It is wrong to consider the many different religions as representing different aspects of Truth unless each of them are fully aware of all the aspects. The religions of today are far indeed from such a goal. Their "aspects" are apparitions. Christians say a God exists. Buddhists demand that no such thing is possible. These are not two different ways of describing the same Truth, but are entirely different mental constructs.
A similar misunderstanding arises regarding the stages of spiritual growth. The so-called stages of the spiritual path are too often seen as training in different aspects of truth. That is, as degrees of rightness. When all aspects are learned, one is supposed to arrive at the complete truth. Nothing could be more wrong.
Book-learning is nothing to do with truth. Nor are ritual practices or mysticism related to truth even in the smallest way. These activities may on occasion stimulate the mind into further action, but so can many other activities. Taking drugs may stimulate the mind, but this doesn't make drug-taking a stage in spiritual life! Religious practices can only be called stages in spiritual life if they lead directly towards truth; that is, if they promote enquiry, reason, and faith in reason. We must realize that the religions of today are the mortal enemy of reason and enquiry.
Today's religion is not symbolic of Truth because it is neither presented nor received as symbolic. Nor is Truth conceived of in any form by religion, because in religion there is no awareness of Truth at all. Nor is the mysticism of the "new age" any closer to the true path. Mystic reverie and meditative self-absorption are no different to the bliss of losing oneself in daydreams of love and wealth. They certainly give the spirit a new lease of life - the spirit of the ego!