Science Fair Project Encyclopedia Apostasy (Greek απο, apo,
"away, apart", στασις, stasis, "standing") is the formal
renunciation of one's religion. In a narrow sense, the term
refers to renunciation and criticizing one's former religion. An
old, narrow definition of this term refers to baptized
Christians who leave their faith. One who commits apostasy is an
apostate, or one who apostatises. One of many possible reasons
for this renunciation is loss of faith. Many religious movements
consider it a vice, a corruption of the virtue of piety in the
sense that when piety fails, apostasy is the result. However,
most converts to a new religion can also be considered apostates
from a previous belief. The word is also used to refer to
renunciation of belief in a cause other than religion. Several
religious movements punish apostates. Apostates may be shunned
by the members of their former religious group. This may be the
official policy of the religious group or may happen
spontaneously. Some religions may respond t