Can it be true in 21st Century US that half the spectators at modern day "gladiator" contests believe that outcomes are influenced by supernatural entities (based upon religious preferences and practices of contestants or prayers and supplications by spectators)?

Really?

http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/watercooler/2014/jan/21/half-american-fans-say-supernatural-forces-are-pla/#.Ut7iHgPNCmc.twitter

www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gladiator‎
a man in ancient Rome who fought against another man or animal for public entertainment.

Explain any difference between santa claus and god???

Santa is not portrayed as giving preferential treatment or assistance to athletes (or soldiers) who believe in him?

Fight fight fight fight jk

If you doubt that supernaturals dont exist,come to Africa and one old man in the village would turn you to reptile in seconds.I'm saying what i've seen happen many times.There are powers that make things to happen,including convincing some people to doubt the existence of God,heaven,hell,etc.Doubt no more!

You have seen men turned to snakes multiple times? Could you go into that a little farther?

Metal,its terrible what traditional people can do here in Africa.The one i mentioned is even a little incident when compared with what we see here.Narrating them wouldnt be my job but we see alot.We thank God for Jesus,otherwise there is no match to their craft

If he can do that surely he can feed the people with just a little food and give them good water.. Sia baba in India they claim can do that

yep,Datura and other Species of Solanaceae seems to have that effect!
Besides there are other Species with similar psychotropic effects!

When I played football the coach led a prayer before each game. I think that is pretty standard in Texas.

The prayer was for the safety of the players and for the players to learn and grow from the experience. I don't remember ever hearing anyone asking God for our team to win.

The coach needed to be coached in leading prayers if truly he didnt mention winning the game in his "leading prayer".Maybe he 'said' prayer.He should have invited a pastor who would pray prayer

It seems as though if there is to be a contest it should be based upon ability and performance of those involved -- rather than seeking special advantages from a supernatural entity

Long ago and far away, shrouded in ignorance and superstition, all sorts of magical things are claimed to have happened -- some by "good" spirits and some by "evil" ones. Some are claimed to change humans into snakes and others are claimed to turn water into wine.

What the tales have in common is complete lack of verification. Anyone can claim anything but cannot show that they speak truth. Testimonials, hearsay, legends, fables and folk tales "prove" only that lips or pens are moving and that someone promotes an agenda.

The truth is that you cant even be alive for a second without that "supernatural entity"(God almighty)

Some believe that, others do not. Those who make the claim cannot show they speak truth or that their favorite "god" is any more or less imaginary than any of the thousands of others proposed, worshiped, feared by humans.

Not just the spectators but the contestants as well.

What I find annoying is when a fighter crosses himself before a fight. Have these fools even read the bible? And to see all their tattoos of crucifixes, talk about bad taste! They must've read a modern version of the bible because they couldn't have read the kings James version.

Evidently the same thing happens during wars -- both sides sometimes praying to the same "god" for victory.

How do you suppose the "god" decides which side to favor? Is it based on which one prays the most earnestly or which represents the most religious society?

If the combatants pray to different "gods" does the strongest "god" provide victory for "his" side?

so u do not believe in evil either?

Someone asked you to clarify that you had seen people turned into snakes -- perhaps because that seems like a far-fetched or delusional claim. You now change the subject to the existence of evil.

Some people are quick to ASSume that they know or understand what others think or believe. Many do a quick word dance to avoid acknowledging that their opinions are based on unverifiable tales, fantasy, wishful thinking, folk tales, conjecture, etc.

Notice that I emphasize VERIFICATION -- that means to show that what is said is true and accurate.

Some may actually believe tales about "men into snakes" -- which is their business PERSONALLY. However, here you are attempting to tell others that the tales are true -- and readers have every right (and perhaps a responsibility) to ask why they should accept your word.

Can I have some of what you're smoking please