Statistics on "supernatural" beliefs (Gallup poll article)

    Here is an interesting article:


    Excerpt:

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    Story Highlights

    • 74% believe in God, 69% angels, 67% heaven, 59% hell, 58% the devil
    • Nearly three in 10 do not believe in hell or the devil
    • Belief greatest among frequent churchgoers, Protestants, Republicans


    The percentages of Americans who believe in each of five religious entities -- God, angels, heaven, hell and the devil -- have edged downward by three to five percentage points since 2016. Still, majorities believe in each, ranging from a high of 74% believing in God to lows of 59% for hell and 58% for the devil. About two-thirds each believe in angels (69%) and heaven (67%).



    Belief in Five Spiritual Entities Edges Down to New Lows
    Americans' belief in five religious entities -- God, angels, heaven, hell and the devil -- have all edged down since 2016, continuing a longer-term trend.
    news.gallup.com

    A question that is related to this is whether what we have listed as one of our four defining characteristics of EpicureanFriends ("No Life After Death") is clear enough to serve the purpose.


    It has been suggested to me that "No Immortal Soul" or "The Soul Dies With the Body" would more clearly eliminate some of the more "loose" interpretations that were at one time considered under the label "New Age."'


    I would be curious if anyone thinks that "No Immortal Soul" - which I do think is accurate - is in any way a better way to express the point than "No Life After Death." For most people I would wager those are substantially the same, but it's always good to compare notes.


    [I should also repeat another caveat: That list of four is not intended to be a mandatory requirement for having an account here. It's more of an effort to be considerate to people who aren't yet clear that this is Epicurus' position that if they are looking to Epicurus because they want to be "happy" - but they are committed to the idea of supernatural souls and any kind of life after death - then they should look into the point and think clearly before they decide to devote too much time to Epicurus.]