Let's see it again, this time the entire sentence;
The pagan could have been worshiping who-knows-what from who-knows-where of his own cultural tradition. For all we know, it could have (and most likely did?) include "forces" and the demonic. Yet in the quoted [above] statement, none of that is taken into account. Thus, by employment of syncretism customs and attitudes foreign to the Judeo-Christian construct have been blended into the "Christian" portion and mindset.
If it were not for the "Protestant" influence, those who earnestly sought a return to earliest precepts [of Christianity] there's not much telling how far the syncretism would have run.
For those with slathering hatreds of any and all "Christian" expression and teaching not of and by RCC source or "experience" (not yourself, necessarily -- for you don't seem that type, to me) they may wish to consider contributions from those sources (which admittedly require some amount of filtering) have long sought to keep us all honest --- about Christ.
It is highly doubtful that the pagan was worshiping the same God.
If that not be so, then why all the fuss concerning idols and idol worship in ancient Israel?
God termed it "going whoring after other gods.
Do we believe we can mix and blend, in hopes of truly converting [from idol worship, and that sort of superstitious thinking] by renaming those sort of activities with pious "Christian" theme and name?
I think you misunderstood my focus. I was referring specifically to the “praying to a crucifix” comment.