📘 Lexicon Entry: Syncretism

Short Definition
The blending or fusion of different religious, philosophical, or cultural traditions into new hybrid forms that combine elements from multiple sources
Definition
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.
Category
Theological Genealogy
Keywords
syncretism, religious fusion, cultural blending, hybrid religion, civil religion, nationalist Christianity, theological integrity
Citation Guide
Geevarghese-Uffman, Craig. “Syncretism.” *Political Theology Lexicon*. https://www.commonlifepolitics.com/p/lexicon. Accessed [date].
Historical Context
Term originates from Greek synkretismos, referring to Cretan cities uniting against common enemies
Applied to religious studies in 19th century to describe mixing of religious traditions
Colonial encounters created extensive religious syncretism throughout history
American religious history marked by various syncretic movements and adaptations
Contemporary globalization accelerates syncretic processes across religious boundaries
Key Development Phases
Ancient religious syncretism in Hellenistic and Roman contexts
Medieval synthesis of Christian theology with Greek philosophy
Colonial-era fusion of Christianity with indigenous traditions worldwide
American civil religion as synthesis of Christian and republican themes
New Age spirituality as eclectic synthesis of diverse religious traditions
Contemporary political-religious syncretism in nationalist movements
Theological Foundations
Recognition that all religious traditions develop through cultural interaction and adaptation
Distinction between authentic inculturation and problematic syncretism
Theological criteria for evaluating syncretic developments
Emphasis on maintaining core theological commitments amid cultural adaptation
Understanding of gospel as both particular and universal in scope
Recognition of danger when political or cultural ideologies co-opt religious language
Influential Movements
Hellenistic mystery religions blending Greek and Near Eastern elements
Medieval scholasticism synthesizing Christian and Aristotelian thought
Liberation theology incorporating Marxist analysis with Christian themes
American civil religion blending Christian and republican symbols
Contemporary Christian nationalism fusing religious and political identity
New Age spirituality creating eclectic religious syntheses
Key Historical Figures
Early Christian theologians navigating Hellenistic cultural synthesis
Medieval theologians like Thomas Aquinas synthesizing faith and reason
Colonial missionaries encountering indigenous religious traditions
American theologians developing civil religious themes
Contemporary religious leaders promoting nationalist-Christian synthesis
Scholars of religious studies analyzing syncretic phenomena
Biblical Interpretation Trajectory
Early Christian interpretation of Hebrew Scriptures through Greek philosophical categories
Allegorical interpretation allowing synthesis of biblical and philosophical themes
Colonial missionary translation creating new syncretic biblical interpretations
American civil religious reading of biblical chosenness themes
Contemporary nationalist interpretation blending biblical and political themes
Selective biblical interpretation supporting cultural and political agendas
Contemporary Manifestations
MAGA Christianism as syncretism of Christian identity with political ideology
Dominative Christianism syncretizing Christian language with power-seeking behavior
Christian Nationalism blending religious and national identity
Identity Synthesis as fusion of religious and political identities
Prosperity materialism combining Christian language with consumer capitalism
Platform Capitalism creating new forms of technological-religious synthesis
Academic Research
Classical studies of Hellenistic religious syncretism by scholars like Martin Hengel
Anthropological analysis of syncretic processes by Claude Lévi-Strauss and others
Religious studies scholarship on American civil religion and cultural Christianity
Postcolonial analysis of missionary encounters and religious hybridization
Contemporary research on political religion and nationalist movements
Theological analysis of authentic inculturation versus problematic syncretism
Key Authors
Path Navigation
Last Updated
May 22, 2025
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*This entry is part of the Political Theology Lexicon, accessible exclusively to subscribers. View the complete lexicon to explore related concepts and the full theoretical framework.*
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