The term is occasionally also used metaphorically to refer to renunciation of a
non-religious belief or cause, such as a political party, brain trust, or a sports team.
Apostasy is generally not a
self-definition: very few former believers call themselves apostates because of
the pejorative implications of the term.
Many religious groups and some
states punish apostates. Apostates may be shunned by the members of their former religious
group[1] or subjected to formal or informal
punishment. This may be the official policy of the religious group or may be
the action of its members. Certain churches may in certain circumstances excommunicate the apostate, while some religious
scriptures demand the death penalty
for apostates.
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