Calling a mixed-text corpus ‘syncretistic’ wrongly implies coexistence rather than takeover.

Evidence

“Syncretism” is usually reserved for situations where there is ultimately some measure of coexistence, leading to partial fusion of hitherto differing systems of religious belief and practice. Syncretism does not necessarily imply exactly equal participation in the contributions made toward the ultimate outcome, but to say a system is “syncretistic” usually does suggest something in the nature of a merger rather than a takeover. What the political entryist seeks to achieve is not to share power at all but ultimately to achieve complete control (soon followed by the excommunication/exclusion/elimination of the leaders of the vanquished majority). — L. P. Harvey, Muslims in Spain, 1500 to 1614, 1234

Categorization

• DEFINE: Sharp distinction between syncretism (merger, shared coexistence) and entryism (seizure of control) — applies beyond religion to any mixed ideology.
• XREF: Connects to the deceptive-narrative theme in The Reluctant Fundamentalist — surface blending disguising a committed agenda.