“Enq: I understand to a certain extent; out I see that your teachings are far more complicated and metaphysical than either Spiritualism or current religious thought. Can you tell me, then, what has caused this system of Theosophy which you support to arouse so much interest and so much animosity at the same time?
Theo: There are several reasons for it, I believe; among other causes that may be mentioned is, firstly, the great reaction from the crassly materialistic theories now prevalent among scientific teachers. Secondly, general dissatisfaction with the artificial theology of the various Christian Churches, and the number of daily increasing and conflicting sects.
Thirdly, an ever-growing perception of the fact that creeds which are so obviously self – and naturally – contradictory cannot be true, and that claims which are unverified cannot be real. This natural distrust of conventional religions is only strengthened by their complete failure to preserve morals and to purify society and the masses.
Fourthly, a conviction on the part of many, a knowledge by a few, that there must be somewhere a philosophical and religious system which shall be scientific and not merely speculative. Finally a belief, perhaps, that such a system must be sought for in teachings far antedating any modern faith.
Enq: But how did this system come to be put forward just now?
Theo: Just because the time was found to be ripe, which fact is shown by the determined effort of so many earnest students to reach the truth, at whatever cost and wherever it may be concealed.
Seeing this, its custodians permitted that some portions at least of that truth should be proclaimed. Had the formation of the Theosophical Society been postponed a few years longer, one half of the civilized nations would have become by this time rank materialists, and the other half anthropomorphists and phenomenalists.”
H. P. Blavatsky
The Mark Of God: Understanding Your "I AM Presence" 