A survey of 3,000 Brits commissioned to mark the release of The X Files: I want to believe on DVD has revealed that 58 percent believe in the existence of UFOs and aliens rather than a God.

Fifty-nine percent of those surveyed stated they were open to the idea that ghosts and aliens exist whilst nearly a quarter had experienced their own paranormal encounter.

The UK-wide survey found that women were bigger believers than men with 61 percent open-minded to the supernatural compared to just 54 percent of men.

As well as being firm believers, women are also more open to paranormal experiences with 44 percent prepared to visit a medium and over a quarter admitting to using an Ouija board at one point in their lives.

The most open-minded were those aged between 20 and 30 with a whopping 62 percent prepared to believe in the existence of paranormal life-forms. They were also the most likely to consult their horoscopes, with the over 60s the least likely.

Those who still aren’t convinced “the truth is out there” should pay a visit to Ireland as the region boasts the highest number of people reporting paranormal sightings. Nearly a quarter of those surveyed from the Emerald Isle admitted to having a supernatural encounter, yet despite the evidence they remained the most cynical with 57 percent describing themselves as non-believers.

Let’s face it, our social and financial structures are looking decidedly rocky at the moment. With the credit crunch, housing and unemployment crises looming, the sorry state of our environment and the influx of knife crime and shootings amongst young people, it’s no surprise that the traditional beliefs and values of our patriarchal religious systems are being eroded. People are starting to question the status quo, and the time is ripe to embrace wider perspectives and re-kindle some of the lost hope.

As for me, I’m off to watch The X Files!

Rhian Gibbings