Ghosts - Do People Really Believe in Them?

Things that go bump in the night are enough to frighten most people, but how many will actually admit they believe in ghosts? According to a recent poll by The Associated Press and Ipsos, about a third of Americans do. This is also in keeping with a Baylor University study that found 37 per cent of those surveyed believe that places can be haunted. Probably a lot more people actually do believe in ghosts, but don't want to admit it. Many Christians believe in demons, but follow the Bible teaching that they are not to communicate with the dead. But they do not doubt the existence of evil spirits.

Just turn on the television and you will be treated to an amazing amount of paranormal programming. These days it is very common to find several shows per night that deal with communicating with the dead, psychics helping to solve crimes, ghost hunters, etc.

Studies have shown that at least 3/4 of America's youth have been engaged in some type of psychic or witchcraft related pursuit, other than reading horoscopes or watching television. One out of 10 teens reported participating in a seance, while 1 out of 12 reported trying to cast a spell or make a magic potion. This was according to a study by George Barna, as cited on the Christian Broadcasting Network web site. Only 1/4 of teens surveyed, who attended church, said they had received any teaching concerning the supernatural.