Deuteronomy Chapter 17 verses 2 to 5:

If there be found among you man or woman……who have gone and served  other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun or the moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded…..Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die.”

Fear is the first weapon of the priest and his (always his)  hangers-on.  Power is their game and control their first priority.  Epicurus enjoins us to put away both fear and all superstitions.  That way lies peace of mind.