Santuala: A Case of Pentecostal Syncretism

Abstract

"The Pentecostal faith was introduced by the Assemblies of God in 1947, and concentrated on evangelism and church planting. During the past ten years my research and ministerial experience among the Igorots has revealed that syncretistic phenomena occurred among Christians, particularly among non-Pentecostal believers. Often people attend Sunday morning service and then join in a traditional religious practice in the afternoon. This syncretistic attitude can be traced by two factors: 1) Some church leaders did not teach a distinction between cultural and religious practices. Obvious religious rites and rituals are conveniently wrapped in baggage. Thus, some Christians consider it permissible to participate in a ritual performance. 2) Generally churches did not teach a full-pledged commitment to Christ after conversion, nor did they emphasize that a new belief in Christ replaces old beliefs. As a result, many Christians maintain a dual allegiance, practically worshipping two different (groups of) deities."