Why are many new religious movements described as syncretic?

Many new religious movements (NRMs) are described as syncretic because they are highly eclectic and pluralistic, freely combining doctrines, practices, and beliefs from diverse sources into their own systems.1

This syncretism is often a response to the conditions of modernity, pluralism, and the scientific worldview. By integrating elements from various traditions—such as Western mysticism, Neoplatonism, or Eastern philosophical concepts—these movements aim to address specific spiritual or personal needs that followers may feel are not satisfied by mainstream religions or secularism.12

For example, groups like the Theosophical Society synthesized Indian religious concepts with Western traditions, while other movements have adapted ancient techniques, such as Tantrism, to appeal to audiences familiar with modern psychotherapy. Because these movements often position themselves as alternatives to established faiths, their tendency to blend disparate religious ideas is a defining characteristic of their innovative response to the modern world.21