The beginnings of the great religions were like the eruptions of a volcano. The light of doctrine, the glow of ethical commitment, and the fire of ritual celebration were expressions that gushed forth red hot from the depths of mystical consciousness. But, as that stream of lava flowed down the sides of the mountain, it began to cool off. These represent the great men and women who reformed and renewed religious tradition from within. In one way or another, this is our task, too.
Every religion has a mystical core.
The challenge is to find access to it and to live in its power. In this sense, every generation of believers is challenged anew to make its religion truly religious. This is the point where mysticism clashes with the institution. We need religious institutions. If they weren't there, we would create them.