The world is the theatre of an ordered plan, according to which the spirit of man, by repeatedly expressing himself in varying conditions of life and experience, continually unfolds his powers. Man is a link in a vast chain of life extending from the highest to the lowest. There is a 'communion of saints' of 'just men made perfect' or holy ones, who help mankind. There is a ministry of angels or Guides, as they are sometimes called, whom help guide you along your way. Service of humanity and the sacrifice of the lower self to the higher are laws of spiritual growth.
Religion is a means to an end.
As such, it may be seen to have a dual purpose. Wisdom may be considered to be the sum total of the experiences and knowledge gained during all of man's past lives. Knowledge alone is the function of the lower mind. Wisdom reaches far above the lower mind. Wisdom gives man that true perspective with which to discover the real purpose of life.