Obviously, not everyone who is religious also has an addictive personality; many are born into religious families and never question their beliefs.
But, this thread is about those who convert to religion from a non-religious, or agnostic state.
I propose that there is a link between addictive personalities and conversion to religion. This came to my attention a few years ago when a family member who works in law enforcement explained how recruiting inmates was so easy. "They just go from one addiction, whether that be drugs, alcohol, sex or whatever, to another addition -- religion."
In fact, 12-Step recovery programs tend to focus on converting the addict to religion by claiming that they cannot control themselves, only a higher authority can. An ex-neighbor went to those meetings and she became quite inundated in the rhetoric. She stopped drinking, but only for a few years, then she went back on the bottle and claimed God had forsaken her. It was pathetic to watch.
Interestingly, I've read many other accounts of people who were heavy into booze/drugs who came out of their own accord (no religion), and their results seemed to be lasting.
Some may say that it's easy to convert this type of person because they are at a low point in their lives, but, I think it's more likely that they can be converted because they were addictive personalities to begin with.
What do others think? Can a person who is mentally strong and happy be converted as easily as one who is an addictive personality?
I'm really interested in hearing the views of others.