So for the sake of a thought experiment:

in this thought experiment B or C or both is the case:

what is the best course of action?

comply with regulations and hope to get on the good side or suffer the consequences of the alternative

worship doesn’t require benevolence. fear keeps people in line just as well.

pretty sure thats the case for many religious people. telling you the god isn’t “good” would upset the rules, so why would they