How to Stay Above Deception Part 4

DANGERS OF SYNCRETISM

By Apostle Felix

Do you really think God will honor your traditions passed down to others, making up these rules that nullify God’s Word? And you’re doing many other things like that.” Mark 7: 13

What is Syncretism?

Syncretism involves the merging or assimilation of several originally discrete traditions, especially in the theology and mythology of religion. It is an attempt to fuse two or more opposing ideologies into one. It is like trying to mix oil and water. The two cannot mix because of their difference in densities.

Over the years, Christianity has suffered an attempt to mix traditions of men, religion beliefs and it’s practices with Christianity. This attempt has given rise to many improper and unbiblical practices in the church. The church worldwide has faced such a threat of syncretism. The biggest threat of Christianity is not a satanist next door, but an insider still upholding traditions of men and it’s practices in the church. The early church faced such a challenge too. The apostle Paul’s letters were to refute such opposing beliefs and practices which were perpetuated by some.

I met with them privately and confidentially because false “brothers” had been secretly smuggled into the church meetings. They were sent to spy on the wonderful liberty and freedom that we have in Jesus the Anointed One. Their agenda was to bring us back into the legalistic bondage of religion. Galatians 2: 4

These were men whose intention was to reintroduce the practice of the Jewish practices in the church. Paul called them false brethren. The bone of contention in the early church was Christ alone or Christ plus traditions. As a result, the traditions of men were smuggled into the church and embraced as part of the gospel. Every time the gospel is married with traditions, it then becomes another gospel. Another gospel introduces another spirit and pseudo-Jesus.

For you seem to gladly tolerate anyone who comes to you preaching a pseudo-Jesus, not the Jesus we have preached. You have accepted a spirit and gospel that is false, rather than the Spirit and gospel you once embraced. How tolerant you have become of these imposters! 2 Corinthians 11: 4

Syncretism is not something the church can only pray about and expect it to disappear. We need preachers and teachers of God’s word that will be able to debunk most of the lies in the church and establish the truth of the gospel.