Avoiding Syncretism in Biblical Teaching and Practice
Syncretism in biblical teaching and practice refers to the blending of Christian doctrine or worship with foreign, often non-Christian, elements. The New Testament frequently warns against such deviations, emphasizing the importance of adhering to sound doctrine and avoiding teachings that compromise the purity of the faith [5, 9].
The Apostle Paul, for instance, instructs Timothy not to "teach otherwise" or give heed to "stories and endless genealogies" which lead to arguments rather than godly stewardship [1]. John Calvin interprets this as a prohibition against introducing new methods or doctrines for the sake of ambition, emphasizing that "to teach differently" encompasses any new forms of teaching [6]. Similarly, Paul warns against those who "give different teaching, not in agreement with the true words of our Lord Jesus Christ" [5]. This "teaching otherwise" (Greek: heterodidaskaleo) is understood as promoting heterodoxy, or doctrines contrary to established Christian truth [9].
The book of Hebrews also cautions believers against being "carried about with divers and strange doctrines" [7]. John Gill explains that "divers" doctrines denote the variety and multitude of teachings that diverge from the singular, uniform doctrine of Scripture, Christ, and the apostles [7]. These "strange doctrines" can include legalistic practices or traditions of men that distract from the core tenets of faith [7]. The author of Hebrews urges believers to "press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God" [3]. This implies moving beyond elementary teachings without reverting to practices or beliefs that are no longer central to Christian understanding.
Syncretism can manifest in various ways, including flattery, which is condemned in scripture as a characteristic of the wicked, hypocrites, and false teachers [4]. James warns against hypocrisy, urging believers to let their "yes be yes, and your no, no," to avoid falling into such a state [2]. The danger of being misled by false teaching is also highlighted in 1 John, where remaining in fellowship with Christ is directly linked to not being swayed by such influences [8]. This constant vigilance against external influences and internal deviations underscores the biblical emphasis on maintaining doctrinal integrity and purity in practice.
Sources
- I Timothy “I Timothy 1:4 (Rotherham) — Not to be teaching otherwise, nor yet to be giving heed to stories and endless genealogies,—the which, bring, arguings, rather than that stewardship of God which is with faith;—”
- James “But above all things, my brothers, don’t swear, neither by heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath; but let your “yes” be “yes”, and your “no”, “no”; so that you don’t fall into hypocrisy. -- James 5:12”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 6:1 (NASB) — Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Flattery — Saints should not used -- Job 32:21,22. Ministers should not use -- 1Th 2:5. The wicked use, to Others. -- Ps 5:9; 12:2. Themselves. -- Ps 36:2. Hypocrites use, to God. -- Ps 78:36. Those in authority. -- Da 11:34. False prophets and teachers use -- Eze 12:24; Ro 16:18. Wisdom, a preservative against -- Pr 4:5. Worldly advantage obtained by -- Da 11:21,22. Seldom gains respect -- Pr 28:23. Avoid those given to -- Pr 20:19. Danger of -- Pr 7:21-23; 20:5. Punishment of -- Job 17:5; Ps 12:3. Exemplified Woman of Tekoah. -- 2Sa 14:17,20. Absalom. -- 2Sa 15:2-6”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 6:3 (BBE) — If any man gives different teaching, not in agreement with the true words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the teaching which is in agreement with true religion,”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, section 4.4: is a compound, and, therefore, may either be translated, “to teach differently,” or after a new method, or, “to teach a different doctrine.” The translation given by Erasmus, ( sectari ,) “ to follow,” does not satisfy me; because it might be understood to apply to the hearers. Now Paul means those who, for the sake of ambition, brought forward a new doctrine. If we read it, “to teach differently,” the meaning will be more extensive; for by this expression he will forbid Timothy to permit any new forms of teaching to be introduce”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 13:9: Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines,.... The word "divers" may denote the variety and multitude of other doctrines; referring either to the various rites and ceremonies of the law, or to the traditions of the elders, or to the several doctrines of men, whether Jews or Gentiles; whereas the doctrine of the Scriptures, of Christ, and his apostles, is but one; it is uniform, and all of a piece; and so may likewise denote the disagreement of other doctrines with the perfections of God, the person and offices of Christ, the Scriptures of truth, the anal”
- 1 John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 John 2:28: 2:28-29 To remain in fellowship with Christ means, in part, not being misled by any kind of false teaching. If John’s readers listen to the false teachers, they will not be in fellowship with Christ and will have reason to shrink back from him in shame when he returns, because of the judgment coming upon them.”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 6:3: teach otherwise--than I desire thee to "teach" (Ti1 6:2). The Greek indicative implies, he puts not a merely supposed case, but one actually existing, Ti1 1:3, "Every one who teaches otherwise," that is, who teaches heterodoxy. consent not--Greek, "accede not to." wholesome--"sound" (Ti1 1:10): opposed to the false teachers' words, unsound through profitless science and immorality. words of our Lord Jesus Christ--Paul's inspired words are not merely his own, but are also Christ's words.”