Your premise doesn't sound plausible to me because to me it doesn't make sense. What rational being would spread lies about something (when the truth was of utmost importance) just for the purpose of spreading? And how in the world would it work into his plan when it is so contrary to everything he stands for? It doesn't make sense to me.

> Imagine a god who's only goal is to prevent humans from eating shellfish, a religion that just tells people not to eat shellfish probably wouldn't last very long, but by adding in other things he could make it last for thousands of years.

Well, just is just a bizarre "imagining." If this is your perception of God, we need to talk.

> Is there any reason that a parent wouldn't use white lies to guide his children?

Yes, there are many reasons a parent should use white lies (1) eventually they'll be found out and the kid will feel both deceived and betrayed, and (2) the parents will end up teaching the child that small immorality isn't really immoral (which is a lousy thing to teach a child). It's better for the parent to tell the truth. Color me crazy, we we used truth to guide our children.

Do you think it's possible that god created religions as a tool for his plan, but with most parts of the religions being made up just for the purpose of spreading?

Imagine a god who's only goal is to prevent humans from eating shellfish, a religion that just tells people not to eat shellfish probably wouldn't last very long, but by adding in other things he could make it last for thousands of years.

Is there any reason that a parent wouldn't use white lies to guide his children?