SYNCRETISM is "the combining or attempt to combine or reconcile differing beliefs in religion or philosophy." Religious syncretism often takes place when foreign beliefs are introduced to an indigenous belief system and the teachings are blended. The new, heterogeneous religion then takes a shape of its own
Sycretism is most evident in the areas of philosophy and religion, and usually results in a new teaching or belief system. Obviously, this cannot be reconciled to biblical Christianity.
The purpose of this is to make different belief systems compatible with each other. Read that again.
THE PURPOSE OF SYNCRETISM IS TO MAKE DIFFERING AND SEPARATE BELIEF SYSTEMS COMPATIBLE WITH EACH OTHER.
Please take note that this type of combining or converging has been adopted as the basis for compromise by many church and denominational leaders to incorporate non-Biblical beliefs and practices into what many people believe is the true Christian religion. The Roman Catholic Church used this in it's early years in combining both Biblical and pagan beliefs and practices to make one religious system called Roman Catholicism. Today, many branches of the mainline Protestant churches are happily, fervently incorporating into their ranks Roman Catholic beliefs for the sake of ecumenical oneness. This can only be done by employing the element of syncretism and the sacrificing of Biblical truth. Truth and compromise are OPPOSITES!!
Just so you know what I'm getting at here -- syncretism is the means by which the pagan celebrations of the various holidays such as Christmas and Easter, and yes, even New Years, St. Patrick's, and Valentine's Day were incorporated into Christian worship.
YIKES! Father, forgive us and open our eyes to the truth about the things that you abhor and show us Your perfect and honorable way!
The Father, Creator and King warns his people about this exact thing numerous times!
"Do not worship the LORD your God in the way these pagan peoples worship their gods". Deut 12:4
"...do not fall into the trap of following their customs and worshiping their gods. Do not inquire about their gods, saying, 'How do these nations worship their gods? I want to follow their example.' You must not worship the LORD your God the way the other nations worship their gods, for they perform for their gods every detestable act that the LORD hates. They even burn their sons and daughters as sacrifices to their gods." Deut 12:30-31
“You shall have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:3
If all of this sounds a little too hokey or "off" to you, or you think I have gone off the deep end, I urge you to simply Google *religious syncretism* and begin reading. Find out for yourself. You are the one that will stand before your GOD in the end to answer for you, not your pastor, your parents or your friends. You will be on your own that day -- that Great and Terrible Day. There are really only two reactions you can have to all of this: either you will not be able to get up and walk away until you learn everything you can about the deceptions and lies you've been taught, or you will close your eyes and walk away in fear of the truth. I cannot urge you strongly enough to face the Truth and to choose life and blessing for yourself!
"I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Therefore choose life, that you may live, you and your descendants; to love Yahweh your God, to obey his voice, and to cling to him; for he is your life, and the length of your days... " Deut 30:19-20a