Americans trusting science and church also believe in ghosts
A study published in July 2026 analyzed data from a 2025 Gallup survey of American adults to find that secular rationalists who attend church are more likely to believe in magic.
Study findings on belief overlap
Researchers found that people who trust science and reason while still attending services hold stronger beliefs in supernatural phenomena. This group is more likely to accept ghosts, curses, and talking to the dead compared to those who prioritize religious teachings alone. The analysis focused on individuals who embrace secular rationalist ideas but also believe in God or participate in church activities.
Survey methodology and scope
The team used four specific questions from the Baylor Religion Survey to measure an outlook called secular rationalism. They asked respondents about six supernatural concepts that do not require a god or a church for belief. The survey included 1,812 American adults and was fielded in early 2025 by Gallup.
Comparison with miracle beliefs
For context, the researchers also measured how participants viewed miracles and whether they thought God caused them. The study distinguished between belief in supernatural events requiring no deity versus traditional religious miracles. Results showed a distinct pattern where scientific trust coexisted with acceptance of magic-like concepts.
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