The claim that religion merely teaches obedience—“Do this or be punished”—while true morality is about doing right for its own sake, touches on a real problem: when faith becomes fear-driven or transactional, it can feel hollow. But this critique misunderstands both the depth of Christian teaching and the role of covenant in genuine spiritual transformation.

In fact, the Bible repeatedly affirms the idea that heartfelt morality—not mere rule-following—is what God seeks. Consider Micah 6:6–8, where the prophet asks, “With what shall I come before the Lord?” and concludes, “He has shown you, O man, what is good: to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Or Jesus’ words in Matthew 23:23 rebuking religious leaders for their empty legalism: “You have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness.” Even Paul teaches that “the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Corinthians 3:6), meaning that external obedience without inward transformation is not enough.

Latter-day Saint theology builds on this biblical theme. Temple worship, which may seem overly structured or ritualistic from the outside, is in fact about entering into a covenant relationship with God—similar to the way ancient Israelites did at Sinai, or the way early Christians took part in sacraments like baptism and communion. These rituals are not bribes for heaven or barriers against hell. They’re expressions of love and loyalty, a sacred invitation to grow into something more like God Himself—not out of fear, but out of faith and devotion.

Jesus did not demand blind obedience, but to awaken deeper meaning. He said the greatest commandments were to “love God” and to “love your neighbor” (Matthew 22:37–39). Love—not fear—is the root of Christian morality.

Atheists are right to be suspicious of religion when it becomes a fear-based system of rewards and punishments. So was Jesus. But the gospel calls people to something much richer: a life transformed by love, committed through covenant, and freely offered back to God—not out of compulsion, but because it is right, and we desire it to be right. As the Book of Mormon teaches, “men are free… to choose liberty and eternal life… or to choose captivity and death” (2 Nephi 2:27). And ultimately, “if ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Not because you’re afraid—but because you’re free.