PLURALISMO RELIGIOSO E SINCRETISMO

Abstract

In the debates on religious diversity, religions are often taken as fixed, ready and finished. Lived religions, however, are fluid and filled with nuances and syncretisms. Despite this, both philosophical theories and religious institutions frequently view syncretism as a mistake leading to loss of identity, relativism, and logical contradictions. Contra this position, I argue that syncretism is an integral part of even the most diverse religions. Using brief comparisons between Brazilian and Chinese religiosities, I show that religious syncretism is a factual example of pluralism and explain the utility of the concept of syncretism for philosophical debates on religious diversity and studies of comparative religion, as well as the internal function of syncretic practices within religious beliefs systems. Finally, I will show why some criticism of the concept of syncretism is problematic.