In order to discover whether we can understand the author, we must investigate. The religious challenge. We might have been less shocked if the author had called this the intellectual or philosophic challenge of the age. I can only surmise that progress on this project is important for preachers and religious teachers before, during, and after the spiritual renaissance. Note that a religious challenge is not identical to a spiritual one.
Religion is the interface of spirituality and culture.
The religious challenge. To succeed in a challenge it is well to know the obstacles. Trail-blazing is somewhat lonely. It is easy to get off the track in uncharted territory. Most people do not understand or appreciate your project.