In recent years, we have seen the publication of the results of a number of symposia dedicated to the phenomenon of “syncretism” in different and sepa­ rate fields of the discipline of the study of religion (Religionsgeschichte).' The collaborative research centre (Sonderforschungsbereich 13) at Gottingen is especially concerned with syncretism in the Near East in Late Antiquity. Linking the theme to the contemporary religion scene renders this historical research into syncretism particularly interesting. A theory of syncretism as an analytical tool, allowing insights into the conditions leading to certain “syn­ cretistic” processes, should also throw some light on contemporary devel­ opments.