At the same time, according to academic researchers, many of those who said they had no religion still shared some religious beliefs and more general "spirituality".

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Many scientists who write disparagingly about religion focus on the conscious, explicit beliefs in God and the supernatural.

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Core beliefs such as faith (not religion), community and family, play a huge role in buying behavior and the type of candidates worthy of support.

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While education, science and understanding of mysticism have helped me overcome previous inclination to superstition, outsiders need to understand that these beliefs are part of the tenets of African traditional religion and mysticism.

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But I do know that people can and will get very angry if they feel that their religion or its beliefs are slighted or neglected.

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Perhaps this is because they generally assume that "religion, " however defined, is a positive force for good and that any set of religious beliefs, however unusual, should be considered acceptable in a tolerant society.

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