What is a biblical view of eclecticism?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible contains God's absolute, revealed truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17) irrespective of our personal feelings or circumstances. Objective truth is verifiable and is not contingent upon personal opinion. But eclectic spirituality emphasizes individual, inner truth based on whatever works or feels good at the moment. Eclectic spirituality is not biblical.

Practitioners of eclectic spirituality draw from a wide range of sources, including Eastern philosophies, Western esotericism, nature-based spirituality, and various religious traditions such as Buddhism, Christianity, and indigenous practices. But God’s people are to be set apart. In the Old Testament, God forbade the Israelites from intermarrying with pagan nations because those nations would turn the people to other gods (Exodus 34:12-15; Deuteronomy 7:3-4). The New Testament also teaches that God’s people are to be set apart, not be like the world (Romans 12:2; 1 Peter 2:9). While eclecticism allows for many different gods, the Bible is clear that there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 44:6; Mark 12:29). While eclecticism uses a variety of sacred texts, God indicates the Bible is unique and set apart (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Eclecticism is a false teaching that relies on subjectivity, relativism, and appeals to those who care less about truth and more about satisfying their “itching ears” (2 Timothy 4:3).

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.

UNDERSTAND

• Eclecticism is a belief system grounded in subjectivity and feelings rather than biblical truth.
• Eclecticism draws from many different philosophies and religions, including various religious texts.
• The God of the Bible is the one true God, and the Bible is the one true religious text.

REFLECT

• What are some circumstances in which you’ve allowed your feelings to dictate your actions, and how did that turn out?
• What are some other religious traditions you’ve been exposed to, and how did those contrast with Christianity?
• How do you guard against “empty deceit” (Colossians 2:8)?

ENGAGE

• How can believers best interact with followers of eclecticism?
• How might the church prepare believers to guard against philosophies like eclecticism?
• Why might eclecticism be popular in today’s society?