Why do Christians become Christians?

[SteveII]

One aspect of this that hasn't been discussed is the fact that religious belief is inversely proportional to both socioeconomic class and education.  One can think what one wills about the implications of that, but it would seem to imply that the poor and the ignorant find the message of Christ more appealing.  If the message is so popular, why does it appeal most to the downtrodden?  That sounds to me like the beliefs take advantage of the vulnerabilities of a distressed population.  So it is not simply that the message is appealing, but that the message is appealing to certain types and for specific reasons.  Otherwise that message would appeal unilaterally to all classes.

While it may be a non sequitur in this thread, it bears emphasizing that because a message is appealing doesn't make it any more likely to be true.  Indeed, the appeal of the message may instead of marking a sign of truthfulness, signal a departure from reality.  It's easier to make promises if you don't have to stick to the truth.

A good point. But appealing more to the downtrodden would be understandable in any generation because of the hope and peace that is inherent in the message. The message in the Gospels though it that everyone is in the same boat. Wealth make people feel secure and brings its own form of "happiness". People in this position, will not be as prompted to investigate what other forms of happiness there might be.