Posted by:
Nightingale
(
)
Date: July 28, 2018 04:06PM
It’s not just Mormons. The concept and term of apostasy is used by JWs and Evangelicals (as well as other non-Christian faiths).
Perception is important. There are benign definitions but check out the synonyms.
Benign (objective) definition: a person who renounces a religious or political belief or principle.
Synonyms (decidedly negative): dissenter, defector, deserter, traitor, backslider, turncoat
Connotation also comes into play. In a religious setting, the apostate label is pejorative (understatement).
In my experience with The WatchTower Society (JWs) and at least the more fundamentalist EVs, being considered apostate is far worse than any other transgression, including mere lack of belief. It is considered to be actively choosing treachery against God and his people. Way beyond just renouncing faith. There is no forgiveness or return from apostasy. You are hell-bound. End of.
From Grace to You (John MacArthur) (EV Christian)
https://www.gty.org/library/questions/QA78/what-is-an-apostate“The word "apostasy" comes from the Greek apostasia, which is translated "falling away" in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. The word is closely related to the Greek word for "divorce."
“Apostates are those who fall away from the true faith, abandoning what they formerly professed to believe. The term describes those whose beliefs are so deficient as to place them outside the pale of true Christianity. For example, a liberal denomination that denies the authority of Scripture or the deity of Christ is an apostate denomination.
“True Christians do not apostatize. Those who fall away into apostasy demonstrate that their faith was never real to begin with (1 John 2:19).”
Yes. It denies your beliefs and choices. Potentially robs you of friends and family (if they choose to shun you, as directed). It interferes with your life. "Apostates" can be driven to desperation.
The antithesis of love.
"God is Love."
But apparently only if you believe the way we tell you to.
See why people's heads explode?
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/28/2018 04:08PM by Nightingale.