Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8700 Threats to the life of faith  »  8831 syncretism

The incorporation into religious faith and practice of elements from other religions, resulting in a loss of integrity and assimilation to the surrounding culture.

Syncretism in Israel

God's claim to exclusive worship, the basis of the rejection of syncretism

Exodus 20:3 pp Deuteronomy 5:7 See also Deuteronomy 6:13-15; Joshua 24:14-15; 1 Kings 18:21

Syncretism forbidden to Israel

Exodus 34:15-16 See also Deuteronomy 7:1-6; Joshua 23:16; 1 Samuel 7:3

Israelite practice of syncretism

Jeremiah 19:4-5 See also 2 Kings 17:34-41; Kings 21:1-7 pp 2 Chronicles 33:1-7; Ezekiel 8:9-16

The consequence of syncretism

Jeremiah 2:5 See also Deuteronomy 18:9-13; 2 Kings 17:15-17; Isaiah 2:6

Punishment for syncretism

Zephaniah 1:4-5 See also Deuteronomy 17:2-7; Jeremiah 19:10-13; Hosea 2:2-13

Syncretism in NT times

Mediterranean society was syncretistic

Acts 14:11-13; Acts 17:16-23; Acts 19:13-16

NT opposition to syncretism

Hebrews 13:9 See also 1 Corinthians 10:21; Galatians 4:9-10; Colossians 2:18

Monotheism is incompatible with syncretism

Isaiah 44:6 See also Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Isaiah 43:10-12; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6

See also

1345  covenant
5441  philosophy
7312  Baal
7374  high places
7442  shrine
8138  monotheism
8747  false gods
8768  idolatry