Syncretism and the Church

Dec 11, 2009 by The Faith

syncretism: combination of different beliefs: the combination of different systems of philosophical or religious belief or practice

 

A recent USAtoday article refers to a just-completed survey conducted by The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life that the majority of Americans have adopted syncretism as the foundation for how they practice religion.  Of the 4,000 surveyed, they found that “…large numbers of Americans engage in multiple religious practices, mixing elements of diverse traditions. Many say they attend worship services of more than one faith or denomination — even when they are not traveling or going to special events like weddings and funerals.”

While this co-mingling of religious beliefs and practices is heralded as a positive in terms of tolerance and understanding, it was also pointed out that there are clearly situations of confusion and/or disrespect occurring, with the example of the pop singer Madonna who flaunts loose morals yet is known for both her Catholic and Kabbalah religious practices.  Or, those of the Jewish faith that also celebrate Christmas, some out of mixed marriages, others for the sake of their children.

The article and survey are worth reading, as it’s eye-opening to see how much religion is becoming a vessel in which individuals freely mix beliefs and practices rather than being based on the Bible.  And while we can argue whether Baptists and Pentecostals will ever sit side-by-side in a pew, there are clear signs that Christianity is being diluted in order to find acceptance with the masses.

The best analogy I can come up with is one we’ve all seen before, usually in the context of marriage and the risks of being “unequally yoked” by marrying an unbeliever.  It’s not a watering down of the Bible and everything it represents so much as a dilution through the adding of other beliefs and practices.  Like taking a glass of water and adding Kool-Aid and sugar – the water is still there, but the nutritional benefits have been  marginalized, to the point that it can be unhealthy.

We as Christians have to find that balance between embracing and evangelizing.  Acceptance versus admonishment.  Recalling that the Bible speaks of us as being lights to the world, of the Word of God as being water.  Both of these elements represent purity, don’t they?  Today, yoga, horoscopes, and other Eastern mysticisms and cultural practices have become mainstream, summarily creeping into churches as well.  It used to be just Halloween we had to concern ourselves about.  Now it’s “every wind of doctrine”.

Our faith obligates us to not allow the Word of God, our beliefs or practices to be compromised.  While we may not agree corporately on every theological topic, the church must have a foundation that is scriptural and leadership that is steadfast in its responsibility to lead the flock on the straight and narrow way.