In time, religions tend to become materialistic

"In time, religions tend to become materialistic: they give

increasing importance to form, and the spirit which once animated

them is eventually lost. Of course, humans are not ready to live

solely in the spirit, in principles; they need to rely on

material forms. But God has not given eternity to form. After a

while, each form becomes old and must be replaced.

Forms are always necessary, in any realm, but they cannot be

made to last indefinitely. This is why heaven periodically sends

initiates, sages, great Masters, to change the religious forms,

but only the forms, never the principles. The principles are

unchanging and are the same in all of humanity’s great religions:

love, wisdom, truth, freedom, sacrifice. Such principles are

unchanging and apply for all eternity."

Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov