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Syncretism - Syncretism in Christianity

Syncretism - Syncretism in Christianity: Encyclopedia II - Syncretism - Syncretism in Christianity

Nascent Christianity appears to have incorporated many European Pagan cultural elements, "baptizing" or "Christianizing" them to conform with Christian belief and principles, at least partially through discarding theologically and morally incompatible elements. One example of this is the strong connection between the thought of St. Augustine and Neoplatonic thought, and St. Thomas Aquinas's many quotations of "The Philosopher", Aristotle. Many scholars agree to this syncretism in principle, though any specific example is likely to be labeled ...

Syncretism: Encyclopedia II - Syncretism - Syncretism in Christianity

Syncretism - Syncretism in Christianity

"Syncretism" was not on the table when Christianity split into East and West rites during the Great Schism. It was invoked however with the rifts of the Protestant Reformation, with Desiderius Erasmus's readings of Plutarch. In 1615 David Pareus of Heidelberg urged Christians to a "pious syncretism" in opposing Antichrist, but few 17th century Protestants discussed the compromises that might affect a reconciliation with the Catholic Church: the Lutheran Georgius Calisen "Calixtus" (1586-1656) was ridiculed by Calovius (1612-1685) for his "syncretism."

The modern celebrations of Christmas (originating from Pagan Yule holidays), Easter and Halloween are examples of relatively late Christian syncretism. Roman Catholicism in Central and South America has also integrated a number of elements derived from indigenous cultures in those areas; while many African Initiated Churches demonstrate an integration of Christian and traditional African beliefs.

Syncretism can be contrasted with contextualization, the practice of making Christianity relevant to a culture.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Syncretism in Christianity", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

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