What is a biblical view of eclecticism?
The Bible says there is truth and that Jesus is the only one true Son of God who came to Earth, lived perfectly as a man, died for our sins, and rose again in victory. Eclecticism, or a mix of beliefs that a person can determine on their own, is unbiblical.When music is described as eclectic, it is a combination of musical styles. A person may mix in some pop, some reggae, some blues, some tribal melodies from South Africa and enjoy the odd combination.
When someone does this with their beliefs, we sometimes call it cafeteria religion or eclecticism. A person who does this may borrow an aspect of Buddhism, something from Judaism, something from a religious author or philosopher, and something of whatever they want to believe to create their own set of personalized beliefs.
In this manner, everyone can decide what may be truth for them. Of course, made-up truth may contain some real truth, but cannot be real truth. It's made up. We cannot create God or a set of gods on our own, in our own image. The Bible says we are made in God's image, the one and only God (Genesis 1:27; Isaiah 44:6). A god made in our image based on beliefs that we prefer is no God at all.
When a person practices eclecticism, even if they don't call it that, they are elevating all beliefs and different religious texts to whatever level they'd like. The Bible says the Word of God is the only Scripture that should be elevated to the highest levels (2 Timothy 3:16–17). This sort of mish-mash of religions or beliefs is false teaching that places its trust on self, or self and others. We should not trust in such shaky origins for the real truth (John 17:17).
"As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:9–10).
Jesus Himself tells us the way to God is not easy nor easily followed, but it is "narrow" and "the way is hard" (Matthew 7:13–14). Eclecticism creates an easy path, but it is one of our own making and we are not qualified to create Truth.
About Jesus, Paul writes: "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts. 4:12).
What is absolute truth? Does absolute truth really exist?
What is truth?
What is syncretism? How do some people try to blend religious or other thought systems?
There are so many different religions; how do I know which one is right?
Is it true that Jesus is the only way to heaven?
Truth about False Beliefs
