Yes, “religion” sometimes does paint an incorrect picture of God.
I think besides that, though, even New Testament Scriptures can be very sobering, and we know the Scripture is not painting an incorrect picture: Our God is a consuming fire; if you abide not, you will be cut off; every tree not bearing fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire; men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken; better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell; Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
There are other verses too along these lines but you get the point. Of course, there are many verses also of His great love.
I think the pendulum has swung to the oppostie extreme, of painting a picture of a God of love who doesn’t care if we sin or not.
I’ve encountered that attitude among professing Christians. God loves us so much that He doesn’t care if we do something wrong.
Well, maybe that sin won’t cost us our salvation, per se, but that doesn’t mean it’s OK and God doesn’t care.