i think it's actually occam's razor. the idea that he's really that brainwashed and self-righteous is hard to believe. and he really doesn't seem to be trolling.
it's just a step beyond apologism. it's active support. i know he denies it, but it's purely cognitive dissonance. he's gotta be working this...
give him another 5-10 years, and he'll miraculously "see the light" and starting writing books about "spirituality". that's the end game: hook then co-opt. wait for it....