In my experience

Converts take their religious obligations far more seriously than native born X'ers (Catholics, Jews, Muslims, etc).

Both in N Cyprus at the sufi camp and at div school, it was very easy to spot the newly religious: punctilious observance of even minor behaviors, obsessive fear that the faith was under attack, and deep commitment to defend it against THEM (defined rather loosely by necessity, specificity being hostile to blind, instinctual feelings of defense of self ).

Don't extend this critique to include all converts, but more than this article is willing to indict are flirtatiously curious about the real/authentic/suppressed version of their faith.

Remember all that "fight the power" stuff from a few years ago? Just as we trained some of the mujahedeen who would later turn on us, so have we conditioned large numbers of western children to believe (a la Marx) that the little guy is always right in his struggle against governments, corporations, etc.

Purity of idea is an addictive brew, stubbornly pursued by Commies in sticky jungles, half blind clerics in fetid urban mosques and others driving Volvos while studiously avoiding tobacco products and red meat. Believe in the purity of the coming day, of the Bright New Day. It's coming soon...

Believe me?