Syncretism and Pi
by Christine on January 29, 2005
Syncretism has been in the news lately. First we had the Lutheran minister accused of syncretism at the 9/11 event held in Yankee Stadium, than we have George Bush accused of syncretism when he speaks of the Muslim god and our God as the same god, a god of peace. This was brought home as I finished reading Life of Pi, by Yann Martel. The young Pi becomes a good Hindu, Christian and Muslim; all at the same time.
He goes to Friday prayers and knows the Holy Qur’an. He is regularly
seen at the Hindu temple coming for darshan and performing puja. And of
course he goes to Mass on Sunday and meets regularly with the priest to
discuss the gospel. When Pi is out with his family one Sunday he is met
by the priest, the imam, and the pandit. A fight for his soul insues as
each holy man makes claims for his religion.
In the end the pandit says
Pi’s piety is admirable. ""In troubled times it’s good to see a boy so keen on God. We all agree on that." The imam and the priest nodded.
"But he can’t be a Hindu, a Christian and a Muslim. It’s impossible. He
must choose.’"
When Pi was asked about the choice he must make, Pi said, "’Bupu Gandhi said, ‘All religions are true.’ I just want to love God.’"
The Father’s reply echoes what I so often hear today, "I suppose that’s what we’re all trying to do–love God."
Syncretism in a time of trouble and turbelence is insidious. It’s beguiling call is harmful – yet alluring. The desire for peace is understandable.
Paul says in Romans "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Chris." Peace can only be found with God, through the Lord Jesus Christ.
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