Mizpah
It was the institution of the church that policed and oppressed the people.
Yes, of course, you're right. Priests, cardinals, etc were the agents. They, in turn, spread dogmas such as hellfire, purgatory, sin, confession, depravity, and others, which are all based on the bible. God, jesus and the angels were supposedly watching the people to see how well they met those catholic standards.
Protestantism gave more freedom for a while, as all new movements do. However, it also has the concept that humankind is basically sinful at the core, deserving of death, and that god, jesus and the angels are watching. Oh yes, persons of faith such as yourself are looked on favorably from on high, but loose faith and revert to sin, and the invisable police force takes note instantly. No need to commit a crime and have it reported, god/jesus/angels are there to see it. Do you disagree?
SS