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Religious Syncretism
- Thread starter Rival
- Start date
Eyes to See
Well-Known Member
What is more important is what does God think about it?
(1 Corinthians 10:20, 21) No; but I say that what the nations sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers with the demons. 21 You cannot be drinking the cup of Jehovah and the cup of demons; you cannot be partaking of “the table of Jehovah” and the table of demons.
You cannot mix false worship with true worship and it be acceptable to the true God. Mixing in a pollutant into a pure source is called adulterating it. Pure worship cannot be adulterated and be considered acceptable. Jehovah says: "You must be holy because I am holy."
(Leviticus 20:26) . . .You must be holy to me, because I, Jehovah, am holy, and I am setting you apart from the peoples to become mine.
There is a spectrum from Protestants who won't even touch something that may have been cursed through a ritual to those who think of other religions as nothing and neither here nor there, to those who see them as a source for ideas such as with the Yoga exercises, then to those who see them as works of God and then to the opposite extreme are the syncretics trying to practice Hinduism and Protestantism at the same time.
Buddhism is sometimes mistaken for a type of Hinduism, mainly because it has people bowing to statues. Its probably better understood than Hinduism and is more likely to be practiced by Protestant Christians in its less superstitious forms. Meditation exercises don't make one syncretic any more than doing a Yoga exercies makes one syncretic, however some people would think of either as unacceptable.
Catholics are probably similar to Protestants. I know of a few examples, but I am guessing. I think the Catholics are probably more open to syncretism than the Protestants.
I have a co-worker who is a messianic jew. She's a nice enough person. In the long run, I don't think her beliefs effect who she is as a person in any negative way. That said...
Syncretism can lead to cultural appropriation, or it can be used as a backhanded disrespect towards the source material, imo.
With christian yoga, for example, it tends to denigrate Hinduism as demonic, and completely disregard the roots of yoga. Nothing wrong with stripping something down and simplifying it (as a naturalist, I don't subscribe to a lot of mysticism), but to disrespect the source leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
Syncretism can lead to cultural appropriation, or it can be used as a backhanded disrespect towards the source material, imo.
With christian yoga, for example, it tends to denigrate Hinduism as demonic, and completely disregard the roots of yoga. Nothing wrong with stripping something down and simplifying it (as a naturalist, I don't subscribe to a lot of mysticism), but to disrespect the source leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
I suspect it is more honest.
I think everyone creates in their head a concept of what their beliefs are about. The Bible especially has a lot of room for interpretation. No guarantees of any one of those interpretations being the message intended by the author. You read, you study, you listen to others and develop a unique concept of your beliefs. So whatever one Christian's concept of Christianity is likely different from every other Christian's.
I think some people recognize this uniqueness and are willing to include concepts of other beliefs. Whatever they feel comfortable with, whatever helps them in their spiritual journey.
Hindus don't bow to statues. That's purely a Buddhist custom. Hindus either prostrate, or stand straight with hands in namaskaram pose. Often westerners, familiar with Buddhism, or Japanese greetings, will bow in Hindu temples, and it looks silly to the Hindus.
PureX
Veteran Member
I am a non-religious Christian taoist.
These terms are pliable, and the ideologies they apply to often overlap each other.
Gargovic Malkav
Well-Known Member
That really depends on how one blends the ideas of these different belief systems. For instance, I find it strange if one would self-identify as a Christian or a Muslim, but still leave offerings for spiritual beings, deceased ancestors, or visit a shaman when suffering from an ailment. I've noticed that such practices are actually quite common, especially in poor countries. But if such a Christian or Muslim is inspired by "exotic" religions and finds some sort of universal truth in it, but maintain their belief and worship in one God, it may be helpful. It's not without risk though, as the cultural differences can cause a lot of confusion too.
When in doubt, we bow in a forward direction. Those who are very good at it can hold a cup of tea on their heads at the same time.
"Do what you want, who cares, take what you can, who cares".
Gargovic Malkav
Well-Known Member
I read Tao Te Ching and found it indeed a very useful and inspirational book.
Yep, I’ve only ever seen these at temple. Btw, you probably know that for the longest time I’d never be able to get up from a full prostration My strength has returned sufficiently that I can do it. Sitting on the floor is doable if I have a support.
Erebus
Well-Known Member
I'm a big believer in using what works and discarding what doesn't. I also place a lot of emphasis on the importance of individual choice and preferences in finding the path that best suits you. If syncretism works for somebody then more power to them.
The only caution I would give to somebody pondering if syncretism is that it might not sit well with some communities. It's entirely possible a particular Christian church wouldn't be happy to have you as a member if you also worship Kali. Just something to keep in mind if the communal aspect of religion is important to you.
I would be inclined to describe my own approach as eclectic rather than syncretic as I incorporate deities from multiple cultures into my practices. However, I'm aware that some people view eclecticism as a subcategory of syncretism.
Hello!
Yes, this is true. It seems common for indigenous folks to merge indigenous religion with Catholicism/Islam etc. I dislike this practice as it seems not driven by doctrine and true theological understanding. I dislike syncretism as it seems to denigrate religions into 'what works for me' rather than what the religion is actually meant to be and do. Religions with scriptures have less malleable beliefs and are more doctrinally and legally driven, and I do consider mixing them with folk religions to be a kind of assault on pure religion. There's really no way to reconcile 'Thou shalt have no other gods before me' with, well, having other gods.
Gargovic Malkav
Well-Known Member
*Waves*
PureX
Veteran Member
And not at all incompatible with Christian ideology.
Secret Chief
nirvana is samsara
Cross-fertilisation is always likely to happen when two "systems" of thought meet, if there is a degree of compatability apparent. It suggests a flexibility, rather than a rigidity.
No.
Yes. It indicates something living and still relevant, rather than something hidebound and atrophied.
Difficult not to be, for me. Buddhist teachings were taken from India into China, where they blended somewhat with Daoist thought. One upshot was the birth of Ch'an Buddhism; called Zen once it crossed to Japan, Korea and Vietnam, and thence on around the world.
Starlight
Spiritual but not religious, new age and omnist
What do you mean with "non-religious"? Is it possible to be Christian taoist without being religious? Do you mean you only believe in God but not in a spesific religion?
MNoBody
Well-Known Member
I have met and known jewish buddhists and jewish atheists and they were decent people, so what matter then? why make a matter where there is no reason to do so?
makes one wonder what causes people's thoughts to run that way...why would that even matter?...
it is bad form to raise questions of conscience as it may ruin the one the intention was to help......
kind of like back seat drivers second guessing all the time....who likes that type?