What’s the difference between ghosts and demons? Books, folklore and history reflect society’s supernatural beliefs

By: Penelope Geng, Macalester College

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: October 27, 2025

Words: 1,377

Last Updated: 4 weeks, 1 day ago

By Penelope Geng, Macalester College

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com.

What’s the difference between ghosts and demons? – Landon W., age 15, The Colony, Texas

Belief in the spirit world is a key part of many faiths and religions. A 2023 survey of 26 countries revealed that about half the …

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