I honestly wonder if this belief in faith or need for faith is some how related to OCD. I am atheist but I carry around good luck charms, intellectually i know they are just objects but they make me feel comfortable. I have to carry out a few actions more than once to satisfy that part of me, it's not as bad as it used to be, my youngest son has bouts of it from time to time as well. I can see how parts of religion could be related, the constant feeling that otherwise nonsensical actions have a huge influence on your life, the rituals, repeating prayers over and over. My gut tells me there is a connection.... my gut is so big it has to be the Sheldon Cooper of guts...