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{{Infobox_Contents |topic_name = Syncretism |subtopics = ... |opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |}} '''Syncretism''' is a concept prevalent in parts of the Western world which mingles different and often contradictory beliefs and religious doctrines into a personal faith which can be described as "self-made-religion" or "patchwork-religion". Although there may be "elements of truth"<ref>The [[Second Vatican council]]'s declaration on other religions [http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_nostra-aetate_en.html Nostra aetate] stated that the teachings of other religions differs in many aspects from Christianity but ''"nonetheless often reflect a ray of that Truth which enlightens all men."''</ref> in other religions, such as the belief in one God, the idea of syncretism has to be rejected. For Christians Jesus Christ is the personated truth and the only way<ref>cf. John 14: ''{{web_verse|john|14|6}}''</ref>.

Many Christians and denominations agree that although there are elements of truth in other religions, for example the belief in one God or the advocacy of [[family values]], these religions differ in many respects from Christianity.<ref>For example, the [[Second Vatican Council]]'s declaration on other religions [http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_nostra-aetate_en.html Nostra aetate] stated that the teachings of other religions differs in many aspects from Christianity but ''"nonetheless often reflect a ray of that Truth which enlightens all men."''</ref> The Bible rejects syncretism as an appropriate response to God, teaching instead that Jesus is the truth and the only way in passages such as [[John 14:16]].<ref>John 14:6 - ''{{Bible verse|john|14|6|lang=WEB}}''</ref> == References ==