In different parts of the world there are obviously many belief systems. It seems to me that the divider between spiritualism/realism is based upon wealth of the nation along with their educational standards. Humankind has always sought to understand the world--at first it was described as being made by Gods and Goddesses, thunder and lightning were signs of a troubled God ect... In western culture we now know this is obviously untrue, while many parts of the world (whom are considered to be underdeveloped) still believe this. In the dark ages schizophrenics were thought to be demon possessed, and someone who was bi-polar was a tool of the devil. So, while western cultures views may be in the minority, I faithfully put more stock into it's beliefs.