I found an interesting forum where people who broke out of these extreme religious conditioning patterns talk about their experiences. Very revealing. I find it fascinating but I also enjoy watching people break out of these harsh patterns and reclaim their truth beyond the associative conditioning that was handed to them. I think as part of the human collective consciousness, it is important for some to take on this experience so the information can be utilized and stored holographically as part of out toal experience to draw upon.
I find it all very interesting. The diversity in human consciousness is certainly flavourful. Lots of attractor programs and variations to run.
I do agree with you that external trappings in religious disguise can and are used for controling populations among other things.