8 in 10 people depend on God for help: US study

Washington, March 10 : People's beliefs about how God is directly involved in their personal life and well-being have become the subject of a new research.

Sociology Professor Scott Schieman, University of Toronto, who based his study on data from two recent national surveys of Americans, found new patterns about these beliefs and the ways they differ across education and income levels.

Schieman said: "Many of us might assume that people of higher social class standing tend to reject beliefs about divine intervention. However, my findings indicate that while this is true among those less committed to religious life, it is not the case for people who are more committed to religious participation and rituals."

As many as 82 per cent said they depended on God for help and guidance in making decisions, while 71 per cent believed that when good or bad things happen, these occurrences are simply part of God''s plan for them.

While 61 per cent held that God has determined the direction and course of their lives, 32 per cent agree with the statement: "There is no sense in planning a lot because ultimately my fate is in God''s hands."

The findings have been published in the journal Sociology of Religion.