Very good. You are probably correct, but maybe in a slightly limited way. But this would work with or without the accuracy of the beliefs. You are almost arguing (and I hope I do not offend) that religion serves the purpose of controlling a population by instilling fear in them! This fear will exist with or without the actual existence of a God, no?
Indeed, I believe that religion can have the result of controlling a population through fear. Some have suggested that was the purpose of religion per se. And that may be the truth among some cultures, certainly some I've seen headlined recently on the Discovery channel LOL!
But my Christian faith is different because it is based on the Word and the Spirit: perfect love casts out all fear and we obey because we love, not because we fear. A lot of Christians however still live in fear, and to protect your rights, that'll do.