"Norenzayan thinks that people originally developed the idea of “supernatural monitors” - a fear of being punished by an omniscient watcher - at a time when secular institutions either didn’t exist, or might as well not have."
In game-theoretic language, the threat of inescapable punishment serves as a commitment device. Without it, if the chances of getting caught are low, people are more inclined to cheat - to violate society's laws. So if belief in "hell" is pervasive in a society, then one would expect people there to generally abide by the law even when the chance of getting caught is minimal - especially laws against behaviors proscribed by the moral code of the society (e.g. against theft, fraud, murder, etc.). OTOH, laws that are seen as arbitrary or not morally-based would be complied with or not based, at least in part, on enforcement and punishment in THIS life. Like whether or not to pay your taxes or drive the speed limit.
ETA: Arguably, societies develop the concept of "hell" (and perhaps eternal reward or "heaven" as well) for this very reason. Not because someone consciously decided to invent it, of course, but rather over time as the society evolves and develops moral codes, institutions, and belief systems. IOW, the belief in hell exists because it works to the mutual benefit of the members of the society. |
