If you tell someone the truth, and they kill themself...versus if you tell someone a lie and they live on some false hope? Which is better for a productive society? Completely detached from any religious views, couldn't it be advantageous for a government looking to have productive citizens? I'm not saying it is or isn't...just the possibility. If everyone believes that they are part of some higher plan, I'm sure they will work and encourage much better than if they think that their entire world is the product of natural forces.