Why is Christianity considered to be a fear based religion by some scholars?

Answer 1

While proponents of Christianity see it as positive and hopeful, its detractors say its theology places too much emphasis on punishment. Some denominations of Christianity seem to focus almost entirely on sin, forbidding a long list of actions and behaviors, and warning believers of what will happen to them if they disobey God. Critics point out that this type of Christianity is not so much about God's love as it is about frightening believers into obedience by warning them of the dire consequences (such as going to hell) if they deviate from their faith.

It should be noted that scholars generally do not lump all denominations of Christianity together; it is the more conservative forms of Christianity that are seen as fear-based, since those denominations stress the punishments for sin (especially sexual sin), and preach about hell-fire and eternal damnation.