• by Jack Loechner , Staff Writer @mp_research, April 5, 2003

Beliefs of American Population Segments That Effect Positioning

A Harris Poll of 2,201 U.S. adults surveyed online between January 21 and 27, 2003, using the same methods used by Harris Interactive to forecast the 2000 elections with great accuracy, summarized by Humphrey Taylor, the chairman of The Harris Poll, Harris Interactive, finds that 89 percent of the people believe in miracles, 68 percent believe in the devil, 69 percent in hell, 51 percent in ghosts, 31 percent in astrology, and 27 percent believe in reincarnation.

The survey also found that women are more likely than men to hold both Christian and non-Christian beliefs. African-Americans are more likely than whites and Hispanics to hold Christian beliefs, as are Republicans. The level of belief is generally highest among people without a college education and lowest among those with postgraduate degrees.

- The 90% of adults who believe in God include 93% of women, 96% of African-Americans and 93% of Republicans, but only 86% of men, 85% of those with postgraduate degrees, and 87% of political independents.

- The 84% of those who believe in the survival of the soul after death include 89% of women but only 78% of men, 86% of those without a college degree but only 78% of those with postgraduate degrees.

- The 84% of the public who believe in miracles falls to 72% among those with postgraduate degrees, and rises to 90% among women and 90% among African-Americans.

- The 82% who believe in heaven includes 89% of women but only 75% of men and falls to 71% among people aged 25 to 29 and those with postgraduate degrees.

- 68% of the public believes in the devil, and 69% believe in hell.

- 51% of the public, including 58% of women, and 65% of those aged 25 to 29 but only 27% of those aged 65 and over believe in ghosts.

- 31% of the public believes in astrology including 36% of women and 43% of those aged 25 to 29 but only 17% of people aged 65 and over, and 25% of men.

- 27% believe in reincarnation, that they were once another person. This includes 40% of people aged 25 to 29 but only 14% of people aged 65 and over.

For more of the report click here.