Re: why do we fear God?
But are peoples' good actions based on fear, really good people? Or just acting good? I think there's a difference. We should do the right things based on the right reasons, not for selfish ones based on fear. If for instance you want to help a little old lady cross the street, the right reason to do is selfless and obvious.
What would you call "right reasons"? I my view, why most people do good is because they have been programmed to do good. The programming is the upbringing, culture, society, environment, education and other influences. Once these influences have molded the personality, it does not remain in ones control to diverge from the same. These influences limit your behavior to the norms of the society.
Again, most people do good is because it appears the right thing to do and it makes them feel good about themselves. So basically people do good to please themselves. Similar reasoning help me justify fear/reward of God as the most valid reason for doing good or staying away from bad; at least it is the least selfish of reasoning.