The "carrot and the stick" is what rules religions. The assumption is made that somehow mankind is bad and must be tamed like a wild beast.

God is an autocratic parent who will spank you if you misbehave. No wonder so much religion is infused with physical violence.

"Heaven and Hell" are folkloric fabrications used to control behavior.

"If you don't behave, the Bogeyman will get you."

Anyone who actually believes there is a Heaven and a Hell is deluded.