Syncretism, Anyone?
Syncretism is the practice of blending diverse religious ideas, rituals, and practices into something new. The pagan Romans were masters of the art, aimlessly adopting foreign gods and customs into their pantheon. But we Americans seem to be trying to catch up to them. See "Muslim-Christian Christmas Song Composed by CTS Professor" (http://www.cts.edu/news/FullStory.cfm?details=71&ref=News). Yes, we now have a "Christian-Muslim Christmas carol," courtesy of the Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, an "ecumenical seminary" of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Hmmm... That sounds pretty inclusive, but I wonder why they left out the Hindus, Buddhists, Confucians, and Scientologists. The composer, Prof. Frank Burch Brown, says, "As far as I know, my composition is a unique attempt to allow the two faiths--Christianity and Islam--to meet in a mutually welcoming way around a work of music." We say it's a not-so-unique, but rather all too common, attempt to feel good by denying the exclusive Kingship of Christ. But then it's so hard these days to find any trace of Christian orthodoxy in a seminary.
Hmmm... That sounds pretty inclusive, but I wonder why they left out the Hindus, Buddhists, Confucians, and Scientologists. The composer, Prof. Frank Burch Brown, says, "As far as I know, my composition is a unique attempt to allow the two faiths--Christianity and Islam--to meet in a mutually welcoming way around a work of music." We say it's a not-so-unique, but rather all too common, attempt to feel good by denying the exclusive Kingship of Christ. But then it's so hard these days to find any trace of Christian orthodoxy in a seminary.
