Apostasy: meaning, definitions and examples
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apostasy
[əˈpɒstəsi ]
Definition
religious
The abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief.
Synonyms
apostatizing, defection, desertion, rebellion.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| apostasy |
Used in religious or ideological contexts to describe the act of abandoning or renouncing one's faith or beliefs.
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| defection |
Often used in political, military, or organizational contexts to describe leaving one's country, group, or cause to join an opposing one.
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| desertion |
Primarily used in military contexts to refer to leaving one's post or duties without permission, but can also apply to abandoning responsibilities or people.
|
| rebellion |
Indicates an open resistance to authority, control, or tradition, often involving conflict or uprising.
|
| apostatizing |
The act of abandoning or renouncing a faith, particularly used in religious discussions. This word often implies a process or action.
|
Examples of usage
- A man was sentenced to death for apostasy after converting to a different religion.
- She was shunned by her community for her apostasy from the traditional beliefs.
- The act of apostasy was considered a betrayal by many of his former colleagues.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'apostasy' comes from the Greek word 'apostasia,' meaning 'defection' or 'desertion,' which traces back to the early days of Christianity.
- Throughout history, many people have faced persecution for apostasy, illustrating the intensity of religious beliefs across cultures.
- The concept has been recognized in various religions, often accompanied by serious consequences, including social ostracism or legal penalties.
Cultural Perspectives
- In some cultures, leaving a faith can lead to loss of family ties, highlighting how intertwined personal identity and belief systems can be.
- Certain communities create support networks for individuals experiencing apostasy, promoting acceptance and understanding in the face of rejection.
- Apostasy can lead to the creation of new movements, as individuals seeking freedom from traditional beliefs often establish alternative spiritual paths.
Literature
- Many authors explore themes of apostasy in literature, using it as a plot device to examine identity, belief, and the struggles of self-discovery.
- Famous works, such as 'The God Delusion' by Richard Dawkins, discuss the author's journey away from religious beliefs and promote secular views.
- The idea of changing one's belief system can be a powerful narrative tool, allowing for character development and moral questioning.
Psychology
- Psychological studies show that those who leave a belief system often experience a range of emotions, including guilt, relief, or freedom, highlighting the complex nature of faith.
- Identity crises can occur during apostasy, as individuals struggle to reconcile their previous beliefs with their new understanding of the world.
- Helping professionals often emphasize the importance of support systems for individuals undergoing apostasy, as the transition can be challenging.
Translations
Translations of the word "apostasy" in other languages:
🇵🇹 apostasia
🇮🇳 धर्मत्याग
🇩🇪 Abfall vom Glauben
🇮🇩 murtad
🇺🇦 відступництво
🇵🇱 apostazja
🇯🇵 背教
🇫🇷 apostasie
🇪🇸 apostasía
🇹🇷 dinden dönme
🇰🇷 배교
🇸🇦 ردة
🇨🇿 odpadlictví
🇸🇰 odpadlíctvo
🇨🇳 叛教
🇸🇮 odpadništvo
🇮🇸 trúvillingur
🇰🇿 діннен шығу
🇬🇪 რელიგიის უარყოფა
🇦🇿 dindən çıxma
🇲🇽 apostasía