Q: Syncretism () is the combining of different beliefs, while blending practices of various schools of thought. Syncretism involves the merging or assimilation of several originally discrete traditions, especially in the theology and mythology of religion, thus asserting an underlying unity and allowing for an inclusive approach to other faiths. Syncretism also occurs commonly in expressions of arts and culture, (known as eclecticism) as well as politics (syncretic politics).

The English word is first attested in the early 17th century, from Modern Latin "syncretismus", drawing on Greek ("synkretismos"), meaning "Cretan federation".

The Greek word occurs in Plutarch's (1st century AD) essay on "Fraternal Love" in his "Moralia" (2.490b). He cites the example of the Cretans, who compromised and reconciled their differences and came together in alliance when faced with external dangers. "And that is their so-called "Syncretism" [Union of Cretans]".

Erasmus probably coined the modern usage of the Latin word in his "Adagia" ("Adages"), published in the winter of 15171518, to designate the coherence of dissenters in spite of their differences in theological opinions. In a letter to Melanchthon of April 22, 1519, Erasmus specifically adduced the Cretans of Plutarch as an example of his adage "Concord is a mighty rampart".

Overt syncretism in folk belief may show cultural acceptance of an alien or previous tradition, but the "other" cult may survive or infiltrate without authorized "syncresis" nevertheless. For example, some Conversos developed a sort of cult for martyr-victims of the Spanish Inquisition, thus incorporating elements of Catholicism while resisting it.

Answer the following questions:
1. What is syncretism?
2. When was it first attested?
3. and in Greek?
4. where does it commonly occur?
5. anything else?
6. In English what two languages is it derived from?
7. In Greek, did it appear in an essay?
8. What was the name of it?
9. Did the Cretans compromise?
10. Did they form an alliance?
11. When?
12. Did Erasmus use the word?
13. In what work?
14. Was it published?
15. when?
16. Who did he write a letter to?
17. When?
18. what was it an example of?
19. What religion was incorporated?
A: 1. the combining of different beliefs, while blending practices of various schools of thought
2. the early 17th century,
3. 1st century AD
4. in expressions of arts and culture,
5. as well as politics
6. Modern Latin and Greek
7. yes
8. an essay on "Fraternal Love" in his "Moralia Untitled though
9. yes
10. yes
11. when faced with external dangers.
12. yes
13. Adagia
14. yes
15. the winter of 15171518,
16. Melanchthon
17. April 22, 1519
18. the adage "Concord is a mighty rampart"
19. elements of Catholicism but I think the definition would be combining any part of belief systems

Answer the questions at the end based on the text.

CHAPTER III--WIN AND SLOW

'The rude will shuffle through with ease enough: Great schools best suit the sturdy and the rough.'

COWPER.

At school Griffith was very happy, and brilliantly successful, alike in study and sport, though sports were not made prominent in those days, and triumphs in them were regarded by the elders with doubtful pride, lest they should denote a lack of attention to matters of greater importance. All his achievements were, however, poured forth by himself and Clarence to Emily and me, and we felt as proud of them as if they had been our own.

Clarence was industrious, and did not fail in his school work, but when he came home for the holidays there was a cowed look about him, and private revelations were made over my sofa that made my flesh creep. The scars were still visible, caused by having been compelled to grasp the bars of the grate bare-handed; and, what was worse, he had been suspended outside a third story window by the wrists, held by a schoolfellow of thirteen!

'But what was Griff about?' I demanded, with hot tears of indignation.

'Oh, Win!--that's what they call him, and me Slow--he said it would do me good. But I don't think it did, Eddy. It only makes my heart beat fit to choke me whenever I go near the passage window.'

I could only utter a vain wish that I had been there and able to fight for him, and I attacked Griff on the subject on the first opportunity.

1. Did Griffith like school?
2. What about sports?
3. Was he good at school?
4. Did he work hard?
5. Did Clarence get good grades?
6. Why was he home?
7. Who did he tell something to?
8. Was it something he was upset about?
9. Had he been bullied?
10. Was he injured?
11. What was he holding onto?
12. did he have gloves on?
13. Who was holding his wrists?
14. How old was he?
15. Where was he hanging from?
16. What did the nickname him?
17. What do they call Griffith?
18. What's his nickname at school?
19. Did he help Clarence?
20. Did Griff get talked to about this later?

Numbered answers:

A: 1. yes
2. he was good at them
3. yes
4. yes
5. yes
6. the holidays
7. yes
8. yes
9. yes
10. they were
11. the bars of the grate
12. no
13. a schoolfellow
14. thirteen
15. a third story window
16. Win
17. Griff
18. Win
19. no
20. yes

Answer the questions at the end based on the text.

It was Saturday, and every Saturday all the children on the block would have a bicycle race. Juan rode his new red bicycle to the dead end street where the race was held. He knew he would win. His new bicycle would be faster than anyone's. Anita was there on her white bicycle. Todd was riding a blue bicycle, and Jasper soon arrived on a yellow bicycle. The race began, and Juan was in the lead. He heard Anita crying behind him. He turned to see her chain was broken, and she had fallen from her bike into the green grass. Juan stopped and turned around to help Anita. Jasper and Todd rode past them, and it was soon clear that Todd would win the race. Juan walked Anita home, and she thanked him for being a good friend.

1. What day was it
2. Did the kids have a bicycle race?
3. what color bicycle did Juan have
4. Who had a white bike
5. Who fell
6. Who helped her
7. Who rode past and did not help
8. How many friends were riding that day
9. Was Juan a good friend to Anita?
10. Did Todd win the race?
11. What kind of street was the race held on
12. Was the yellow bike the new one?

Numbered answers:

A:
1. Saturday
2. yes
3. red
4. Anita
5. Anita
6. Juan
7. Jasper and Todd
8. Four
9. yes
10. yes
11. a dead end street
12. no