First we must define just what the term ‘mysticism’ means.  Mysticism is an attempt to gain ultimate knowledge of God by a direct experience that bypasses the mind.  As practiced by those who claim to be Christian, mysticism not only bypasses the mind, but it circumvents Christ Jesus as mediator.  For centuries the Roman Catholic Church has assimilated into herself the mystery elements of pagan religions; however, in 1965, at the time of Vatican Council II, Papal Rome officially joined itself with pagan religions and their practice of seeking to know God by direct experience.  Some of the exact words of approval for these practices are still in the Vatican Council II documents.