Every distortion of the Gospel is syncretism, for it either adds to or subtracts from biblical Christianity (Revelation 22:18-19). It is heartbreaking to realize that major religions in the world today are hybrids of biblical Christianity mixed with all kinds of aberrant ideas: Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Roman Catholicism, and even Islam, among others.

Syncretism is a word not found in Scripture, but it well describes a key theme found throughout the Bible. Understanding the concept of syncretism will better prepare us for the proclamation and defense of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The dangers of syncretism are a constant threat to all of God’s people worldwide.

Understanding Syncretism

Syncretism is the combination or synthesis of two or more different religions or philosophies. Syncretism happens in Christian missions when people profess Christ by believing an altered version of the gospel message that lines up with their previous beliefs.

This tendency towards syncretism is a natural response to the Gospel. Some reject the Gospel completely. Others want to accept only part of the Gospel, merging specific aspects of it to fit their own ideas. This should not surprise us.

Romans 3:10-11 tells us, “As it is written: None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks after God.” ^[1]

1 Corinthians 2:14 adds, “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”

Carefulness in evangelism is crucial. There is a strong tendency by sinful people to redesign the Gospel to match their own desires and values. The natural man has no desire for the true Gospel of Jesus Christ apart from a work of God’s grace. This is why we pray for God’s Spirit to work in hearts!

The Danger of Syncretism

Because syncretism is the mixing of one faith/belief system with another, it is mixing two things that aren’t supposed to go together. It is not rejection of one system of faith for another, but acceptance of parts of both, creating a hybrid.

Every culture is predisposed to this. We absolutely must understand the culture where we serve in order to be aware of these tendencies.

Cambodians were well-versed in syncretism before Christianity came along. They have combined Theravada Buddhism, Hinduism, and animism to come up with their current religion, described as Folk Buddhism. Many add Chinese ancestor worship to this. It is not a big step for them to do the same with Christianity—hence, the Cambodian version of the prosperity gospel.

Satan is masterful at encouraging sinful people to select parts of God’s revelation to believe or reject. Truth mixed with error in the name of Christianity is the way of the Devil. Everywhere the Gospel is proclaimed, syncretism is a constant threat.

Examples of Syncretism Today

I asked several pastors and cross-cultural missionaries around the world to explain how syncretism happens where they serve. Here are some responses:

• Cross-cultural missionary, Taiwan/China: “Chinese religion is all about power—accessing powers around yourself to attain your goals. If you access Jesus’ power, you get food, clothing, shelter. If you access Jesus’ power, you get money, money, money. If you access Jesus’ power, you get health and confidence. There is no concern about sin or devotion to God. Everything is all about praying and receiving.”

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