ALL organized religions involve politics and BIG business, and anywhere there is any form of 'idol' worship...there is trouble! Even in organized religions a la Buddhism that espouse liberation, there has been a long history of oppression of women. At its pure core, though, Buddhism is something entirely different than how it is now represented as an organized religion. "If you meet a buddha on the road, kill him" is the true sentiment of Buddhism...meaning that we are to follow no one as buddha-hood resides in each of us and can only be realized by one's own efforts. Buddha would be pitching a fit if he saw what had become of his teachings, just as Christ would. The essence has been lost in the political and business organization of the original spiritual traditions.
That's why my leanings are more towards the philosophical, rather than religious traditions of Daoism and Zen (an off shoot of Daoism). We're more renegades; more independent, question everything, rely on direct experience rather than 'belief'...and crazy as a bunch of loons! So much more fun!!! ;)