Think of it this way then.....

God created the garden.. he had every right to set whatever rules he wanted for it (whether you agree with them or not), and Adam and Eve chose to disobey a rule God put forth. God punished them for it... how is that any different than what is out there today.

Laws (rules) are everywhere and if you break them, you will pay the penalty. If you are in school and cheat on a test, you are breaking a rule and if caught you pay the price. That isnt discouraging free thinking, it actually encourages it.. you should earn your grade off of your own work and study not the guy next you. (I know it isnt an exactly direct correlation, but makes the core point).