All religions are essentially cults. Some have many followers but they all have one thing in common. They have a superstitious basis for their claims, they demand obedience in the face of facts, they falsify history in their favor.
And especially, they fight for control over earthly mortal humans for pride, profit, or control. If there were no religions, the people in currently in charge of them would be standard political leaders and many would be dictators.
You can't ignore the fact that religious leaders get to the top of their religions the same way regular politicians get to the top of National governments. They fight, scheme, use the beliefs of the masses, gain control of funds, and demand sovereignty.
I seriously doubt that any religious leader REALLY believes in their religion any more than I do.
No argument against your view. I like to think I am an example that goes against the grain of your last.
I believe in the method for enlightenment that the Jesus I follow sells.
Here is the real way to salvation that Jesus taught.
Matthew 6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Allan Watts explain those quotes in detail.
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LoginJoseph Campbell shows the same esoteric ecumenist idea in this link.
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LoginThe bible just plainly says to put away the things of children. The supernatural and literal reading of myths.
Regards
DL