In the second part of this two-part series, Matt and Aaron examine the danger of syncretism. Syncretism happens when contextualization goes too far, allowing for well intended efforts to make the gospel relevant end up allowing for the power of culture to taint the gospel itself. After defining terms and looking at examples of syncretism, Matt and Aaron give advice on how to see when syncretism has occurred.
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“When you make Jesus a means to an end, you are way off track.”
“There’s also behaviors that are core to Christianity. It’s not simply our ideas and doctrines that we build.”
“Don’t let this danger become this boogeyman that prevents you from contextualizing well. This is going to happen in a lot of different ways. Anytime faith encounters culture, there will be an intermixing. Be aware of it, but don’t let it be a fear that paralyzes you from doing good work.”
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Episode Highlights:
✨ Defining syncretism (5:48)
✨ Examples of syncretism (11:01)
✨ Prosperity gospel (23:02)
✨ Loss of Core Doctrine (44:24)
✨ Loss of Core Practice (52:41)
✨ Subtle forms of syncretism we see today (54:59)
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Links:
Kindred Exchange Mission Audits - Learn more & sign up for the Nashville Mission Audit (August 25th-26th)
Ozark Christian College - Learn more about the The Master of Arts in Biblical Ministry with a concentration in Spiritual Formation
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Get Connected:
Connect with Aaron at aaron@kindredexchange.co
Connect with Matt at mcook@fhu.edu
