
Among religions, Christianity in general (and Catholicism in particular) is a great example of an authoritarian hierarchy. Christians value their bibles in part because they are told what to do. Many Christians regard their clergy as people who have more answers than they do. And what of the jealous god they worship? Can there be any real dispute that this mythical contrivance is little more than a symbolic father dispensing rewards and punishments?
The thing about being told what to do is that it provides a measure of psychological relief by convincing one that one is absolved of responsibility. Hey, I was only following orders! And if the orders are "divine," all the better.
Some people yearn to be told what to do and will seek out virtually anyone - no matter how absurd - who is willing to play this role for them. Throughout history, we have seen the plight of many who have blindly followed a charismatic leader into the abyss.