Well, in this case it could be genuine, but power-driven. There is a tangible influence to be had by believing in the hippie version of the world. So rather than be curious, he goes along with it.
This is perfectly in line with actual Christian belief, which posits the devil as the first actual con artist.
That's possible. Who knows what's in a man's mind. He seems to have a world view about which he can not be disabused.