The Most Common Religious Converts

Image by DFID via Wikimedia Commons.

Why are some people drawn to religion, while others grow up to become atheists? Research in this area is surprisingly sparse, but there are a number of trends emerging that may shed some light on the matter:

1. Younger people are more easily converted to religion than older people. Children have an open mind that is receptive to new ideas, and if these ideas come from parents or authority figures, they are more readily accepted. Young people also have many questions about the world, and less skepticism for outlandish stories. Additionally, they're more likely to seek out role models, or human ideals to emulate. This might include the various kinds of `perfect being' found in religion (e.g. Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha, etc).

2. Poorer people are more easily converted. Data shows that poorer countries are more religious. This may be because these countries have less welfare, and therefore less security for when things go wrong. Religion is known to alleviate anxiety and uncertainty, making it a viable substitute for welfare in deprived regions.

3. The ill and dying are easily converted. Like vultures to the scent of death, religious individuals often appear in hospitals, hoping for one more convert. This may be because the fear of no longer existing is a great motivation for accepting religions that promise an afterlife.

4. Depressed people are more likely to accept the promises of religion if it helps them overcome depression. Indeed, the social inclusion offered by religious communities may be very appealing to them.

5. For the same reason, drug addicts and those attending help groups are likely to find religion appealing. Alcoholics Anonymous is known for its insidious program of converting alcoholics to faith-based, religious beliefs.

6. Prison inmates are another subgroup that's especially prone to religious ideas. Inmates often seek to rehabilitate themselves in socially acceptable ways, and religion provides a shortcut to being thought of as moral and righteous.

These are some of the main groups of people that are vulnerable to religious conversion. The unifying themes are weakness, vulnerability, illness, and ostracism. Religion tempts these individuals with an easily achievable, though superficial, solution to their problems.