Do you believe in angels? About 7 in 10 U.S. adults do, a new AP-NORC poll shows

The latest AP-NORC poll reveals that approximately 7 out of 10 U.S. adults believe in angels, making them more credible than the devil, hell, astrology, reincarnation, and the concept of physical objects having spiritual energies. The belief in angels seems to be rooted in people’s search for something greater than themselves, taking various forms such as religious faith, self-driven purpose, or belief in celestial beings.

According to Jack Grogger, a chaplain for the Los Angeles Angels and a pastor in Orange, California, angels provide a safer object of worship for many individuals, offering comfort and familiarity, both in popular culture and religious texts like the Bible. While belief in angels (69%) is relatively high, it ranks slightly lower than belief in God or a higher power (79%) and about on par with belief in heaven and the power of prayer.

Angel beliefs are flexible and adaptable, varying significantly depending on individual worldviews, including ideas about the cosmos, spirit beings, and life after death. Angel expert Susan Garrett, a New Testament professor, explains that talk of angels often relates to concepts about how God interacts with the world and other abstract ideas.

The poll shows that belief in angels is widespread across different religious affiliations, with 84% of religiously affiliated respondents and even 33% of those without any religious affiliation expressing belief in angels. The acceptance of angels is seen as a unifying factor among diverse religious traditions, as they appear independently in various belief systems.

For some, like Jennifer Goodwin from Florida, angels provide a source of comfort and connection to deceased loved ones. However, the perception of angels can differ widely among people, with some viewing them as heavenly beings separate from humans, while others associate them with guardian spirits or guiding forces.

The belief in angels can be traced back through historical and religious texts, evolving over time and influenced by different cultures and theological perspectives. The angels depicted in the Bible carry out God’s will, and they are often seen as both protectors and enforcers, capable of performing acts of violence when necessary.

In conclusion, the belief in angels remains prevalent in the United States, reflecting a nation with a strong sense of faith, even as organized religion undergoes changes and shifts. Angels represent a deeply ingrained part of human spirituality and worldview, offering a sense of hope, protection, and connection to the divine for many individuals across diverse backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about belief in angels

More about belief in angels

• AP-NORC Poll: Belief in Angels and Other Spiritual Concepts
• The Big Big News-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research
• The Conversation US
• Lilly Endowment Inc.
• Los Angeles Angels
• NHL’s Anaheim Ducks
• Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
• Union Theological Seminary in New York