Apostasy facts for kids

States in the world, where there is the death penalty for apostasy. In many of these states, Islam is one of the main religions.
Apostasy is a term used in a religious context, for leaving one's religion. Usually it means moving to another religion. Someone who does this is called an apostate. Apostasy is different from heresy: A heretic only questions one (or more) of the traditions and beliefs of their religion. An apostate questions all of them.
The word was first used in Christianity: In the Roman Catholic Church the punishment for apostasy is excommunication. Today, the word is used mostly in the context of apostasy in Islam.
Sometimes the term is used as a metaphor to refer to changing a non-religious belief or cause, such as a political party or a sports team.
Images for kids
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Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss. Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve Apostles, became an apostate.
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Apostasy Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.