If religion is supposedly so liberating then why so many strict rules?

Rules are given in exchange for freedom, with that freedom being submission to God. Without recognizing and observing those rules, you just become a slave to inferior forces who oppress you with no understanding of your worth or your potential, and with no desire to really see you flourish. These rules, of which there are many (more than you'd know), are there because they take us away from slavery, and bind our relationship to God.

note: I'm not especially religious anymore, but this is my understanding of why there are "rules".