The blending or fusion of different religious beliefs, practices, or philosophical systems into a unified whole. Syncretistic traditions combine elements from multiple sources to create new religious expressions.
From Greek 'synkretismos', originally meaning the federation of Cretan cities against common enemies. The religious meaning developed in the 17th century to describe the mixing of different theological systems.
Syncretism explains how religions actually spread and evolve in the real world, despite claims of pure doctrine! From Santeria blending African spirits with Catholic saints to Buddhism adapting local deities as it spread across Asia, most living religions are beautiful hybrid creations.
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