What is religious syncretism?

Answer

Syncretism, as defined by the American Heritage Dictionary, is “the reconciliation or fusion of differing systems of belief.” This phenomenon is most noticeable in the realms of philosophy and religion, often leading to the emergence of a new teaching or belief system. However, this concept is fundamentally incompatible with biblical Christianity.

Religious syncretism commonly occurs when external beliefs are introduced to an indigenous belief system and amalgamated together. The resulting hybrid religion then develops its unique identity. This syncretism has been prominently observed in the history of Roman Catholic missions. For instance, during the proselytization of animistic South America by the Roman Catholic Church, indigenous people were coerced into baptism under the threat of death, without any exposition of the Gospel. Existing temples were demolished and replaced with Catholic shrines and chapels. The natives were permitted to redirect their prayers from traditional deities of water, earth, and air to saints, and their former idols were substituted with new images associated with the Roman Catholic Church. Despite these changes, the animistic practices of the natives were not entirely eradicated; instead, they were integrated into Catholic doctrines, allowing this new belief system to thrive.

In more recent times, religious syncretism is evident in belief systems like the New Age movement, Hinduism, Unitarianism, and Christian Science. These religions represent a fusion of diverse beliefs and continue to evolve as human philosophies fluctuate in popularity.

The crux of the issue with syncretism is that it hinges on human preferences rather than the authority of Scripture. The Bible unequivocally defines true religion. Reflect on a few key teachings from Scripture: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (John 14:6); “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” «but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.», (John 20:31); and “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” «Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. », (Acts 4:12).

Religious syncretism is simply not compatible with true Christianity. In fact, any modification to biblical law and principle for the sake of a “better” religion is heresy (Revelation 22:18-19).