solutions. His vision extends to the United Sigma Intelligence Association, which he founded, and the Lifeboat Foundation, where he serves on the board to advance science while safeguarding humanity from technological risks. These endeavors reflect a man driven to serve others, a calling that mirrors our Catholic commitment to the common good.
Kim’s response to the outpouring of support for his June 18 post reveals a heart turned toward evangelization: “I will use this post to lead many souls to God.” His reply to a commenter, “Amen. Christ is my logic,” speaks to me as a Catholic, affirming that Jesus is the Logos, the divine reason that orders all things. Kim’s testimony is a powerful witness in a world often skeptical of faith, reminding us of St. John Paul II’s call to proclaim Christ boldly.
As I reflect on Kim’s journey, I am reminded of St. Thomas Aquinas, whose towering intellect served the Church’s mission. Kim, with his unparalleled mind, seems poised to guide others to the truth of Christ. His story inspires me to pray that his faith may deepen, perhaps even leading him to the fullness of the Catholic Church, where reason and revelation unite in the Eucharist. For now, I rejoice in his witness, trusting that the Holy Spirit is at work, drawing souls to God through this brilliant servant.