New report examines Americans’ beliefs about angels, hell, demons

The American Bible Society on Thursday released the seventh chapter of its 16th annual State of the Bible report. This latest chapter examines Americans’ experiences with the supernatural. Their research found that nearly two-thirds, or 64%, of Americans believe in spiritual beings that exist beyond the natural world. Those questioned expressed their beliefs, or lack thereof, in God, heaven, hell, Satan, and angels and demons, along with Biblical miracles and personal supernatural experiences. The report found that Americans are more likely to believe in God, heaven, and angels than in Satan, hell, and demons.

Key findings analyzed in Chapter 7: The Supernatural

• A majority of Americans report believing in God, with only about 1 in 8 saying they do not. Slightly more than half of Americans believe in Satan, hell, and demons (55%, 53% and 51%, respectively).

• Younger members of Gen Z (ages 21 or younger) report higher levels of belief in God than older Gen Z members do (ages 22-29).

• Belief in God sharply declines among those with a higher level of education. While 74% of people with only a high school diploma report belief in God, only 58% with post-graduate study or professional degrees report the same. Among this group there is an even sharper decline of those who believe in demons (59% vs. 30%).

• 53% of Americans report at least somewhat believing in Jesus’ resurrection, with 75% of those the report identifies as casual Christians reporting the same. 49% of Americans affirm the virgin birth.

• Nearly half of all Americans say they have experienced miraculous answers to prayer, with about a third having witnessed or experienced divine healing and more than a quarter reporting spiritual attack. Of those who reported spiritual attack, 74% said they turn to prayer, while only 15% reported they meditate on or quote Scripture.

How are the surveys conducted? State of the Bible findings come from a nationally representative survey written by American Bible Society and fielded by NORC at the University of Chicago, a nonpartisan research organization, using its AmeriSpeak panel. Responses came from 2,649 online and phone interviews with American adults in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Data was collected Jan. 8-27, 2026.

In November, one final chapter in this year’s State of the Bible series is scheduled to be released, which will contain findings on love and generosity.