Saturday, December 23, 2006

Two Transatlantic Supernatural Polls

Majority of Americans believe in angels

An overwhelming majority, almost regardless of backgrounds and religious convictions, think angels are real, according to an AP-AOL News poll exploring attitudes about Santa Claus, angels and more.

Belief in angels, however people define them, is highest — almost universal — among white evangelical Christians, 97 percent of whom trust in their existence, the poll indicates. But even among people with no religious affiliation, well more than half said angels are for real.

Religion does more harm than good - poll
More people in Britain think religion causes harm than believe it does good, according to a Guardian/ICM poll published today. It shows that an overwhelming majority see religion as a cause of division and tension - greatly outnumbering the smaller majority who also believe that it can be a force for good.

The poll also reveals that non-believers outnumber believers in Britain by almost two to one. It paints a picture of a sceptical nation with massive doubts about the effect religion has on society: 82% of those questioned say they see religion as a cause of division and tension between people. Only 16% disagree. The findings are at odds with attempts by some religious leaders to define the country as one made up of many faith communities.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas, helmut.

Ho, ho, ho!

CKR

troutsky said...

The author of A Purpose Driven Life (?) linked europe and Manhattan as the last bastions of secular humanism. Im trying to maintain a cell in W. Montana! Iv'e really enjoyed your blog and look forward to another year of interesting points and fruit.

Troutsky

helmut said...

Thanks, Cheryl and Troutsky. All the very best to both of you for the new year.

Anonymous said...

Yes Helmut, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I know we could all use one! I, for one hope there are los of tacos and cheeseburgers!