apostasy
/əˈpɒs.tə.si/noun
Definition
The abandonment or renunciation of a religious faith; falling away from previously held beliefs.
Modern Equivalent
falling away / abandonment of faith
Usage Notes
Paul warns of a great apostasy before Christ's return: 'a falling away' must come first. A serious concern in the epistles.
Example Verse
“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;”2 Thessalonians 2:3