What if religion has been invented for recreational purposes by our forefathers, in order to provide a motivation for the masses, and to act both as an opiate and as internal, ever-watching policemen?
I do not find that such has been invented but that rules were laid down to bring some control over a group of people that were becoming a society and needed consequence for ones actions. Wicca has the their Reed. According to most versions of the three-fold law, whatever one does comes back to one thrice-multiplied, in amplified repercussion. One short, rhymed version of the Wiccan Reed states "Eight words the Wiccan Reed fulfill: An it harm none, do what you will." Often "none" is interpreted to include the doer him self in analogy to the "golden rule" of other faiths. A good rule. Myself I lean more towards Karma.
The explanation of karma can differ per tradition. Usually it is believed to be a sum of all that an individual has done, is currently doing and will do. Karma is not about retribution, vengeance, punishment or reward; karma simply deals with what is. The effects of all deeds actively create past, present and future experiences, thus making one responsible for one's own life, and the pain and joy it brings to others. In religions that incorporate reincarnation, karma extends through one's present life and all past and future lives as well. It is cumulative. Karma is a force of nature and not a sentient creature capable of making value judgments, karma isn't about good and evil deeds, because applying those labels would be judgmental, but that it is about positive and negative energy, where negative energy can include things not seen as "being bad" like sadness and fear, and positive energy can be caused by being creative and solving problems as well as by exuding love and doing virtuous acts. Yet then how does one “police” themselves when following a Dragon path?
I asked this question one night meditating and I received my answer from my first female Dragon to come to me. It was in the form of a Katana sword used in later years by Samurai of Japan. Yes this Dragon was also of Asian form and my first of that as well. So a study of this began. The Samurai code of chivalry known as Kyuba no michi ("The Way of Horse and Bow") later changed to the Bushido ("Way of the Warrior") code. It was at the heart of the beliefs and conduct of the Samurai. The philosophy of Bushido is "freedom from fear." It meant that the Samurai transcended his fear of death. That gave him the peace and power to serve his master faithfully and loyally and die well if necessary. "Duty" is a primary philosophy of the Samurai.
At some point as people we need a “code” or “rule” book to live by. Wether it is the Wiccan Reed , Code of the Samurai , The Golden Rule , or something else you follow that makes you a “better” person to live with in society. Find that place that is true for you , makes you happy, makes others happy and helps contribute to the world around you in a positive note.