The Gnostics turn the genesis myth on its head and claim the God of the Old Testament was an evil demiurge who indeed created the universe in his own image. It's the creation story which best fits what we have, and what we are - not saying it is literally true, but it's interesting how this didn't manage to become the dominant story because the loving God idea doesn't fit anybody's day to day experience.
The only point I'd make, because it runs through this entire conversation, is that "religious notions" are not the only way to think about existence beyond death. Religion sets up a dichotomy - believe in the faith or believe nothing. Many choose nothing, because the alternative is so oppressive. But maybe we don't have to make this choice.