Heresy vs Apostasy: What’s the Difference?

The difference at a glance

Heresy is holding a belief that contradicts established doctrine. Apostasy is the total abandonment or renunciation of one's faith.

What does Heresy mean?

noun · /ˈhɛr.ɪ.si/

A belief or opinion contrary to the official doctrine of a religion or other established institution. To be heretical is to deviate from the accepted — and in historical contexts, heresy was punishable by death. In modern usage: any wildly unorthodox or controversial opinion.

Heresy in a sentence

The scientist's heresy — heliocentrism — took two centuries to become orthodoxy.

In modern corporate culture, questioning strategy can be treated as heresy.

What does Apostasy mean?

noun · /əˈpɒs.tə.si/

The formal abandonment or renunciation of a religion, political belief, or principle one previously held. Apostasy is the conscious departure — not merely drifting from a belief but actively leaving it. In some contexts, it remains a capital offence.

Apostasy in a sentence

Her apostasy from the movement cost her friendships she'd had for twenty years.

In several countries, apostasy from Islam remains a legal crime carrying severe penalties.

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