Superstition and Syncretism

Superstition had a stranglehold on most people in the Roman Empire. Use of magical formulas, consultation of hosorscopes and oracles, augury or prediction of the future by observing the flight of birds, the movement of oil on water, and the markings on a lover and the hiring of professional exorcists (experts at casting out demons) - all these superstitious practices and many more played a part in every day life. Jews numbered among the most sought-after exorcists, largely because it it was thought that they alone could correctly pronounce the magically potent name Yahweh (Hebrew for "Lord"). Correct pronunciation, along secrecy, was considered necessary to the effectiveness of an incantation. In practice known as syncretism common people simply combined various religious beliefs and superstitious practices. Household idol shelves were filled with the images of birds, dogs, bulls, crocodiles, beetles, and other creatures.