Syncretism refers to the fusion of multiple thought systems or belief systems into a new system. Religious syncretism specifically involves blending elements of two or more religious traditions together. This can occur for many reasons, such as when multiple religious traditions exist in close proximity and influence one another, or during conquest when a dominant religion does not fully replace older local beliefs. Religious syncretism may incorporate beliefs from unrelated traditions, though some religions view this as corrupting their pure original beliefs.