Most Britons believe in Heaven

A poll has shown that over half of British people believe in Heaven and the supernatural.

The poll of 2,060 people was conducted by ComRes on behalf of the theological think thank Theos.

It found that 55 per cent of respondents believe in heaven, whilst 70 per cent of people believe in the human soul, and 53 per cent believe in life after death.

The poll also found that 39 per cent of people believe in ghosts while 27 per cent believe in reincarnation.

In addition, 22 per cent of people believe in horoscopes, whilst 15 per cent believe in Tarot cards.

The findings suggest a greater interest in the supernatural and superstition than 60 years ago.
In 1950, only 10 per cent of the public told Gallup that they believed in ghosts, and just 2 per cent thought they had seen one. In 1951, only 7 per cent of the public said they believed in predicting the future by cards and 6 per cent by stars.

Paul, Woolley, director of Theos, said, "The enlightenment optimism in the ability of science and reason to explain everything ended decades ago.

"The extent of belief will probably surprise people, but the finding is consistent with other research we have undertaken.

"The results indicate that people have a very diverse and unorthodox set of beliefs.

"Our research may point to a slight increase in scepticism about aspects of the supernatural over the last ten years."