Most Believe in Miracles, Poll Finds

The vast majority of Americans believe that God performs miracles, according to a recent poll conducted for Newsweek magazine.

Eighty-four percent of Americans said God performs miracles, and 77% said they believe God or the saints heal or cure sick people who medical doctors have said had no chance to survive, the poll said. A 79% majority said they believe the miracles detailed in the Bible actually occurred. Nearly half said they have personally experienced or seen a miracle, while about two-thirds said they have prayed for a miracle.

An overwhelming number of Christians, 90%, said they believe in miracles, compared with 46% of non-Christians.

Eighty-seven percent of respondents said they think followers of other faiths can receive miracles.

The poll, by Princeton Survey Research Associates, is based on a sample of 752 adults interviewed by telephone April 13-14 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.