Well, that's the truth these men do not want to expose - it IS an earthly power structure, created by men.

 Jesus did not ordain priests, nor did he create a hierarchy, nor did he tell his apostles and other disciples that they are "ontologically" superior to others. He did say the last shall be first. He did warn the Pharisees and Scribes about their "religiosity", showing off their fine robes and tassles,  he did tell all of us to go into our rooms and pray privately, he did warn about praying in public so all might see how devout and holy we are. 

The church completely departed from the gospels around the time of Constantine. Some men, notably Ignatius of Antioch essentially creaated the hierarchy, even though the with-hindsight folk say Peter was the first "bishop".