Ruiqian Li

Research Assistant Professor at the School of Public Affairs, American University

An engraving from 1826 shows a Scottish traveler fighting witches and demons in a church graveyard. Florilegius/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

October 15, 2026

Americans who go to church and trust science are also more likely to believe in ghosts and curses, new research shows

Ruiqian Li, American University

Belief in science and belief in magic can coexist.

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Location: Washington, District of Columbia, U.S.
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Joined August 31, 2026