There have always been humans who seek to impose their
vision of how a society should be by exercising control
over the behavior of others. This has been done primarily
through religion and politics, often a combination of both to some degree. Most religions proffer a system of rewards for
good behavior, and punishment for evil behavior.
In the Judeo-Christian tradition it is the promise of heaven
and the threat of hell. As people move away from this belief, the reward and punishment system doesn't necessarily disappear.
It's replaced by something else. I am currently thinking of
the debate over climate change and the promises and threats
claimed by climate change advocates. The sins of not
obeying God's commandments in matters of faith and personal
morality have been replaced by sins against the environment.
The threat is global catastrophe, the promise is a green utopia.
If God does exist, as I believe He does, I am confident He can
deliver on his promises of heaven. Of course, I won't know that
for certain until this life is over. What I do know for certain is that man will never be able to deliver on his promise of utopia.
