The Insanity Machine (and the Notion of God)

[Undeceived]

Not sure I need to answer that question, Undeceived; the fact that it's in the Bible should be enough.

Hell is not merely a scare tactic if it is true. You're arguing that hell is nothing except for leverage--leverage and nothing more (or you should be if your conclusion is that the Bible is man-made). I agree hell can theoretically act as leverage, but how do you know it isn't also a real place? It could just as easily be the case that Jesus and his followers know about hell and want to inform people--none of them highlight hell in their sermons, but faith and grace instead. What makes you conclude they are liars who mention hell to get money or power?

For one, the entire book is obviously designed to induce fear.

Any scriptural support? Here's what I found on fear:
http://www.womensbiblecafe.com/2011/05/5...s-on-fear/
http://christianity.about.com/od/prayers...blever.htm
Most representative is 1 John 4:18 NLT: "Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love."

For another, it clearly establishes that half the world is going to hell.

Would it not be wise for a money-driven religion to welcome everybody? Alienating half the world is usually more a work of truth than of ambition. Why do you think all the other religions are so reluctant to come up with a hell-like place? If it was successful everyone would be doing it, right? If it was not successful, I fail to see the leverage.

And most importantly, it specifically and explicitly consigns any sense of mystery or coming to terms with existential crises to the Whore of Babylon

Could you restate this so it's easier to understand?