Cool.
Okay so if a witch can fly using a chant to a god or the earth, and a psychic can levitate on his own what is the only difference? The witch believes that an outside influance that causes the effect. The psychic believes that it is himself.
There is a very large movement currently of people who used to practive witchcraft who have realized that it isn't the outside that creates effect, it is the self. They no longer need the focus (item), the chant, the gods. All of those things are a human construct. A human need. Once you release them you are free of them. It is a logical step if you are willing to let go of the fear of taking responsibility.
I see Buddhism in a similar light. I see it as being past the need for religion. The next step. When you said "it seems like people are quick to dismiss buddhism as a philosophy" I was laughing because to me calling a religion is calling it something less that it is. Symantics I guess.
Don't get me wrong. I actually think that religion is a good thing. It is step. I just feel that humans have gotten caught on that step. Most aren't ready to let go. And that isn't really a bad thing. At least not in the eyes of someone who understands Buddhism.
BTW - I'm still on the step myself. I still can't let go of the something bigger than ourselves thing. Though admitedly that thing has become more and more formless over the years. And that terrifies me.