While growing up as a catholic, I remember feeling like I was constantly being watched by some sort of presence that was taking a tally of my dirty deeds. Now that Im atheist I still feel the same discomfort when Im about to do something "wrong". I have a strong discomfort, as if my privacy is being violated by one of those mystic evil demons I was told so much of as a child. A connection between religion and irrational fears doesn't seem too far off to me.