Seems like a very apt comparison. The spread of Christianity and Islam, including denominational conversions, works much the same today. In fact, in some places it's far more crass--fancy cars and huge televisions replace grandiose public buildings and fine art as symbols and enticements of a more civilized and prosperous life awaiting converts.

I don't mean to demean religion, it's just the reality of how mass conversions often work. You get pulled in by the fancy cars, but you stay for the social networks and economic opportunities.