Despite its misgivings about the effects of the 'special relationship' between Britain and America on Europe, and the possibility of enhanced European integration, this project remains optimistic about the future and the possibility of progressive change fostered upon church-hegemonic criteria centered on transcendentalism. The 'mystic' pun in the title may not be particularly appropriate here, but at least John O'Loughlin furnishes one with an alternative to the secular and materialistic present.