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.

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.