The Seduction of Syncretism
The cross in the image above is found at the Museum of Asian Civilization in Singapore. It comes from Japan, from the period 1945-50. It’s made of iron-copper alloy and displays a Christian cross along with an image of Amitabha, the Buddha of the Pure Land.
It caught my eye as a prime example of syncretism. In its Greek origins, syncretism referred to a political alliance between Cretan cities. The word was introduced into theology by German Lutherans. They used it in a positive sense to describe ecumenical efforts. In time, it passed into English and took on an exclusively negative meaning, at least amongst devout Christians. Today we understand syncretism to be the mixing or blending of beliefs, especially religious ones. So, with the cross above, we see a mixture of Christianity and Buddhism.
However, like oil and water, Christianity and Buddhism don’t mix. If we focus on the form associated with Amitabha (Pure Land Buddhism), we quickly find irreconcilable differences. One of the main ones has to do with the greatest problem human beings face. Pure Land Buddhism teaches that there are several great problems, including our being trapped in an endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Christianity teaches that humanity’s greatest problem is our rebellion against God, which makes us deserving of his just wrath. Of course, the way in which we’re delivered from these problems is vastly different as well, with Christianity insisting that it is through Christ alone that we can be delivered.
This example of syncretism is (or should be) rather obviously wrong. We can easily spot it in others, but is it possible for us to be seduced by syncretism too? One example of how that might happen is with nationalism. I understand “nationalism” to be patriotism on steroids. It’s patriotism taken to the level of idolatry. Nationalists have a religious devotion to their nation, a devotion that can be undiscerning.
Nationalism is often blended with Christianity. Yes, I’m aware that people who identity as Christian Nationalists represent a spectrum of beliefs. What I’m saying may not apply to all of them. But if you do identity as a nationalist and as a Christian, you might want to consider whether the syncretistic shoe fits and whether it might be better to remove it.
After all, Christianity teaches that God is sovereign over all. His Word is the final authority over all of humanity. The identity, actions, and attitudes of any nation are not beyond the critique of divine revelation. There is no perfect nation – all are sinful and fall short of the glory of God. As a Christian, you absolutely can love your nation, but you’re not supposed to have any sort of religious devotion to it, let alone unconditional allegiance. This is why I struggle with the Canadian national anthem. It’s a hymn to Canada. “O Canada” is a hymn which simply doesn’t allow for situations where the country may be much less than “glorious and free.” We just assume that it is always such and sing that we desire for God to keep it that way. What would have to change before we don’t? Food for thought.
There may be other ways we’re being tempted by syncretism. These temptations are a Satanic ploy to have our cake and eat it too. Satan would be okay with you worshipping God, so long as you deny him in other parts of your life. The devil doesn’t have any problem with syncretists. But God does and so should we. If syncretism is hiding in our lives, we ought to pray for the help of the Holy Spirit to root it out. Turn to Christ for forgiveness of it. He will heal us and help us to be purists – those who worship God purely and follow him exclusively.
