"whether the punishment is eternal damnation or merely the withholding of favor, it is still fear that leads the religious to do the right thing"

What "right" thing is it that they do? And why would you knock someone for doing the right thing? If someone does the "right thing", does their motivation really matter? I guess since it's associated with God, you'll even knock someone for doing the "right thing". I just don't understand your logic. I believe the bible because it's TRUTH not because of fear. Perfect love casts out fear.