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This is an archive article published on October 17, 2011

Spirituality ‘taking over from religion in Britain’

11 per cent believe in reincarnation and five per cent think we become ghosts: study.

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Secularism and more mystical,personal beliefs is taking over from religion in Britain,a new research has revealed.

The study of 2,000 adults found almost one in four was “spiritual”,while exactly a quarter described themselves as “religious”,reports the Daily Express.

Atheists accounted for 17 per cent.

When asked “What do you believe happens when we die?” half said we go on to another existence,20 per cent said we go to heaven or hell.

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Eighteen per cent believed they “will see loved ones again”. The study marked the launch of Paulo Coelho’s new novel Aleph.

It also revealed 11 per cent believe in reincarnation and five per cent think we become ghosts. But 37 per cent agreed with the response “rest in peace/nothing”.

The others were undecided. Karma – behave badly and you may have a less favourable afterlife – was believed in by 36 per cent.

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