Syncretism

Syncretism is the mixing of religious ideas or philosophies to a new system or worldview. The prerequisite is that these ideas or philosophies have previously demarcated as distinct from each other in content and that they renounce as religious and philosophical aspects on a claim to absoluteness. Rather, syncretism takes on the aspects of different religions more or less consciously and transforms them into something new.

Syncretism should not be confused with the form of government or constitution of Synkratie.

Origin

Every thought and belief system moves between the extremes of dogmatism and change. New ways of thinking and beliefs caused by gradual wear of the old and the emergence of external or internal enemy, or as result of a sudden onrushing natural disasters, migration, military conquests, scientific knowledge, etc. Of great importance is also the popular belief that with through contacts the outside world is subject to constant change.

Distribution and characteristics

Positions in today's religious studies consider a degree of syncretism as a widespread phenomenon, as this is an obvious consequence of dealing with the unfamiliar or new. This process is therefore often colloquially assumes a certain " naturalness". But even within one denomination are practically contradictions and view trends. However, this process is contrary to dogmatic notions that (eg churches ) grow over time in some religious organizations and intended to counteract arbitrariness. Monotheistic religions are delimited by syncretic tendencies usually more strongly than religions whose internal structure already has a certain pluralism. Epistemologically is neither a syncretic still a dogmatic system obvious.

Buddhism, for example, is open to other teachings. He denies, however, categorically the existence of a soul ( atma ) and the existence of a personality ( pudgala ). Especially in Japan, Vietnam and China, it is customary not a religion " to belong ", but different religions and doctrines (Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, Shinto ) according to your imagination to mix (see Shinbutsu Shugo, Japanese gods, three lessons, Quanzhen Daoism ). Also their Sanctuaries are alternately revered.

Definition for assimilation

For new christian missionaries peoples were allowed to continue pagan cults, but these were reinterpreted. Here the concept of syncretism is not quite accurate passes into assimilation. The reinterpretations of religious forms missionierter peoples did not allow the simultaneous ( adequate ) worship of the formerly revered gods, but only the practice of the traditional rites under new, Christian setting. A new world view is thus not have arisen.

Special form of neo-paganism ( Wicca )

A modern movement in Europe that takes many syncretic trains, Wicca is connecting as a mainstream of neo-paganism, neo- Keltismus with the philosophies of the mystical and magical movement of the early 20th century. About Wicca is, inter alia, also created a bridge to Thelema and theosophy, whose aim was to establish a new religion, among other things based on far east. In Wicca Roman Catholic elements can be identified, such as the takeover of the Church's apostolic succession.

Syncretism and heresy

Syncretic ideas in the past were often the starting point for designated as heretical beliefs of the Gnostics, Cathars, Waldenses, etc., and were followed by an intermediate phase of an observed tolerance. Sometimes they moved to challenge on the edge of the official doctrine without their key messages so that they can be tolerated by the official Church, were partially even integrated ( veneration of saints, cults lights, agricultural and seasonal customs, etc.). Many syncretistic ideas of thought and cults can be found today in the developing world (eg, Voodoo, Candomblé, Santería, Maximón - worship ).