“Religious syncretism greatly contributed to the survival of indigenous religions.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that religious syncretism greatly contributed to the survival of indigenous religions. Candidates may support the statement, considering the number of elements from indigenous religions integrated into Catholicism, especially in popular beliefs. Candidates may also argue that syncretism allowed for the survival of native gods and goddesses, and local celebrations like the fertility celebrations for the Pachamama in the Andes. Candidates may challenge the statement, stating that the Catholic Church imposed limitations to syncretism since it only allowed those symbols and traditions from native belief systems that conformed with the Christian worldview. Candidates may also consider that the tolerance shown by the Catholic Church was a policy towards conversion that led to the final abandonment of the indigenous religions. Candidates may refer to religions like Voudun or Santería that were prohibited and their followers persecuted. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

There were few and weak responses for this question that required candidates to consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that religious syncretism greatly contributed to the survival of indigenous religions.