From the thread source: We are seeking papers on the mystical, whether in literature and art, or the relationship of mysticism to Mormonism. Some topics that might be considered are: • The psychology of mysticism • Meditation and mysticism • Mysticism and conversion experiences (including secular conversions) • Visions and higher states of consciousness • Embodiment and out-of-body experiences • Divinization/deification • Emptying out and Pure Conscious Events * Epistemology and the mystic • Mysticism and nature • Neuroscience and mysticism
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Now, note the contrast: As the Christian world focuses on either Lent or preparing for Good Friday two weeks away...and Easter to follow...the BYU campus is holding a conference seeking presentation papers on "esoteric" this and "occultic" that...not that everything under the umbrella of mysticism qualifies as "occultic"...Still, enough is listed above to see more of the "cat out of the bag" at BYU!
I’m not convinced that Mormons actually care about their theology. It is, fundamentally, a very emotionally based religion, on the “burning of the bosom” as opposed to logical arguments. It’s not that surprising to see such a heavy interest in the occult, therefore, especially when they have so much of the occult already. The signs on their “sacred” garments, the Temple rituals and symbolism. Free Masonry, from which Joseph Smith borrowed from, was itself inspired from occult symbolism. I’ve seen Masonic symbols in works by Agrippa, an ancient occultist, before the advent of the Masons.