Is it still called "apostasy" if someone leaves the Church?

[Apologista]

I am thinking about people who leave the Church due to not having enough information about Church teaching before they convert, or cradle Catholics who didn’t get adequate information - or maybe they even do, but they leave in rebellion or because being Catholic is unpopular.

Is the term “apostate” in widespread use, and what does it mean today? Is it considered mean-spirited to think of “fallen-away” Catholics in that way? Or is it better to look on it with that level of seriousness and be more motivated to evangelize and pray for them to return?

 

[ASimon]

I am thinking about people who leave the Church due to not having enough information about Church teaching before they convert, or cradle Catholics who didn’t get adequate information - or maybe they even do, but they leave in rebellion or because being Catholic is unpopular.

Is the term “apostate” in widespread use, and what does it mean today? Is it considered mean-spirited to think of “fallen-away” Catholics in that way? Or is it better to look on it with that level of seriousness and be more motivated to evangelize and pray for them to return?

It still is in Islam, the punishment for which is death.

 

[1ke]

Apostacy has a specific meaning. It is rejection of the Christian faith for a non-Christian faith or for atheism.

It is not apostacy if a Catholic goes to a non-Catholic ecclesial communion, it would properly be termed heresy.

It is not apostacy if a Catholic goes to another Church with valid apostolic succession, it would properly be termed schism.

Culpability is not something we can judge. And it is always, of course, proper to pray for them, evangelize, and hope for their return to the fullness of Truth.

 

[Ancient1]

An apostate consciously rejects the Faith, not merely out of ignorance, confusion, falling away, etc. The seriousness of this offense is partly the deliberate choice involved.

 

[Apologista]

An apostate consciously rejects the Faith, not merely out of ignorance, confusion, falling away, etc. The seriousness of this offense is partly the deliberate choice involved.

That helps clarify. Thanks.

 

[Joe_5859]

Apostasy is still a valid theological term. According to the Catechism (CCC 2089):

“apostasy is the total repudiation of the Christian faith”

As 1ke pointed out, note that this applies to those who leave Christianity altogether.

Generally, it’s good to avoid tossing out that term with abandon towards those who no longer practice their Catholic faith. The better approach is to try to win them back.

 

[Apologista]

Apostasy is still a valid theological term. According to the Catechism (CCC 2089):

“apostasy is the total repudiation of the Christian faith”

As 1ke pointed out, note that this applies to those who leave Christianity altogether.

Ah, okay. Didn’t know if it only did back before the schisms and Protestantism came along, or up to the present day.

Generally, it’s good to avoid tossing out that term with abandon towards those who no longer practice their Catholic faith. The better approach is to try to win them back.

I agree :yup: