One thing I've observed on the occasions when I attend a public
concert at a church (which usually has many members in attendance as
well) is their attitude. They are unfailingly pleasant and spend much
time greeting one another and engaging in small talk. They seem truly
content, almost the same look and demeanor as those high on various
mood altering drugs.

William James spent a lot of time exploring this phenomena, including
trying laughing gas himself to see the effect. I think he concluded
that some religious experience is equivalent to intoxication. But he
was talking about a passing experience while what I'm describing seems
to be a state of longer (permanent?) duration.

If it is true that such a state can be induced in people by fervent
belief then why should they risk losing it by questioning their
beliefs?