Mental independence is a Christian idea. We have a very personal God, who wants us to choose to love Him, so He gave us free will.

Everything else is more or less tribalism, that's why they have all of these complex rituals and clothing and dietary rules and etc. It's a massive tribal burden, that comes along with their religion and makes it impossible for them to adapt to other cutlures.

One reason Christianity spreads so fast is because the outer yoke is so light.