Brief Thoughts on Syncretism

     Syncretism is the act of amalgamating or merging different practices, schools of thought, beliefs, etc. into some whole. Joseph Smith engaged in some syncretistic practise, such as the use of the Book of Abraham facsimiles in relation to the temple and temple themes. While I couldn't pinpoint any specific mentions of it, I believe that scholar/historian Ben Spackman has also spent some time writing and discussing the fact that syncretism has occurred within the texts of the bible as the hebrew writers adopt and adapt existing practises from their surrounding environments into an Israelite context.

    The seeming precedent makes me wonder if syncretism is possible, practical, or even just permissible in the context of personal worship of the divine. Does it apply only to symbolism? Would ritualistic practices be prime material for syncreting into personal practice, such as with meditation/mindfulness, the use of incense or incantation, etc.

    This question is one that I don't have an answer to, and I don't know that a one-size-fits-all answer would even exist. It may well be that experimentation is required in determining the capability of a practice or symbol to be syncretised.