There are a few things religion -- almost any religion -- can be counted on to affirm. There are standards of conduct and piety, differences between right and wrong, obligations and responsibilities which are so clearly stated nothing is left to chance. Religion will always find a way to define what the deity requires, and to cite the rewards and the punishments for right or wrong conduct.

The penalties for violating religious commands vary, from a slap on the wrist to eternal damnation. The rewards also vary from a sunny day to eternal glory. Those growing up or coming to the faith are conditioned to act properly through the imposition of a system of rewards and punishments. The more the religion emulates family life the easier it is to reinforce the call to appropriate conduct. "Wait 't…