The term Mysticism was a form of the word Mystery. This was accurate because so much was still mysterious to it's proponents. Today of course much more about the human mind and the nature of the rest of the material universe is understood. Modern Mysticism incorporates modern scientific knowledge to traditional Mysticism.

@UnityBrad Thanks for the explanation. So... how would you describe, in modern scientific terms, the goal, or purpose, of mysticism?

@skado To try to understand, that which may not be readily obvious. It's like C.G. Jung said, we see through a glass darkly. Plato's cave allegory is also relevant to the purpose of mysticism. To try to see what lies beyond our 3 dimensional awareness. Finally, on a more practical note. Humankind, through the process of evolution, has developed reactions to outside stimuli based on primal feelings which may or may not serve our modern day best interest. Modern Mysticism, through the use of meditation and other techniques, strives to use our modern pre frontal cortex (higher thought) to see clearly which primal feelings still serve us positively and which do not.

Well, Churches that emphasize, material prosperity, but still use basically Traditional interpretations like Joel Osteen would be considered Modern Churches. Post Modern Churches take a more holistic view of prosperity and interpret the Bible allegorically. PM churches are also pantheistic or pan-an-theistic. Jesus is considered a "way shower" and not the only begotten son of God. The Christ Spirit is considered God's begotten.

I think the problem you are having David is that you are locked into some definition of God that you probably learned as a child. I think if you expand your definition to a more mature understanding, you wouldn't be so angry. Just so you know, Traditional Christians often accuse Post Modern Christians like me of using biblical terminology to describe atheist or scientific ideas. What I meant by my post is that if atheists used biblical terminology instead of modern secular terms they would sound like prophets. You can criticize this if you like, but try it first just for fun. You'll see.

"if atheists used biblical terminology instead of modern secular terms they would sound like prophets"

Why in the world would I want to sound like a prophet?

By the way, I have looked at your profile. Very, VERY minimal, but that's okay. What I find odd is that you have made two posts about your "Christian" spiritualism. Yes, you have answered several other posts, but both posts that you initiated (to me) shows that you believe we are easy marks for your style of Christianity. Now, you are essentially saying we're doing our atheism wrong, and if we acted more Christian-like gags we would be more accepted. Newsflash........ most of us (I won't say all since I don't know anyone here) don't want to be "Christ-like". We're perfectly okay with how we are, and we don't need some new-age "mystic" telling us how to do our thing.

Oh, and to imply that David is "angry" because of something he learned as a child is insulting. That sounds exactly like one Dominant I had that complained that the reason I was "afraid" of being spanked black and blue was because of a trauma I experienced in childhood. Most atheists know more about the Bible than modern Christians because we have had to defend our position. Because we know more about the Bible, we have come to our own conclusion as to what we believe "God" is. And by the way, my "God" is NOT your "God" and never will be.

Oh Brad.. Brad Brad Brad... It didn't take you long, did it. That's right, it's not you its me. I just don't understand your God, or your version of some sort of non being God, or whatever it is. I've been hearing that from religionists since I was a kid. And I've never fallen for it. You are a bit of a mess, and I don't mean that nastily. What are you doing hanging around here? You belong in that spectrum that ranges from loop fruit religions (sorry but yours sounds closer to that) to mainstream religions that continue to get in the way of human progress and human equality. Your struggle is with religionists not non believers like us. We've transcended that stuff; don't you get that from the contributions? A pox on all your silly religions and made up gods, however you define them. We want a free, just, fair, equitable and reason-based world. And religions are just on the wrong side of that, the wrong side of history. Putting on my Dr Phil hat I suspect you are here because you don't really believe religion now. But you can't let it go. You want to be a non religionist, but you think saying you are a Christian sounds good. (Not to me. I know the history of this religion and it appalls me). You like feeling 'spiritual' and how can you be that if you are an atheist? So you press your nose against our window, look in, and, damn, these atheists are actually thoughtful intelligent folk...if only they would believe my wishy washy new age God-as-a-process religion and I would feel vindicated. Yeah right. Here it is Brad: You are on your way to becoming a non believer, atheist, agnostic, choose your term. That's why you are hanging around here. It's just a matter of time. And yes you have our blessing. And yes you can be a non believer, and a contemplater of the big issues of life (just read the posts here), call it spiritual if you like. At some point you just have to be what you are. Seriously reflect on the internal dynamic going on within you. We'll be here to accept you.

True Modern Mysticism rejects magic or anything else that runs counter to the basic Laws of the Universe or modern scientific understandings. Many people do consider themselves mystics because they believe in magic rocks, crystals, amulets, etc. Or they worship nature or things like the "Divine Feminine" (whatever that is) That's actually not mystic its just silly. Many prefer the term "New Thought". It isn't actually new though.

@UnityBrad Sorry, Brad... I still just have no idea of what you are saying. Can you at least say what you wish to accomplish by means of your post? Do you want to change someone's mind about something?

I've actually introduced that same argument in my classes, that most people shouldn't read the Bible. Humanity would have been better off overall listening to it in Latin and just meditating.