What is a biblical view of eclecticism?

from the old testament

• The psalmist contrasts the worthlessness of idols with the truth of the real God: “For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens” (Psalm 96:5). Eclectism draws upon many philosophies and religious traditions, some of which do not recognize the one true God.
• The most important Jewish prayer is the Shema, which affirms the one true God: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). Many other passages also show that the God of the Bible is the only true God (Psalm 86:10; Isaiah 44:6, 45:5). This contrasts with eclecticism, which draws from many different philosophies and religious traditions.

from the new testament

• While eclecticism draws from many sacred religious texts, only God’s word is true (John 17:17).
• God has issued a stern warning against changing the Gospel of Christ: “As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:9). Adherents of eclecticism draw from many different religious traditions, some of which contradict one another and many of which oppose the truths of Christianity.
• Paul warned believers not to be drawn to worldly ideas, which often oppose the truth: "Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ" (Colossians 2:8, NLT).
• Some are drawn to eclecticism because it is subjective, relying on feelings rather than truth. Such belief systems often absolve adherents from moral responsibility and the conflict that can go along with taking a stand for Christ. Paul warned Timothy of this: “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound[a] teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions” (2 Timothy 4:3).

implications for today

Standing in a line at a donut shop proves one thing: People like choices. If they didn’t, it wouldn’t take someone five minutes to decide whether the last two of the dozen doughnuts should be glazed or chocolate frosted or raspberry-filled.

But sometimes there are just two choices: True or False. Eclecticism is decidedly “false.” Unfortunately, eclectic approaches are widespread in the practice of discipleship. New Age or mystical practices, such as contemplative prayer, can shift the focus from Scripture and Christ (truth) to inward experiences and personal revelation (often dangerously false). This results in creating a god based on personal imagination rather than biblical truth. Eclecticism often leads to superficial understanding and misinterpretation, especially when elements are taken without full awareness of their historical or cultural context. Believers must be discerning and guard against such deception (Colossians 2:8).

The Bible is God's revealed truth. It is not just one tool among many in our spiritual formation toolkit. The Bible is God’s appointed means for communing with his people. While an eclectic, pick-whatever-works-for-you approach to spiritual formation may seem harmless, it’s not finally reliable. By the power of the Spirit, God’s sufficient Word must remain the center—and driver—of disciplined lives.