Religion's Two Functions

"Religion's two functions
Because many of us have unfortunately given up on Paul�s theological language, let's instead read from a contemporary teacher, second to none, who can say the same thing in our own idiom. I will quote Ken Wilber at length from his recently published journal, First Taste:
Religion has always performed two very important but very different functions. One, it acts as a way of creating meaning for the separate self: It offers myths and stories and rituals and revivals that, taken together, help the separate self make sense of, and endure the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. This function of religion does not usually or necessarily change the level of consciousness in a person; it does not of itself deliver radical transformation. ... It consoles the self, fortifies the self, defends the self, and promotes the self. ... [Which is a necessary and good starting point, I might add!]

But religion has also served -- in a usually very, very small minority -- the function of radical transformation and liberation. This function of religion does not fortify the separate self, but utterly shatters it."