ABSTRACT
The concept of 'syncretism' has been used frequently to describe certain manifestations in the history of religions. Although seldom defined, the term is usually assumed to be abundantly clear, even though examination of its usage reveals that it is used in various and conflicting ways. Among those who have studied the history of religions few have used the term as frequently as Hendrik Kraemer, He has written on this theme at some length as both a theological problem and as a missionary problem. Commercial intercourse, political events, the extension of power from a certain centre, often shows such spiritual, religious or cultural encounters and struggles as a mostly unintended consequence. In this sense it would be possible, one would think, to agree with Radhakrishnan when he says that Christianity is a syncretistic faith, and with Hermann Gunkel whose history of religions approach to the Bible led to the same conclusion.
