Seeking Truth預覽

The Dangers of Syncretism

'Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?'

(2 Corinthians 6:14-15 NLT)

Perhaps one of the most popular and common means of spirituality is that of blending some of Christianity and other faiths or practices.

We like the idea of ‘do to others as you would have them do to you’, but ‘turn the other cheek?’ I don’t think so!

I like meditation, but reincarnation? I don’t think so!

Do you see where I am going with this?

One of Christianity’s strongest convictions is that it is to be followed wholeheartedly or not at all. Luke-warm believers in Jesus are openly condemned in the book of Revelation in the Bible. We must be either hot or cold.

Attempting to marry two very different worlds can have detrimental effects.

For example, if you were to start a Christian coffee shop that plays Christian worship music all day every day and sells Christian books and the like, what sense is there in going into partnership in that business with someone who fundamentally doesn’t believe what you believe? Perhaps they are atheists? Perhaps they are Buddhist?

The Bible also puts it this way:

‘Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?’

(Amos 3:3 NLT)

Attempting to merge two forms of spirituality is just like two people trying to walk in one direction and ending up in two very different places.

Some say that all faiths, beliefs and religions are different ways to the same god. This is simply not true.

The Bible is clear on this matter:

‘For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.’

(Ephesians 4:4-7 NLT)

And also:

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

(John 14:6 NLT)

In conclusion my friends:

• Merging and blending Christianity with other religions only serves to dilute its authenticity, confuse the person and create lukewarm – or worse, deceived – believers.
• If you do follow Jesus, aligning your life in important ways with those who do not know Jesus can have devastating effects.
• There is one way to God the Father and that is through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Alternate ‘routes’ lead to darkness, confusion and disappointment.

Father God,

I understand that there is only one true faith and that is faith in Jesus Christ. Please help me to divide my confused beliefs between what is true and what is false.

I want to know you purely and authentically.

Help me to maintain purity of faith.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.