Toeing the line of syncretism and following the Rite

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Shuikan144

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I was just wondering how to foster a spiritual life with current church practices and surrounding traditions. In regions such as mine (Southeast Asia), where one’s heritage and their original faith are factors in their identity and character. Sometimes I get a feeling that Christianity is perceived as a foreign or ‘alien’ religion due to the thought that to be a Christian is following a more Western upbringing, although there are significant exceptions, I thought that the degree of integration could be way much more.

Like adapting churches to have more diverse architecture according to the cultures of its surroundings along with art and music. Maybe influenced by my own preferences, thinking that I might be more connected spiritually that way since I don’t really feel moved by modern forms* of praise and worship music and songs/hymns as much as my kin.
I don’t really let the music be a reason to go and participate in Mass, unlike some that prefer charismatic churches over traditional ones but thought it would nice to have.

I do get objections and second thoughts, that integrating too much ‘worldly things’ to how the church runs is a bad influence with the risk of being ‘deviant’ or heterodox and syncretic. A Protestant article on syncretism stated along the lines that syncretists are world pleasers and not of God with the cherrypicking on what’s suited for men and not of God. But it begs the question, how far can the blending go, what traditions can be retained, and can be used to rededicate to God and be closer to Him?
 
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First century palestine is also totally foreign to 21st century Italy but it doesn’t bother the Pope.

The truth is the truth; it doesn’t need to be dressed in local clothing
 
There is a difference between changing core teachings and changing local customs.
 
Shuikan144 said:
Sometimes I get a feeling that Christianity is perceived as a foreign or ‘alien’ religion due to the thought that to be a Christian is following a more Western upbringing, although there are significant exceptions, I thought that the degree of integration could be way much more.

Like adapting churches to have more diverse architecture according to the cultures of its surroundings along with art and music.
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In many places, the Church adapts to incorporate aspects of the local culture without compromising those thing which lie at the heart of the faith, The adaptations are pretty much like you describe - relating to architecture, art, music, and sometimes even parts of the mass. A more varied example is in the Diocese of Rarotonga (Cook Islands) in the South Pacific, where the bishop’s pastoral staff isn’t modelled on a shepherd’s crook since the symbolism would be meaningless in a place where there are no sheep. Instead, it’s a canoe paddle, symbolising his role in steering the diocese.

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That is fascinating!

Shepherding would still be an important idea to teach these Catholics (to help understand the Psalms and some of the Parables), I would think.

And a wayward “sheep” could be smacked with the back of the paddle, just as the hook can grab a sheep by the neck.

In verdant pastures He gives me repose,
Deacon Christopher
 
I’m sure they teach the concept somehow but, if anything, the paddle is actually quite an apt symbol - the one in the back with the paddle is responsible for steering the canoe but everyone else is responsible for paddling it (so driving it forward) - both roles, working together, are essential in order to reach their destination.
 
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