They need to be herded.

Given the mindset undeniably exists that people need to be made to be afraid, and given that this is essentially herding people, and given that people do in fact fear monger, then these fear mongers clearly do think they have the need, and the right to herd people.
And given that such people exploit religion among their tools, then they are herding people with religion.
And given that people defend a system that does this, they too (whether they're aware of it or not) think people need to be herded by religion.
Even if they don't happen to believe in it.

That "people need to be herded with religion", offends people as a phrase doesn't change these essential facts.

What would you rather I call it?

Animals aren't exactly herded with rational debate, and clear arguments for sane ideas that they agree and consent to.

And using something as primal and raw as fear to manipulate people for a desired result isn't exactly along that level of clearheaded honesty.

So, it is fundamentally treating people like animals.

It is herding.

If you have trouble thinking that process is a-okay while calling it that, that's your problem, not mine.