[Grammar] be added to the normal devotion through religion...

[kadioguy]

As a matter of fact, if the father is a drunk and/or a poor provider, the relationship may even be strengthened because of a natural sympathy that may be added to the normal devotion through religion, propinquity, sentiment, and habit.

(Harry Golden, "Fathers And Sons")
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Which one does it mean? (How can I judge it?)

1. a natural sympathy that may be added (through religion, propinquity, sentiment, and habit) to the normal devotion—i.e. 'through religion...habit' modifies 'may be added'.

2. a natural sympathy that may be added to (the normal devotion through religion, propinquity, sentiment, and habit)—i.e. 'through religion...habit' modifies 'the normal devotion'.

 

[Tdol]

Devotion can result from religion, proprinquity, sentiment and habit. However, a father who is drunk or a poor provider may also have strong bonds caused by natural sympathy, which excuses his behaviour. Counter-intuitively, being a weaker father may cause a strong bond.