Using religion to converge people's thoughts and strength is an old trick. First, conjure up an image in the minds of people of a non existing entity and then project yourself as his agent.

Now, anyone questioning the entity's existence will be deemed as challenging the agent....by making it an offence punishable by death, the government is infact making its place more secure against dissidents. That's because the state would be leveling such charges against dissidents irrespective of what they revolt against.