Social changes as a factor of religious syncretism

Syncretism has followed the evolution of religions throughout their long history. The origin, collapse or transformations of religions are largely explained by syncretism. Religious syncretism is considered as an objective process of merging the elements of various religions and religious systems into an integrated, unified, intensive cult system. Since syncretism plays a leading role in religious evolution, it is necessary to investigate the patterns of syncretism based on factors and reasons for syncretizing religions. Social and cultural factors, including social changes, are the major components of religious syncretism. A certain historical period is characterized by a set of social relations that are dynamically changed and have an impact on specific religious ideas, doctrines, rituals which are the basis for different forms and types of religions. On the one hand, religious syncretism depends on social conditions; on the other hand, it produces and changes social practices. Therefore, the involvement of individuals in social practices generated by syncretic religions leads to the transformation of the social reality.