Syncretism

(Difference between revisions)'''Syncretism''' is the attempt to reconcile different schools of thought, most notably [[religion]]s.  Syncretism takes place when foreign beliefs are introduced into an indigenous belief system.'''Syncretism''' is the attempt to reconcile different schools of thought, most notably [[religion]]s.  Syncretism takes place when foreign beliefs are introduced into an indigenous belief system.Syncretism can be also defined as the union of two opposite forces, beliefs, systems or tenets so that the united form is a new thing, neither one nor other. In the modern world, religions such as [[Unitarianism]] could be considered syncretic in that it is a blending of differing belief systems that are constantly evolving.In the modern world, religions such as [[Unitarianism]] could be considered syncretic in that it is a blending of differing belief systems that are constantly evolving.|chapter=6:Possesio and Syncretism in Biblical Perspective|chapter=6:Possesio and Syncretism in Biblical Perspective|url=http://books.google.no/books?ei=-zCYUNfxFMvmtQbx_IGwCQ&id=QjYQAQAAIAAJ&dq=Yamamori+Christopaganism&q=Syncretism#search_anchor|url=http://books.google.no/books?ei=-zCYUNfxFMvmtQbx_IGwCQ&id=QjYQAQAAIAAJ&dq=Yamamori+Christopaganism&q=Syncretism#search_anchor

Syncretism is the attempt to reconcile different schools of thought, most notably religions. Syncretism takes place when foreign beliefs are introduced into an indigenous belief system.

Syncretism can be also defined as the union of two opposite forces, beliefs, systems or tenets so that the united form is a new thing, neither one nor other.[1]

In the modern world, religions such as Unitarianism could be considered syncretic in that it is a blending of differing belief systems that are constantly evolving.

Syncretism should not be confused with the adoption of formal elements of other religions into Christianity for missionary reasons.[note 1] It is not just simultaneous practice of two unrelated religions motivated either by external pressure or inner anxiety but it rather equates heterogeneous religious elements and thereby changes their original meaning without admitting such change.

An attempt to penetrate deeply into the heart of the Christian doctrine by applying the process of syncretistic assimilation was performed by gnosticism.[1]

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The Word ‘syncretism’ does not explicitly occur in the Bible. Still, the reality of it was an ever-present phenomenon throughout the biblical history. According to Plutarch, the semantic origin of the term relates to the island of Crete. The rivalling Greek tribes there were usually involved in minor warfare against each other. However, as soon as the island was attacked by a common enemy from outside, they suddenly were able to agree on formation of military alliance. Since then the word ‘syncretism’ carries a note of an opportunistic fraternization without a deeper conviction. [1]

Hendrick Kraemer, the late missiologist, distinguished between two forms of syncretism that could be found in biblical times as well:[1]

spontaneous primitive syncretism as a popular religious tendency and conscious, philosophical construction of syncretism attempted typically by religious thinkers or by political rulers.[note 2] ? cf. Acts 17:23? cf. Attempts to manipulate (edit) the Scripture by Nazis and proponents of LGBT ideology described in section Gnosticism Today.? 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Peter Beyerhaus (1975). "6:Possesio and Syncretism in Biblical Perspective", Christopaganism or Indigenous Christianity?. South Pasadena, California: William-Carey Library, 17, 126-127. ISBN 0-87808-423-1. 

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