> I've been wondering just what it is about the U.S. that tends to foster such strong beliefs in paranormal matters such as the existence of ghosts, psychic powers, etc.
>
> It's certainly a very diverse nation, and it's one in which people can feel free to believe and talk about such things without fear of total alienation. I wonder if in this sense our freedom sometimes holds as back.
>
> I wouldn't go quite so far as some people to say that such beliefs are necessarily harmful on the individual level (unless taken to the extreme of irrationality), but I seriously wonder what collective effect they have on society.
>
> It's difficult to gauge this, because there are many other differences between the nations of the world. I think that over time, though, increased globablization of commerce and culture will tend to equalize things a bit.
>
> Well, I hope that made enough sense. Any comments?

Not just the US. Such beliefs are widespread around the world. More people in the world (by a significant margin) claim to believe in ghosts than in any religion.

Overall, I don't see any harm coming from such beliefs (unless, as you say, they are taken to an unhealthy extreme. But that can be said of anything).

Besides, it might even be truth.

winter"I believe"mute