Syncretism refers to the blending or fusion of different religious, philosophical, or cultural traditions into new hybrid forms that combine elements from multiple sources. Originally a neutral term describing how religious traditions naturally adapt and evolve through cultural contact, syncretism becomes problematic when it creates incoherent combinations that compromise the integrity of core theological commitments. In the context of contemporary American Christianity, syncretism manifests in the fusion of Christian symbols and language with nationalist ideology, consumer capitalism, and political partisanship.
MAGA Christianism represents a form of syncretism that blends Christian identity with political ideology, while
Dominative Christianism syncretizes Christian language with power-seeking behavior. The
Nova Effect creates cultural conditions conducive to syncretism by multiplying worldview options and weakening traditional religious authority.
Identity Synthesis can be understood as a particular form of syncretism where religious and political identities become fused into new hybrid forms that resist traditional categorization.