"Here's a question. Is religion ultimately for people who are afraid of death? Because really, religion tells us to be good while we're alive so that we can be rewarded after we die. The whole idea behind religion is that, if you're not good while you're alive, then you'll be punished when you die. "
I don't know about religion but the Christianity that I know certainly isn't about the fear of death. When Christ arose from the dead it was written "Grave where is thy victory? Death where is thy sting?" A Christian should not fear death and that is a point that some people raise against Christianty actually i.e. that a zealot will wwelcome their reward and wish death. That is wrong also because Christianity is called the abundant life and those who follow should be lovers of life.
The being good for your reward is one of the most misunderstood claims made about Christianity. Everlasting life is promised but life on earth is to be one of helping others, forgiveness, generosity, love, grace and a positive mindset. The saying to be so heavenly minded that you're no earthly good comes to mind. Christ called his followers to engage with the world as he did. He loved people and would often be found in taverns chatting with people. He did it so much that the Pharisees called him a wine bibber (drunk).
The negative confession faith as quoted on the top line of being motivated by fear is the baby steps of a believer. The fear of God is the BEGINNING of wisdom. Maturity in faith shows a world that is much much more comprehensive and embracing. To pidgeon hole the Creator of the Universes plan into such a simple explanation is akin to a Creationist claiming the world was made in 7 days in a 7,000 year old earth. Such simple explanations are not sufficient.
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