I did start with "maybe", but nevertheless, I'll still run something on this side of a debate
The concept is nothing but an anthropomorphized image of a big invisible man. A man who first and foremost is a killer, a god of war.
Certainly a very common concept
This repugnant creature is then labeled "The Most High", "The True God", "our Creator".
Well, by many, but not everyone.....for myself, this is what the dream of revelation refers to as a beast - the imaginary nasty being - that animalistic/base figure who is given life by those who worship the image - the image developed by certain hearing during stories, by those who "already have" - the "image of a beast"
But nevertheless, I think that this beast image also keeps many "survival of the fittest minded would be thugs" in check - many people are brutal enough even under the 'threats of hell', so I can imagine how they might be unrestrained altogether - there are examples of brutality in the cultures of complete atheism - from Stalin to many current "business companies", and to some backalleys of modern cities. Hey, take a look at jwism - no hell, no charities.
Nevertheless, I do not disagree that masses of injustice are perpetrated in the name of people's 'beastgod'. Their truth, the truth of them, is revealed by that which of them is consumed, and by that which is not consumed - i.e. their gold. It's often peoples' 'gold' that brings them out of the org. or whatever other beastcult they might be in.
The rest is burned up, just like you say - wicked works.
No wonder we are raised in fear and animosity for those not exactly like us.
It is no wonder, but do you really believe that everyone would be "nice" without religion? Sure, there certainly are radical fundy fanatics, but that little bit of attrite conscious might just also be the only thing stopping some of your gun tottin' neighbours from shooting you dead and makin' off with your women.
And Odrade,
The only time in my life I ever did run amok was when I did believe that a man named Jonah was swallowed by a big fish
But now that you've seen what you're capable of in self-interest, I've no doubt that you?re much more in check.
Just what lofty moral lesson is taught in Jonah?
Easter Saturday and the dark night of the soul