Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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APOSTASY (biblical)

In general, a desertion from a solemn commitment. In the Old Testament apostasy meant a rebellion against the Lord (Joshua 22:22) or abandonment of the Jewish religion (I Maccabees 2:15). The two passages in the New Testament where the term occurs refer to giving up the Mosaic law (Acts 21:21) and the mysterious religious revolt that is to precede the second coming of Christ (II Thessalonians 2:3).