The various forms of [[Mystery religion]], from [[Zen Buddhism]] and Gnosticism in the first century to New Age [[Esoteric|Esotericism]] in the twentieth century and even now, promise their initiates an ''[[Experience|experiential]]'' (not [[Education|intellectual]]) form of "[[Mysticism|illumination]]" of the whole mind and heart and spirit and body with a bright light like the sun, or brighter and more brilliant than the sun, which is a false light (2 Corinthians 11:14; Colossians 1:13), which rejects all the doctrines and tradition of Christianity, and actually has an intoxicating, exhilarating and addictive spiritual effect on the person. It appeals to and generates [[intellectual arrogance]] and [[elitism]]. [[Theism|Theistic]] forms often use biblical terms to promote their claims of offering "God Realization"—"Christ in you, the hope of glory"—"God indwelling the man"—"But we have the real light of Christ"—"You are God". | The various forms of [[Mystery religion]], from [[Zen Buddhism]] and Gnosticism in the first century to New Age [[Esoteric|Esotericism]] in the twentieth century and even now, promise their initiates an ''[[Experience|experiential]]'' (not [[Education|intellectual]]) form of "[[Mysticism|illumination]]" of the whole mind and heart and spirit and body with a bright light like the sun, or brighter and more brilliant than the sun, which is a false light (2 Corinthians 11:14; Colossians 1:13), which rejects all the doctrines and tradition of Christianity, and actually has an intoxicating, exhilarating and addictive spiritual effect on the person. It appeals to and generates [[intellectual arrogance]] and [[elitism]]. [[Theism|Theistic]] forms often use biblical terms to promote their claims of offering "God Realization"—"Christ in you, the hope of glory"—"God indwelling the man"—"But we have the real light of Christ"—"You are God". |