Amos, I don't think religions are initially organized in a "hierarchical, authority-based form." The usual basis of a religion is some sort of head-in-the-clouds idealism.

The hierarchy comes later, once the organization develops structure and acquires property. What people then see from the outside is the structure and the power and the property. Many times, the original idealism may remain and may even thrive, and it is usually the reason it attracts and retains members. The power and property and those who control it are so visible that they seem to be the essence of the organization, but be careful before you jump to that conclusion.

People don't practice religious faith because they want to be controlled by the rich and powerful.

-Joe Offer-