The results are in, unscientifically speaking. Those of you who believe in psychics almost always believe in God. This does not surprise me.
As many readers noted, psychic powers have often been tested in the lab. And while studies sometimes hint that these powers exist, none of those results has ever been reproduced for the guy who is offering a million bucks to see it himself (James Randi). I think it would be fair to say that the psychic-and-God believers do not look to science for all of the answers. I have a lot of respect for that lifestyle choice as long as you don’t try to cure your kid with herbs when he needs chemotherapy.
On the flip side, those of you who don’t believe in God are highly unlikely to believe in psychics. This is not surprising either. I think it would be fair to say that this group looks to science for answers. And when science has no answers, you conclude nothing more than the fact that science has no answers at the moment. Uncertainty does not cause you much discomfort.
The most interesting group is comprised of the folks who believe in God but not psychics. That shows an appreciation for science as long as we’re talking about things that can be tested. God, by definition, is both unfathomable and an infinitely good hider. There’s no reason to think science could find him. I suspect that these God believers have above average reasons for their beliefs.
I categorize people’s reasons for believing this way.
Dumb Reasons
——————
1. An authority figure told me it was true. (They all lie)
2. It’s written in a book. (So is Spiderman)
3. How else could reality come into existence? (Ignorance is not evidence.)
4. My holy book accurately predicts things (So does Moby Dick. It’s been proven.)
5. I was raised this way.
6. It’s just obvious that God exists, you stupid heathen.
Slightly Better Reasons
—————————-
1. I talked to God and he answered. (The Mormon method)
2. I feel Jesus/God/Allah inside me.
3. My prayers are sometimes/often answered.
Excellent Reasons
———————-
1. I’m hedging my bets just in case it’s real.
2. Belief gives me immediate real-world benefits, socially, health-wise, and happiness-wise. And if it turns out to be true, that’s a bonus.
3. I have studied the historical and scientific evidence and concluded that there is plenty of reason to believe in God.
Have I missed any Excellent Reasons?