2010-03-112010-03-112003Beyers, J 2003, 'Analities-deskriptiewe oorsig van die gebruik van die term sinkretisme: “Die definisie van die probleem en die probleem met die definisie”' : An analytic-descriptive overview of the use of the term syncretism: “The definition of the problem and the problem with the definition”', HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies, vol. 59, no. 1, pp. 1-30.[http://www.hts.org.za/index.php/HTS/issue/archive]0259-9422 (print)http://hdl.handle.net/2263/13410Spine cut of Journal binding and pages scanned on flatbed EPSON Expression 10000 XL; 400dpi; text/lineart - black and white - stored to Tiff Derivation: Abbyy Fine Reader v.9 work with PNG-format (black and white); Photoshop CS3; Adobe Acrobat v.9 Web display format PDFContemplating syncretism entails defining the concept. Definitions of syncretism are many and diverse. This fact does not only suggest a problem with the definition, but also contributes to the perplexity of the issue. Various strategies may be followed to break the impasse: redefining syncretism, abolishing the term or acceptance of a plurality of perspectives. The article aims to illuminate the complexity of syncretism, as well as attempting to reach a useable definition. It proposes a neutral approach and way of defining this complex concept.enFaculty of Theology, University of PretoriaSyncretism (Religion)Religions -- RelationsDefinition (Philosophy)Article