At a Glance

• Curiosity in the supernatural and paranormal: More than half of Spiritually Curious adults (55%) read horoscopes, while smaller shares consult fortune tellers (29%) or have their palms read (27%).

• A search, not a rejection: These practices don’t necessarily reflect rebellion against Christianity but a desire to supplement it—a longing to experience the spiritual world in tangible ways.

• An opportunity to engage: Curiosity about the supernatural can be a bridge—not a barrier—to deeper faith conversations. Engaging people’s interest in the unseen can open doors to share the power of Jesus.

America is in a remarkably spiritually open moment. According to findings from Barna’s multi-year Engaging the Spiritually Open study, 82 percent of U.S. adults say they believe in—or are open to—the possibility of a spiritual or supernatural dimension. Nearly three in four (74%) express a desire to grow spiritually, and 79 percent affirm belief in a higher power. Yet this openness doesn’t always lead people toward Christianity. From astrology apps to tarot readings on TikTok, many Americans are seeking meaning through spiritual experiences that exist outside traditional religion. 

In his book, Faith for the Curious, Barna Senior Fellow Mark Matlock builds on the Spiritually Open research and shows just how this openness and curiosity is taking shape. The data reveal a range of supernatural or mystical practices that the Spiritually Curious (see glossary below for definitions of segments) are engaging in. More than half (55%) say they read horoscopes, while smaller shares consult fortune tellers (29%) or have their palms read (27%), among other supernatural and paranormal activities. 

A Growing Curiosity About the Unseen

Spiritual curiosity also shows up in broader U.S. data. A Gallup poll found that roughly half of Americans say they believe in ghosts, while only 28 percent believe people can communicate with the dead. At the same time, The Conversation reports that astrology has gained renewed popularity, especially among Gen Z, as a way to “find order and meaning amid uncertainty.”

Together, these findings suggest that Americans remain deeply spiritual. And though these practices may seem fringe, they point to something deeply human: a longing to experience the unseen.

Not Rebellion, but Exploration

Barna’s data shows that the Spiritually Curious aren’t necessarily rejecting Christianity; they’re supplementing it. Many are “collectors of meaning,” weaving together diverse practices that promise transcendence. Some experiment with meditation or energy work. Others see yoga, journaling, or time in nature as spiritual experiences.

For pastors, these practices offer both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge lies in navigating a landscape where people are forming hybrid spiritualities—blending Christian faith with esoteric ideas. The opportunity lies in recognizing that this exploration often stems from a sincere desire to connect with God or a higher power.

As Faith for the Curious author Mark Matlock writes, “While Christians may be skeptical of these things and reject their usefulness, we should be careful not to reject the people who use them.” Rather than condemning curiosity, the Church can meet it with empathy, guiding seekers toward a deeper understanding of the One who created the spiritual realm they long to encounter.

Meeting Curiosity with Clarity

For pastors and ministry leaders, the persistence of paranormal belief is a reminder that people still crave transcendence. Even in a rational age, the supernatural feels closer than ever—accessible through a podcast, a card deck, or a horoscope scroll.

Rather than dismissing these as fringe behaviors, the Church has a unique opportunity to engage them. When people explore astrology to understand their purpose or turn to tarot for guidance, they’re expressing a hunger for meaning. The gospel offers a better story—one that satisfies both the mind and the mystery.

According to Matlock, “Some Christians have acted as guard dogs who growl threateningly at people who get off the right path. But with God’s help, we can act more as guides—helpfully pointing them back to truth in Jesus.”

Americans’ fascination with the paranormal reveals a deep spiritual longing in a culture where institutional religion can feel distant. This curiosity offers both a challenge and an invitation for the Church: to meet spiritually open people where they are and guide their questions toward truth.

Leaders who want to lean into this moment can:

• Recognize that curiosity about the supernatural can serve as a bridge—not a barrier—to deeper faith conversations.
• Use language and teaching that honor people’s desire for mystery, purpose, and the unseen without dismissing their questions.
• Equip believers to respond to spiritual curiosity with discernment and compassion, pointing seekers toward the hope and reality of Christ.

When the Church meets curiosity with compassion, it shows a searching world that the questions of mystery and meaning are answered in Christ Himself.

Read an excerpt from Faith for the Curious and order your copy for more practical, effective ways to better engage with the spiritually curious.