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The '''Great [[Apostasy]]''' refers to a radical corruption or total loss of the authentic and pure [[Christianity|Christian faith]] and [[Corporal and spiritual works of mercy|practice]] as taught by the original [[Twelve Apostles]] of [[Jesus]] and the [[New Testament]]. Apostasy differs entirely from [[Heresy]]<ref name=apostasydefinition>Sources defining and discussing the standard meaning of apostasy:<br>[https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apostasy Merriam-Webster - apostasy (merriam-webster.com)]<br>[http://www.dictionary.com/browse/apostasy Dictionary.com apostasy (dictionary.com)]<br>[http://www.thefreedictionary.com/apostasy TheFreeDictionary.com apostasy (thefreedictionary.com)]<br>[https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apostate Merriam-Webster - apostate (merriam-webster.com)]<br>[http://www.dictionary.com/browse/apostate Dictionary.com apostate (dictionary.com)]<br>[http://www.yourdictionary.com/apostasy Your Dictionary: Apostasy (yourdictionary.com)]<br>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostasy Wikipedia - apostasy (wikipedia.org)]<br>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostasy_in_Judaism Wikipedia - Apostasy in Judaism (Wikipedia.org)]<br>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostasy_in_Islam Wikipedia - Apostasy in Islam (Wikipedia.org)]<br>[http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/07/29/which-countries-still-outlaw-apostasy-and-blasphemy/ PewResearchCenter Which countries still outlaw apostasy and blasphemy? by Angelina E. Theodorou (pewreasearch.org)]<br>[http://www.apologeticsindex.org/a66.html Apologetics Index: Apostasy (apologeticsindex.org)] ''includes apostasy from cults and cultic responses to those who have apostatized from their ranks''<br>[http://www.mormonthink.com/glossary/apostasy.htm Mormon Think: apostasy (mormonthink.com)] ''Article discussing phenomenon of apostasy from the ranks of the Latter-Day Saints, and how the LDS Church defines "apostasy".''<br>[http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/apostasy.html Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology: Apostasy. Mark W. Karlberg (biblestudytools.com)]<br>[http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/apostasy-apostate/ International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Apostasy; Apostate. Dwight M. Pratt (biblestudytools.com)]<br>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01624b.htm Catholic Encyclopedia: Apostasy (newadvent.org)] ''This article defines multiple meanings of apostasy.'' <br>(The meaning relevant to this Conservapedia article is Apostasy ''Fide'' or ''Perfidiae'', complete departure from the Christian faith.)</ref>.

The '''Great [[Apostasy]]''' refers to a radical corruption or total loss of the authentic and pure [[Christianity|Christian faith]] and [[Corporal and spiritual works of mercy|practice]] as taught by the original [[Twelve Apostles]] of [[Jesus]] and the [[New Testament]]. Apostasy differs entirely from [[Heresy]].<ref name=apostasydefinition>Sources defining and discussing the standard meaning of apostasy:<br>[https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apostasy Merriam-Webster - apostasy (merriam-webster.com)]<br>[http://www.dictionary.com/browse/apostasy Dictionary.com apostasy (dictionary.com)]<br>[http://www.thefreedictionary.com/apostasy TheFreeDictionary.com apostasy (thefreedictionary.com)]<br>[https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apostate Merriam-Webster - apostate (merriam-webster.com)]<br>[http://www.dictionary.com/browse/apostate Dictionary.com apostate (dictionary.com)]<br>[http://www.yourdictionary.com/apostasy Your Dictionary: Apostasy (yourdictionary.com)]<br>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostasy Wikipedia - apostasy (wikipedia.org)]<br>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostasy_in_Judaism Wikipedia - Apostasy in Judaism (Wikipedia.org)]<br>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostasy_in_Islam Wikipedia - Apostasy in Islam (Wikipedia.org)]<br>[http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/07/29/which-countries-still-outlaw-apostasy-and-blasphemy/ PewResearchCenter Which countries still outlaw apostasy and blasphemy? by Angelina E. Theodorou (pewreasearch.org)]<br>[http://www.apologeticsindex.org/a66.html Apologetics Index: Apostasy (apologeticsindex.org)] ''includes apostasy from cults and cultic responses to those who have apostatized from their ranks''<br>[http://www.mormonthink.com/glossary/apostasy.htm Mormon Think: apostasy (mormonthink.com)] ''Article discussing phenomenon of apostasy from the ranks of the Latter-Day Saints, and how the LDS Church defines "apostasy".''<br>[http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/apostasy.html Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology: Apostasy. Mark W. Karlberg (biblestudytools.com)]<br>[http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/apostasy-apostate/ International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Apostasy; Apostate. Dwight M. Pratt (biblestudytools.com)]<br>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01624b.htm Catholic Encyclopedia: Apostasy (newadvent.org)] ''This article defines multiple meanings of apostasy.'' <br>(The meaning relevant to this Conservapedia article is Apostasy ''Fide'' or ''Perfidiae'', complete departure from the Christian faith.)</ref>

== Total abandonment of belief ==

== Total abandonment of belief ==

Apostasy ''a fide'' or ''perfidiæ'' is the complete and voluntary abandonment of the Christian [[religion]] by an individual, whether the apostate embraces another religion such as [[Paganism]], [[Judaism]], [[Islam|Mohammedanism]], [[Cult]], or other belief, or merely makes profession of [[Naturalism (philosophy)|Naturalism]], [[Rationalism]], [[Atheism]], [[Humanism]], [[Agnosticism]] or any other non-Christian [[worldview]]. The heretic differs from the apostate in that he or she only denies one or more of the [[doctrine]]s of revealed religion, not all of them, whereas the apostate denies the entire religion itself either implicitly or explicitly, a [[sin]] which has always been looked upon by adherents of the major world religions as one of the most grievous. The Christian who becomes apostate no longer claims to be a Christian, in thought, word and deed. In Catholicism, apostasy is a [[Sin#Roman Catholic|mortal sin]]<ref>[http://www.catholicessentials.net/apostasy.htm Catholic Essentials: Apostasy (catholicessentials.net)]</ref>.

Apostasy ''a fide'' or ''perfidiæ'' is the complete and voluntary abandonment of the Christian [[religion]] by an individual, whether the apostate embraces another religion such as [[Paganism]], [[Judaism]], [[Islam|Mohammedanism]], [[Cult]], or other belief, or merely makes profession of [[Naturalism (philosophy)|Naturalism]], [[Rationalism]], [[Atheism]], [[Humanism]], [[Agnosticism]] or any other non-Christian [[worldview]]. The heretic differs from the apostate in that he or she only denies one or more of the [[doctrine]]s of revealed religion, not all of them, whereas the apostate denies the entire religion itself either implicitly or explicitly, a [[sin]] which has always been looked upon by adherents of the major world religions as one of the most grievous. The Christian who becomes apostate no longer claims to be a Christian, in thought, word and deed. In Catholicism, apostasy is a [[Sin#Roman Catholic|mortal sin]].<ref>[http://www.catholicessentials.net/apostasy.htm Catholic Essentials: Apostasy (catholicessentials.net)]</ref>

== Past apostasy ==

== Past apostasy ==

==== Non-Catholic opposition ====

==== Non-Catholic opposition ====

While non-Catholic Christians range far and wide on their [[theology]] and practice, the one thing they all do agree on is their opposition to the [[Catholic Church]], and their belief that the Catholic Church is solely responsible for 'corrupting' the 'authentic and pure' Christian faith by compromise with [[paganism]]. They also see the [[Orthodox Church|Orthodox churches]] as independently collaborating in the corruption of Christian doctrine by their early compromise with [[Greek philosophers|Greek philosophy]] and pagan [[Mystery religion|mystery religions]].  

While non-Catholic Christians range far and wide on their [[theology]] and practice, the one thing they all do agree on is their opposition to the [[Catholic Church]], and their belief that the Catholic Church is solely responsible for 'corrupting' the 'authentic and pure' Christian faith by compromise with [[paganism]]. They also see the [[Orthodox Church|Orthodox churches]] as independently collaborating in the corruption of Christian doctrine by their early compromise with [[Greek philosophers|Greek philosophy]] and pagan [[mystery religion]]s.  

In many circles, this radical corruption of the Gospel by the forces of Catholicism is called 'The Great Apostasy' or 'a great apostasy' or just 'apostasy'. This teaching or warning regarding Catholic and Orthodox teachings is found in all [[Western civilization|Western]] non-Catholic denominations and groups, which includes [[Protestantism]] (both traditional and [[Evangelical Christians|evangelical]]), as well as [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints|Mormonism]], the [[Jehovah's Witnesses|Jehovah's Witnesses (Watchtower)]], [[Seventh-day Adventist Church]]es, [[Baptist]]s and various other groups. Many of these groups warn that anyone who accepts and holds to the doctrines of the Catholic Church are "''separated from Christ''"<ref>Galatians 5:4</ref>, and, along with all those who preach false doctrine<ref name=1T>1 Timothy 4:1-5</ref>, he or she will be condemned to [[hell]] together with the [[Devil]] and his [[Demon|angel]]s<ref>Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10</ref>.

In many circles, this radical corruption of the Gospel by the forces of Catholicism is called 'The Great Apostasy' or 'a great apostasy' or just 'apostasy'. This teaching or warning regarding Catholic and Orthodox teachings is found in all [[Western civilization|Western]] non-Catholic denominations and groups, which includes [[Protestantism]] (both traditional and [[Evangelical Christians|evangelical]]), as well as [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints|Mormonism]], the [[Jehovah's Witnesses|Jehovah's Witnesses (Watchtower)]], [[Seventh-day Adventist Church]]es, [[Baptist]]s and various other groups. Many of these groups warn that anyone who accepts and holds to the doctrines of the Catholic Church are "''separated from Christ''",<ref>Galatians 5:4</ref> and, along with all those who preach false doctrine,<ref name=1T>1 Timothy 4:1-5</ref> he or she will be condemned to [[hell]] together with the [[Devil]] and his [[Demon|angel]]s.<ref>Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10</ref>

==== Catholic [[Apologetics|apologists]] ====

==== Catholic [[Apologetics|apologists]] ====

Catholic apologists answer that many persons have individually apostatized, do apostatize, and will apostatize, even gathering followers to themselves, as Scripture has testified<ref>Acts 20:28-31; 1 John 2:18-19</ref>. However, they also point out that every known secular and theological definition of "apostasy" specifies that it is the departure of an ''individual'' from a religion or belief system<ref>1 John 2:19</ref><ref name=apostasydefinition/>, not a whole corporate departure ''en masse'', and that the Bible ''nowhere'' says that the whole Church that Jesus founded ever will or ever can apostatize, and that such a falling away from Him is an impossibility, given the promises that He Himself has made<ref name=promises>Matthew 16:18; 18:15-20; 28:20; John 14:16-17, 23, 26; 16:7, 12-14; 17:9-23</ref>, together with the inspired apostolic doctrine that the Church itself is the "''pillar and foundation of truth''"<ref>1 Timothy 3:15</ref>, and given the commandment to "''obey your leaders''"<ref>Hebrews 18:17 and 7; Romans 13:1-2</ref> and "''hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter''"<ref>2 Thessalonians 2:15 reference to "oral tradition" and "scripture"</ref>, and given the fact that "''through the Church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places''"<ref>Ephesians 3:10</ref>, and that "''it is impossible for God to lie''"<ref>Hebrews 6:18</ref>. They emphasize that the whole Church cannot be charged with such a monumental act of explicit apostasy unless every single member of the whole Church agreed to abandon Christ and his teaching, renounced Christianity, denied that they are Christians, and all apostatized at the same time. The utter and complete repudiation of one's religion is apostasy. But no historical documentation of such an occurrence has ever been produced, the exact historical date of the occurrence is never given, and the names of the leaders of the great apostasy are not given. There has never been an [[ecumenical council]] which decreed that the whole Church shall embrace abandonment of Christ or declared his teaching to be false. That would be apostasy. In the history of Christianity all significant and influential names are known. All Ecumenical Councils and their debates and documents are records of fact. All the names of Popes and Bishops are known. All the names of the Protestant Reformers are known. All the names of heretics since the first century are known. But the exact historical date of actual implementation of the Great Apostasy is unknown, the date when all former Christian doctrines were to be condemned, removed and replaced with completely non-Christian teaching. There has never been a time in Christian history when the Catholic and Orthodox Churches claimed they are no longer Christian<ref>See [[Apostles' Creed]], [[Nicene Creed]] and [http://www.ccel.org/creeds/athanasian.creed.html Athanasian Creed]</ref>. That would be apostasy. Those who teach that the monumentally catastrophic sin of the Great Apostasy is an historical fact do not agree when it occurred, and their apologists and proponents appear unable to offer any objective, externally verifiable evidence that it ever did.

Catholic apologists answer that many persons have individually apostatized, do apostatize, and will apostatize, even gathering followers to themselves, as Scripture has testified.<ref>Acts 20:28-31; 1 John 2:18-19</ref> However, they also point out that every known secular and theological definition of "apostasy" specifies that it is the departure of an ''individual'' from a religion or belief system,<ref name=apostasydefinition/><ref>1 John 2:19</ref> not a whole corporate departure ''en masse'', and that the Bible ''nowhere'' says that the whole Church that Jesus founded ever will or ever can apostatize, and that such a falling away from Him is an impossibility, given the promises that He Himself has made,<ref name=promises>Matthew 16:18; 18:15-20; 28:20; John 14:16-17, 23, 26; 16:7, 12-14; 17:9-23</ref> together with the inspired apostolic doctrine that the Church itself is the "''pillar and foundation of truth''",<ref>1 Timothy 3:15</ref> and given the commandment to "''obey your leaders''"<ref>Hebrews 18:17 and 7; Romans 13:1-2</ref> and "''hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter''",<ref>2 Thessalonians 2:15 reference to "oral tradition" and "scripture"</ref> and given the fact that "''through the Church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places''",<ref>Ephesians 3:10</ref> and that "''it is impossible for God to lie''".<ref>Hebrews 6:18</ref> They emphasize that the whole Church cannot be charged with such a monumental act of explicit apostasy unless every single member of the whole Church agreed to abandon Christ and his teaching, renounced Christianity, denied that they are Christians, and all apostatized at the same time. The utter and complete repudiation of one's religion is apostasy. But no historical documentation of such an occurrence has ever been produced, the exact historical date of the occurrence is never given, and the names of the leaders of the great apostasy are not given. There has never been an [[ecumenical council]] which decreed that the whole Church shall embrace abandonment of Christ or declared his teaching to be false. That would be apostasy. In the history of Christianity all significant and influential names are known. All Ecumenical Councils and their debates and documents are records of fact. All the names of Popes and Bishops are known. All the names of the Protestant Reformers are known. All the names of heretics since the first century are known. But the exact historical date of actual implementation of the Great Apostasy is unknown, the date when all former Christian doctrines were to be condemned, removed and replaced with completely non-Christian teaching. There has never been a time in Christian history when the Catholic and Orthodox Churches claimed they are no longer Christian.<ref>See [[Apostles' Creed]], [[Nicene Creed]] and [http://www.ccel.org/creeds/athanasian.creed.html Athanasian Creed]</ref> That would be apostasy. Those who teach that the monumentally catastrophic sin of the Great Apostasy is an historical fact do not agree when it occurred, and their apologists and proponents appear unable to offer any objective, externally verifiable evidence that it ever did.

==== The Ante-Nicene Fathers ====

==== The Ante-Nicene Fathers ====

Those who defend the assertion of historical fact for the Great Apostasy of the Catholic Church point out that all of the false doctrine and practice of Catholicism ''only gradually'' developed, with incremental, and cumulative, subtle deviations from the truth by a process of [[syncretism]], beginning as early as the first century, which by the time of the [[Middle Ages]] had developed into a complete and total condition of apostasy with no truth or spiritual understanding remaining in it<ref>[http://evidenceforchristianity.org/where-and-when-did-the-catholicism-begin/ Where and when did the Catholicism begin? by John Oakes (evidenceforchristianity.org)]</ref>. They see the development of the Great Apostasy as a [[Pathology|pathological]] form of spiritual cancer which grew slowly over the centuries and spread until the whole body was entirely and terminally diseased. In the language of Isaiah 1:4-6

Those who defend the assertion of historical fact for the Great Apostasy of the Catholic Church point out that all of the false doctrine and practice of Catholicism ''only gradually'' developed, with incremental, and cumulative, subtle deviations from the truth by a process of [[syncretism]], beginning as early as the first century, which by the time of the [[Middle Ages]] had developed into a complete and total condition of apostasy with no truth or spiritual understanding remaining in it.<ref>[http://evidenceforchristianity.org/where-and-when-did-the-catholicism-begin/ Where and when did the Catholicism begin? by John Oakes (evidenceforchristianity.org)]</ref> They see the development of the Great Apostasy as a [[Pathology|pathological]] form of spiritual cancer which grew slowly over the centuries and spread until the whole body was entirely and terminally diseased. In the language of Isaiah 1:4-6

:"Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, sons who deal corruptly! They have forsaken the L<small>ORD</small>, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged. The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but bruises and sores and bleeding wounds; they are not pressed out, or bound up, or softened with oil."

:"Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, sons who deal corruptly! They have forsaken the L<small>ORD</small>, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged. The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but bruises and sores and bleeding wounds; they are not pressed out, or bound up, or softened with oil."

They unhesitatingly submit that the Catholic Church only claims to have the name of Christian, as a terminally ill and actively dying man, on life-support and riddled with disease, in complete [[denial]] claims to be perfectly healthy. They see no good in the Catholic Church, only "doctrines of devils"<ref name=1T/><ref>Compare Mark 3:28-30; John 10:37-38; see also [[Corporal and spiritual works of mercy]].</ref> Every Catholic appeal to the writings of the [[Ante-Nicene Fathers]] as demonstrations of the apostolic origin and root of Catholic doctrine and [[dogma]] is rejected on the ground that those writings only clearly demonstrate how early the false and corrupt apostate doctrines of Catholicism began to develop in the Church—which only proves to those who reject Catholic doctrine and dogma that a great apostasy ''must'' have occurred. Catholic apologists see this as a [[logical fallacy]]. They protest that a great apostasy of the whole Church is rooted in one fundamental [[premise]]: that Jesus did not keep his promises<ref name=promises/>.

They unhesitatingly submit that the Catholic Church only claims to have the name of Christian, as a terminally ill and actively dying man, on life-support and riddled with disease, in complete [[denial]] claims to be perfectly healthy. They see no good in the Catholic Church, only "doctrines of devils"<ref name=1T/><ref>Compare Mark 3:28-30; John 10:37-38; see also [[Corporal and spiritual works of mercy]].</ref> Every Catholic appeal to the writings of the [[Ante-Nicene Fathers]] as demonstrations of the apostolic origin and root of Catholic doctrine and [[dogma]] is rejected on the ground that those writings only clearly demonstrate how early the false and corrupt apostate doctrines of Catholicism began to develop in the Church—which only proves to those who reject Catholic doctrine and dogma that a great apostasy ''must'' have occurred. Catholic apologists see this as a [[logical fallacy]]. They protest that a great apostasy of the whole Church is rooted in one fundamental [[premise]]: that Jesus did not keep his promises.<ref name=promises/>

*Churches professing [[Apostolic succession]] hold that the Ante-Nicene Fathers only articulate or express the original, authentic apostolic Christian doctrine that was faithfully handed on by word of mouth and guarded by the Holy Spirit in the full deposit of the faith handed on once and for all to the apostles of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 2:15 and 3:6; 1 Timothy 3:15; 2 Timothy 1:13-14 and 2:1-2, 14-15; 1 John 2:24; 2 John 9-11; Jude 3).

*Churches professing [[Apostolic succession]] hold that the Ante-Nicene Fathers only articulate or express the original, authentic apostolic Christian doctrine that was faithfully handed on by word of mouth and guarded by the Holy Spirit in the full deposit of the faith handed on once and for all to the apostles of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 2:15 and 3:6; 1 Timothy 3:15; 2 Timothy 1:13-14 and 2:1-2, 14-15; 1 John 2:24; 2 John 9-11; Jude 3).

===== Excommunicated heretics =====

===== Excommunicated heretics =====

However, this assertion of total silence is debatable from the standpoint of those who have been [[excommunication|excommunicated]]. Those who put forth theological or religious opinions or doctrines maintained in opposition, or held to be contrary, to the 'catholic' or 'orthodox' doctrine of the Christian Church, were themselves not silent about what they regarded as a massive defection from the truth by the leading authorities and heads of the Christian Church. History knows them officially as those who were formally condemned by the Church and labelled as "heretics" for their teachings<ref>[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Heresy OrthodoxWiki: "Heresy" (orthodoxwiki.org)] ''This site gives a list by name of the early individuals and movements condemned as heretical by the orthodox catholic Church''.</ref>. Each of them was excommunicated for teaching a "different gospel" ([http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/galatians/1-6.htm Galatians 1:6]). Some of these claimed to be authentically proven prophets of God by signs and wonders and multitudes of followers. From their [[Specious reasoning|point of view]], history is not silent about what they regarded as a great apostasy of the orthodox catholic Christian Church from the truth, and they were vocal about it in their public preaching and their writings. Likewise, orthodox catholic theologians were not silent about condemning them as heretical teachers of doctrines of devils. But without exception, all of those movements condemned as heretical by catholic orthodoxy within the first four centuries of Christian history have either withered or died out and become extinct<ref>See Jesus' warning in John 15:4-6. Compare the "stone" of Daniel 2:34, 44-45 and the "stone" of Matthew 16:18-19. <br>A partial list of early heretical movements which have become extinct or remain "withered" and insignificant today includes the following:

However, this assertion of total silence is debatable from the standpoint of those who have been [[excommunication|excommunicated]]. Those who put forth theological or religious opinions or doctrines maintained in opposition, or held to be contrary, to the 'catholic' or 'orthodox' doctrine of the Christian Church, were themselves not silent about what they regarded as a massive defection from the truth by the leading authorities and heads of the Christian Church. History knows them officially as those who were formally condemned by the Church and labelled as "heretics" for their teachings.<ref>[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Heresy OrthodoxWiki: "Heresy" (orthodoxwiki.org)] ''This site gives a list by name of the early individuals and movements condemned as heretical by the orthodox catholic Church''.</ref> Each of them was excommunicated for teaching a "different gospel" ([http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/galatians/1-6.htm Galatians 1:6]). Some of these claimed to be authentically proven prophets of God by signs and wonders and multitudes of followers. From their [[Specious reasoning|point of view]], history is not silent about what they regarded as a great apostasy of the orthodox catholic Christian Church from the truth, and they were vocal about it in their public preaching and their writings. Likewise, orthodox catholic theologians were not silent about condemning them as heretical teachers of doctrines of devils. But without exception, all of those movements condemned as heretical by catholic orthodoxy within the first four centuries of Christian history have either withered or died out and become extinct.<ref>See Jesus' warning in John 15:4-6. Compare the "stone" of Daniel 2:34, 44-45 and the "stone" of Matthew 16:18-19. <br>A partial list of early heretical movements which have become extinct or remain "withered" and insignificant today includes the following:

::Circumcisers, <br> Judaizers, <br>Ebionites, <br>Docetism, <br>Simonianism, <br>Gnosticism, <br>Nicolaitanism, <br>Marcionism, <br>Messalianism, <br>Sethians, <br>Valentinianism, <br>Basilideanism, <br>Barchaisanitism, <br>Montanism, <br>Sabellianism, <br>Arianism,<br>Pelagianism, <br>Semi-Pelagianism, <br>Manicheanism, <br>Paulicianism.</ref>. They each strongly contradicted one or more New Testament teachings, even rejecting some of the [[protocanonicals|protocanonical books of the Bible]] accepted by all Christians from the beginning of the church. Taken together they do not even represent a coherently unified theology of Christianity that could be called the one original apostolic Christian Gospel that the catholic orthodox Christian Church had apostatized from. The various doctrines and groups rejected by catholic orthodoxy even disagree with each other. Their own writings which survive to this day and can easily be obtained also demonstrate that not one of them represents or even resembles Mormon or Fundamentalist teachings. Conversely, Mormon and Fundamentalist Christian doctrines are not represented by any extant writings dated to the first four centuries of Christianity. This historical silence is taken by them as [[proof]] that the Great Apostasy from the truth of Evangelical Reformation Christianity ''must'' have occurred.

::Circumcisers, <br> Judaizers, <br>Ebionites, <br>Docetism, <br>Simonianism, <br>Gnosticism, <br>Nicolaitanism, <br>Marcionism, <br>Messalianism, <br>Sethians, <br>Valentinianism, <br>Basilideanism, <br>Barchaisanitism, <br>Montanism, <br>Sabellianism, <br>Arianism,<br>Pelagianism, <br>Semi-Pelagianism, <br>Manicheanism, <br>Paulicianism.</ref> They each strongly contradicted one or more New Testament teachings, even rejecting some of the [[protocanonicals|protocanonical books of the Bible]] accepted by all Christians from the beginning of the church. Taken together they do not even represent a coherently unified theology of Christianity that could be called the one original apostolic Christian Gospel that the catholic orthodox Christian Church had apostatized from. The various doctrines and groups rejected by catholic orthodoxy even disagree with each other. Their own writings which survive to this day and can easily be obtained also demonstrate that not one of them represents or even resembles Mormon or Fundamentalist teachings. Conversely, Mormon and Fundamentalist Christian doctrines are not represented by any extant writings dated to the first four centuries of Christianity. This historical silence is taken by them as [[proof]] that the Great Apostasy from the truth of Evangelical Reformation Christianity ''must'' have occurred.

====="''The faith which was once for all delivered to the saints''"=====

====="''The faith which was once for all delivered to the saints''"=====

This doctrinal evidence in support of the traditions handed down from the apostles of the Lord directly refutes the Mormon assertion that the Great Apostasy occurred shortly before A.D. 200. The writings immediately after A.D. 100, such as the [[Epistles of Ignatius]] of Antioch and the others included in the [[Apostolic Fathers]] show a continuity with the New Testament writings before them and with the subsequent Ante-Nicene Fathers and Post-Nicene Fathers after them, which strongly dismisses the Mormon claim of a Total Apostasy.  

This doctrinal evidence in support of the traditions handed down from the apostles of the Lord directly refutes the Mormon assertion that the Great Apostasy occurred shortly before A.D. 200. The writings immediately after A.D. 100, such as the [[Epistles of Ignatius]] of Antioch and the others included in the [[Apostolic Fathers]] show a continuity with the New Testament writings before them and with the subsequent Ante-Nicene Fathers and Post-Nicene Fathers after them, which strongly dismisses the Mormon claim of a Total Apostasy.  

The same kind of evidence also weighs heavily against the Fundamentalist position. Fundamentalists claim that the apostasy does not occur until roughly A.D. 325 at the [[Council of Nicaea]] when all of the 318 gathered bishops of Christianity in [[Fear|fear for their lives]] were completely intimidated and crushed into submission under the total [[Bullying|domination]] of Emperor [[Constantine]]. To a large degree, Protestantism believes that Constantine the Great merged [[paganism]] with Christianity, beginning with the Council of Nicaea, thereby seeking to bring unity and stability under his rule and to advance acceptance of and the power of his version of the Church as the official Imperial Roman State religion by all sectors of the empire<ref>[http://www.papalencyclicals.net/Councils/ecum01.htm First Council of Nicaea - 325 A.D.] The Canons of the Council are listed. <br>''Compare the claim that false doctrine was introduced in them''.<br>See the anti-Catholic [[Wikipedia]] article [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Apostasy '''Great Apostasy''']</ref>. But even here there is a complete continuity of teaching between the Ante-Nicene Fathers and the post-Nicene Fathers. There is no historical evidence that the Emperor Constantine had any decisive influence on the discussions, debates and decrees of the Council, made any threats, or did anything other than preside over the proceedings<ref>See articles:

The same kind of evidence also weighs heavily against the Fundamentalist position. Fundamentalists claim that the apostasy does not occur until roughly A.D. 325 at the [[Council of Nicaea]] when all of the 318 gathered bishops of Christianity in [[Fear|fear for their lives]] were completely intimidated and crushed into submission under the total [[Bullying|domination]] of Emperor [[Constantine]]. To a large degree, Protestantism believes that Constantine the Great merged [[paganism]] with Christianity, beginning with the Council of Nicaea, thereby seeking to bring unity and stability under his rule and to advance acceptance of and the power of his version of the Church as the official Imperial Roman State religion by all sectors of the empire.<ref>[http://www.papalencyclicals.net/Councils/ecum01.htm First Council of Nicaea - 325 A.D.] The Canons of the Council are listed. <br>''Compare the claim that false doctrine was introduced in them''.<br>See the anti-Catholic [[Wikipedia]] article [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Apostasy '''Great Apostasy''']</ref> But even here there is a complete continuity of teaching between the Ante-Nicene Fathers and the post-Nicene Fathers. There is no historical evidence that the Emperor Constantine had any decisive influence on the discussions, debates and decrees of the Council, made any threats, or did anything other than preside over the proceedings.<ref>See articles:

*[http://mb-soft.com/believe/txc/nicaea.htm Council of Nicaea (mb-soft.com)]

*[http://mb-soft.com/believe/txc/nicaea.htm Council of Nicaea (mb-soft.com)]

*[http://www.debate.org.uk/debate-topics/theological/council_nicaea/ Council of Nicaea: Purposes and Themes, N. S. Lane].  

*[http://www.debate.org.uk/debate-topics/theological/council_nicaea/ Council of Nicaea: Purposes and Themes, N. S. Lane].  

The primary witness to the proceedings was the church historian [[Eusebius]], who covers the events in his ''Life of Constantine''. There were also other witnesses, from the following century, three important church histories which pick up from where Eusebius left off and which all, at or near the beginning, cover the events of Nicaea. These are by Socrates, Sozomen and Theodoret. From these records we find that whenever appeal was made to the emperor by some of the members of the Council for a decision, Constantine deferred to their knowledge of theology, and always referred their concerns to the representatives of the Council for their consensus and determination of the matter. His major concern was unity. Their major concern was a correct interpretation of the true meaning of the words of Scripture, according to the traditions of the apostles (Apostolic Tradition).</ref>. This strongly speaks against the Fundamentalist position. There is no evidence of a radically fundamental change in Church [[dogma]]. See [[Burden of proof]] and article on ''[[''The Two Babylons'']]''.

The primary witness to the proceedings was the church historian [[Eusebius]], who covers the events in his ''Life of Constantine''. There were also other witnesses, from the following century, three important church histories which pick up from where Eusebius left off and which all, at or near the beginning, cover the events of Nicaea. These are by Socrates, Sozomen and Theodoret. From these records we find that whenever appeal was made to the emperor by some of the members of the Council for a decision, Constantine deferred to their knowledge of theology, and always referred their concerns to the representatives of the Council for their consensus and determination of the matter. His major concern was unity. Their major concern was a correct interpretation of the true meaning of the words of Scripture, according to the traditions of the apostles (Apostolic Tradition).</ref> This strongly speaks against the Fundamentalist position. There is no evidence of a radically fundamental change in Church [[dogma]]. See [[Burden of proof]] and article on ''[[''The Two Babylons'']]''.

===== Proof from silence =====

===== Proof from silence =====

Although the weight of historical silence about any great apostasy is not enough to prove that something did happen<ref>See Logical fallacies: [[Logical fallacy#Argument from silence|absence of evidence is not evidence of absence]] and [[Logical fallacy#Manufacturing facts from a theory|manufacturing facts from a theory]].</ref>, this silence is a very serious problem for those who wish to advance this notion, that a massively [[Paradigm|fundamental change]] in doctrine and [[Discipline|practice]] was so universally pervasive and acceptable to the whole Church that there was no one around (or left alive) to protest such an apostasy. [[Martin Luther]] famously declared, "I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other."<ref>Statement to The Imperial Diet ('Assembly') of Worms (Germany), May 1521, presided over by Emperor [[Charles V of Spain|Charles V]]. At the diet Luther was asked if he would retract his teachings condemned by the Pope (to include his 95 Theses). After a day's meditation he refused. He declared, "Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason - I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other - my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen."</ref> However, it is a matter of historical record that he has offered no evidence in support of this assertion in his writings and in his testimonies before Church and civil authorities, he cites no example of contradiction<ref>See [[Logical fallacy#Proof by assertion|Logical fallacy: Proof by assertion]]. Do an online search for [https://www.bing.com/search?q=Martin+Luther%27s+evidence+that+popes+and+councils+have+contradicted+each+other&form=PRUSEN&mkt=en-us&httpsmsn=1&refig=e03bca519d1f41258d6949d83fea08eb&sp=-1&pq=martin+luther%27s+evidence+that+popes+and+councils+have+contradicted+each+other&sc=0-77&qs=n&sk=&cvid=e03bca519d1f41258d6949d83fea08eb "Martin Luther's evidence that popes and councils have contradicted each other".]</ref>. There is absolutely no evidence for a mass apostasy in any historical records. See the following links (note which writings were condemned as heretical, and when they were condemned):

Although the weight of historical silence about any great apostasy is not enough to prove that something did happen,<ref>See Logical fallacies: [[Logical fallacy#Argument from silence|absence of evidence is not evidence of absence]] and [[Logical fallacy#Manufacturing facts from a theory|manufacturing facts from a theory]].</ref> this silence is a very serious problem for those who wish to advance this notion, that a massively [[Paradigm|fundamental change]] in doctrine and [[Discipline|practice]] was so universally pervasive and acceptable to the whole Church that there was no one around (or left alive) to protest such an apostasy. [[Martin Luther]] famously declared, "I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other."<ref>Statement to The Imperial Diet ('Assembly') of Worms (Germany), May 1521, presided over by Emperor [[Charles V of Spain|Charles V]]. At the diet Luther was asked if he would retract his teachings condemned by the Pope (to include his 95 Theses). After a day's meditation he refused. He declared, "Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason - I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other - my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen."</ref> However, it is a matter of historical record that he has offered no evidence in support of this assertion in his writings and in his testimonies before Church and civil authorities, he cites no example of contradiction.<ref>See [[Logical fallacy#Proof by assertion|Logical fallacy: Proof by assertion]]. Do an online search for [https://www.bing.com/search?q=Martin+Luther%27s+evidence+that+popes+and+councils+have+contradicted+each+other&form=PRUSEN&mkt=en-us&httpsmsn=1&refig=e03bca519d1f41258d6949d83fea08eb&sp=-1&pq=martin+luther%27s+evidence+that+popes+and+councils+have+contradicted+each+other&sc=0-77&qs=n&sk=&cvid=e03bca519d1f41258d6949d83fea08eb "Martin Luther's evidence that popes and councils have contradicted each other".]</ref> There is absolutely no evidence for a mass apostasy in any historical records. See the following links (note which writings were condemned as heretical, and when they were condemned):

:[http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/index.html '''Early Christian Writings''' A.D. 30 through 380 (earlychristianwritings.com)]  

:[http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/index.html '''Early Christian Writings''' A.D. 30 through 380 (earlychristianwritings.com)]  

== [[Polemic]]s: misuse and abuse of "apostasy" ==

== [[Polemic]]s: misuse and abuse of "apostasy" ==

The word "Apostasy" and "Apostate" ''does '''not''' properly apply'' to anyone or to any church that (still) claims the name of Christian, however false their claim to be Christian might be<ref>For example, those whom Paul called "''false brethren, false apostles''". Compare Galatians 2:4; 2 Corinthians 11:12-15.</ref>: they may be guilty of formal and material heresy, they may have rejected every traditional Christian doctrine, belief and practice in their teaching and preaching, they may be liars, they may be [[Practical atheism|virtual atheists]], but if they have been [[Baptism|baptized]] and have not renounced the name of Christian they are not actually guilty of apostasy—even if some Christian commentators have ignorantly and improperly abused this word by falsely saying that such evident [[Sin|sinners]] are true "apostates"<ref>The word "apostasy" is often deliberately abused and misused as a blanket term for ''any or all'' perceived deviations from Christian truth, especially violations of particular denominational and sectarian principles and standards of conduct and belief, principles and standards which others call heretical and intolerant. Polemical attacks by any one fundamentalist Christian group against any or all other groups or denominations invariably include charges of apostasy. See examples of improper usage of "apostasy" and "apostate" in the following articles:

The word "Apostasy" and "Apostate" ''does '''not''' properly apply'' to anyone or to any church that (still) claims the name of Christian, however false their claim to be Christian might be:<ref>For example, those whom Paul called "''false brethren, false apostles''". Compare Galatians 2:4; 2 Corinthians 11:12-15.</ref> they may be guilty of formal and material heresy, they may have rejected every traditional Christian doctrine, belief and practice in their teaching and preaching, they may be liars, they may be [[Practical atheism|virtual atheists]], but if they have been [[Baptism|baptized]] and have not renounced the name of Christian they are not actually guilty of apostasy—even if some Christian commentators have ignorantly and improperly abused this word by falsely saying that such evident [[sin]]ners are true "apostates".<ref>The word "apostasy" is often deliberately abused and misused as a blanket term for ''any or all'' perceived deviations from Christian truth, especially violations of particular denominational and sectarian principles and standards of conduct and belief, principles and standards which others call heretical and intolerant. Polemical attacks by any one fundamentalist Christian group against any or all other groups or denominations invariably include charges of apostasy. See examples of improper usage of "apostasy" and "apostate" in the following articles:

*[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/christiancrier/2015/05/21/what-is-apostasy-a-biblical-definition-of-apostasy/ Christian Crier: What Is Apostasy? A Biblical Definition. Article by Jack Wellman (patheos.com)]

*[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/christiancrier/2015/05/21/what-is-apostasy-a-biblical-definition-of-apostasy/ Christian Crier: What Is Apostasy? A Biblical Definition. Article by Jack Wellman (patheos.com)]

*[https://carm.org/apostasy-christian-church CARM Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry: Apostasy in the Christian Church, by Matt Slick (carm.org)]

*[https://carm.org/apostasy-christian-church CARM Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry: Apostasy in the Christian Church, by Matt Slick (carm.org)]

*[https://gotquestions.org/apostasy.html What is apostasy and how can I recognize it? (gotquestions.org)]

*[https://gotquestions.org/apostasy.html What is apostasy and how can I recognize it? (gotquestions.org)]

These three writers along with many others have redefined failures to practice the faith, deliberate refusal to practice the faith or participate in public worship or witness to Christ, along with actual sins of spiritual [[indifference]], [[Sloth (sin)|sloth]], [[superstition]], [[hypocrisy]], [[scandal]], [[crime]], [[blasphemy]], [[sacrilege]] and [[heresy]] as terms equal to and [[synonym]]ous with [[apostasy]]. ''They are not''. In very many instances the meaning of apostasy has been [[Eisegesis|eisegetically]] read into scriptures that say nothing about apostasy—''which is the absolute repudiation of one's faith''—but are instead scriptures about hesitation, spiritual cowardice in the face of opposition, doubt, error, disbelief, and rebellious disobedience. People who have not yet gone so far as to publicly renounce their faith entirely are thus judged to be ''crypto-apostates'' who will sooner or later commit open apostasy. Such a careless blurring of the distinction between sin, heresy and apostasy seems to be based on an [[Zeal|overly-zealous]], very broad interpretation of James 1:14-15: "''but each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin; and sin when it is full-grown brings forth death.''" Many Christians have been taught that sin is sin, and there is no difference. All apostates are going to hell. However, 1&nbsp;John 5:16-17 sets forth a clear distinction between kinds and degrees of sin: "''If any one sees his brother committing what is not a mortal'' [deadly] ''sin, he will ask, and God will give him life for those whose sin is not mortal'' [deadly]. ''There is a sin which is mortal'' [deadly]''; I do not say that one is to pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin which is not mortal'' [deadly]." See Jesus' own word to Pilate in John 19:11 "''...he who delivered me to you has the greater sin.''" This is the scriptural basis for the Catholic distinction between [[Sin#Roman Catholic|venial and mortal sins]]. See especially Matthew 12:31-32; Mark 3:28-30; Luke 12:10.<br>''Compare the standard definitions of apostasy in footnote'' [http://www.conservapedia.com/Great_Apostasy#cite_note-apostasydefinition-1].<br>See also [[Seven Deadly Sins]] and [[Excommunication]].</ref><ref name=apostasydefinition></ref>. They are certainly guilty of [[hypocrisy]], perhaps even [[sacrilege]], [[blasphemy]] and [[heresy]], "''holding the form of religion but denying the power of it. Avoid such people.''"<ref>2 Timothy 3:5 (see verses 1-9)</ref> But they are not apostates.

These three writers along with many others have redefined failures to practice the faith, deliberate refusal to practice the faith or participate in public worship or witness to Christ, along with actual sins of spiritual [[indifference]], [[Sloth (sin)|sloth]], [[superstition]], [[hypocrisy]], [[scandal]], [[crime]], [[blasphemy]], [[sacrilege]] and [[heresy]] as terms equal to and [[synonym]]ous with [[apostasy]]. ''They are not''. In very many instances the meaning of apostasy has been [[Eisegesis|eisegetically]] read into scriptures that say nothing about apostasy—''which is the absolute repudiation of one's faith''—but are instead scriptures about hesitation, spiritual cowardice in the face of opposition, doubt, error, disbelief, and rebellious disobedience. People who have not yet gone so far as to publicly renounce their faith entirely are thus judged to be ''crypto-apostates'' who will sooner or later commit open apostasy. Such a careless blurring of the distinction between sin, heresy and apostasy seems to be based on an [[Zeal|overly-zealous]], very broad interpretation of James 1:14-15: "''but each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin; and sin when it is full-grown brings forth death.''" Many Christians have been taught that sin is sin, and there is no difference. All apostates are going to hell. However, 1&nbsp;John 5:16-17 sets forth a clear distinction between kinds and degrees of sin: "''If any one sees his brother committing what is not a mortal'' [deadly] ''sin, he will ask, and God will give him life for those whose sin is not mortal'' [deadly]. ''There is a sin which is mortal'' [deadly]''; I do not say that one is to pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin which is not mortal'' [deadly]." See Jesus' own word to Pilate in John 19:11 "''...he who delivered me to you has the greater sin.''" This is the scriptural basis for the Catholic distinction between [[Sin#Roman Catholic|venial and mortal sins]]. See especially Matthew 12:31-32; Mark 3:28-30; Luke 12:10.<br>''Compare the standard definitions of apostasy in footnote'' [http://www.conservapedia.com/Great_Apostasy#cite_note-apostasydefinition-1].<br>See also [[Seven Deadly Sins]] and [[Excommunication]].</ref><ref name=apostasydefinition /> They are certainly guilty of [[hypocrisy]], perhaps even [[sacrilege]], [[blasphemy]] and [[heresy]], "''holding the form of religion but denying the power of it. Avoid such people.''"<ref>2 Timothy 3:5 (see verses 1-9)</ref> But they are not apostates.

Actual "'''apostasy'''" involves a baptized Christian who has afterward totally ''repudiated'' Christianity, ''renounced'' the Lord Jesus Christ<ref>Hebrews 6:4-8</ref>, and has utterly ''rejected'' as [[evil]] the name and identity of "Christian" together with every possible involvement with anything that could be called Christian doctrine and practice<ref name=apostasydefinition/>. Apostates want nothing to do with Christianity.

Actual "'''apostasy'''" involves a baptized Christian who has afterward totally ''repudiated'' Christianity, ''renounced'' the Lord Jesus Christ,<ref>Hebrews 6:4-8</ref> and has utterly ''rejected'' as [[evil]] the name and identity of "Christian" together with every possible involvement with anything that could be called Christian doctrine and practice.<ref name=apostasydefinition/> Apostates want nothing to do with Christianity.

=== The charge of apostasy ===

=== The charge of apostasy ===

Historically, therefore, by the very definition of the word<ref name=apostasydefinition/>, what is called "the Great Apostasy" of the Catholic Church actually never happened. The Catholic Church still claims to be fully Christian: one, holy, catholic and apostolic; and professes to this day the ancient Christian [[creed]]al formulas proclaiming [[Jesus Christ]] as "''God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God''". An apostate rejects this claim and renounces Christianity as a religion of lies, and denounces Jesus himself as a fraud.

Historically, therefore, by the very definition of the word,<ref name=apostasydefinition/> what is called "the Great Apostasy" of the Catholic Church actually never happened. The Catholic Church still claims to be fully Christian: one, holy, catholic and apostolic; and professes to this day the ancient Christian [[creed]]al formulas proclaiming [[Jesus Christ]] as "''God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God''". An apostate rejects this claim and renounces Christianity as a religion of lies, and denounces Jesus himself as a fraud.

Non-Catholic denominations, sects and groups who have cited what they consider as evidence against Catholicism would have been more accurate in charging the Catholic Church (wrongly or rightly) with adopting ''en masse'' "A Great ''Delusion''"<ref>Compare KJV [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+2%3A9-12&version=KJV 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12] "Therefore God sends upon them a strong delusion".</ref> in the form of "the Great ''Hypocrisy''" or "the Great ''Heresy''", or with committing "the Great ''Blasphemy''"—instead of "the Great ''Apostasy''". Even with every historical charge of hypocrisy, abuse, immorality, false doctrine and practices of superstition levelled against her, and against her popes, bishops, priests, deacons, religious orders, and laity—whether such charges are true or not—the Catholic Church has never actually committed the Great Apostasy, and is not an ''apostate'' religion.  

Non-Catholic denominations, sects and groups who have cited what they consider as evidence against Catholicism would have been more accurate in charging the Catholic Church (wrongly or rightly) with adopting ''en masse'' "A Great ''Delusion''"<ref>Compare KJV [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+2%3A9-12&version=KJV 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12] "Therefore God sends upon them a strong delusion".</ref> in the form of "the Great ''Hypocrisy''" or "the Great ''Heresy''", or with committing "the Great ''Blasphemy''"—instead of "the Great ''Apostasy''". Even with every historical charge of hypocrisy, abuse, immorality, false doctrine and practices of superstition levelled against her, and against her popes, bishops, priests, deacons, religious orders, and laity—whether such charges are true or not—the Catholic Church has never actually committed the Great Apostasy, and is not an ''apostate'' religion.  

== Hebrews 6:4-6: the crucifying of Christ again ==

== Hebrews 6:4-6: the crucifying of Christ again ==

===Apostasy View===

===Apostasy View===

'''Hebrews 6:4-6''' is a direct reference to '''apostasy''', a "falling away" or ''abandoning'' of Christ. The word παραπεσόντας ''parapesontas'' in verse 6 is translated as both "''fall away''" and "''apostatize''". It derives from the basic Greek word παραπίπτω "''parapiptõ''" (KJV "fall" Strong's number ''3895''): "to ''fall aside'', that is (figuratively) to ''apostatize''."{{cquote|4 For ''it is'' impossible for those who were once enlightened, 5 And have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall '''fall away''', to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they '''crucify''' to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put ''him'' to an open shame. KJV (''boldface emphasis added'')}}[[Evangelical Christians|Evangelicals]] and [[Fundamentalism|fundamentalists]] understand verse 6 as a direct reference to the sacrifice of the [[Mass (liturgy)|Mass]], "''seeing they '''crucify''' to themselves the Son of God afresh''". But [[Catholic Church|Catholics]] and [[Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] understand Hebrews 6:4-6 as a direct reference to the sin of apostasy, and see it as directly related to '''Hebrews 10: 23-31'''.{{cquote|23 Let us hold fast the profession of ''our'' faith without wavering; (for he ''is'' faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some ''is''; but exhorting ''one another:'' and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing<ref>"''unholy thing''", meaning "ordinary", nothing sacred, Strong's number ''2839'', "κοινός" ''kǒinǒs'', "common, profane, defiled, unclean, unholy". Catholics interpret Hebrews 10:29 as referring to rejection of [[Real presence|rhe real presence of Christ]] in the sacrifice of the Mass as blasphemy—''see'' [[Transubstantiation#The Bible and Transubstantiation|The Bible and Transubstantiation in Roman Catholic theology]]</ref>, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance ''belongeth'' unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 ''It is'' a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. KJV}}

'''Hebrews 6:4-6''' is a direct reference to '''apostasy''', a "falling away" or ''abandoning'' of Christ. The word παραπεσόντας ''parapesontas'' in verse 6 is translated as both "''fall away''" and "''apostatize''". It derives from the basic Greek word παραπίπτω "''parapiptõ''" (KJV "fall" Strong's number ''3895''): "to ''fall aside'', that is (figuratively) to ''apostatize''."{{cquote|4 For ''it is'' impossible for those who were once enlightened, 5 And have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall '''fall away''', to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they '''crucify''' to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put ''him'' to an open shame. KJV (''boldface emphasis added'')}}[[Evangelical Christians|Evangelicals]] and [[Fundamentalism|fundamentalists]] understand verse 6 as a direct reference to the sacrifice of the [[Mass (liturgy)|Mass]], "''seeing they '''crucify''' to themselves the Son of God afresh''". But [[Catholic Church|Catholics]] and [[Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] understand Hebrews 6:4-6 as a direct reference to the sin of apostasy, and see it as directly related to '''Hebrews 10: 23-31'''.{{cquote|23 Let us hold fast the profession of ''our'' faith without wavering; (for he ''is'' faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some ''is''; but exhorting ''one another:'' and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing,<ref>"''unholy thing''", meaning "ordinary", nothing sacred, Strong's number ''2839'', "κοινός" ''kǒinǒs'', "common, profane, defiled, unclean, unholy". Catholics interpret Hebrews 10:29 as referring to rejection of [[Real presence|rhe real presence of Christ]] in the sacrifice of the Mass as blasphemy—''see'' [[Transubstantiation#The Bible and Transubstantiation|The Bible and Transubstantiation in Roman Catholic theology]]</ref> and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance ''belongeth'' unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 ''It is'' a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. KJV}}

===Alternate Interpretation===

===Alternate Interpretation===

==External links==

==External links==

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_former_Christians Lists of former Christians (wikipedia.org)]

* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_former_Christians Lists of former Christians (wikipedia.org)]

 

* [http://www.catholic.com/tracts/the-great-heresies The Great Heresies] ''a list of heresies committed by Catholics''

[http://www.catholic.com/tracts/the-great-heresies The Great Heresies] ''a list of heresies committed by Catholics''

* [http://papalencyclicals.net/Councils/ Church Councils]. The Documents and Canons of the Councils of the Catholic Orthodox Church from Nicaea I to Vatican II

 

* [http://www.dailycatholic.org/history/councils.htm Major Councils of the Church (dailycatholic.org)]

[http://papalencyclicals.net/Councils/ Church Councils]. The Documents and Canons of the Councils of the Catholic Orthodox Church from Nicaea I to Vatican II

* [http://www.ukapologetics.net/early.htm The Early Church Fathers and the Sabbath (ukapologetics.net)]

 

* [http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1806220/posts Early Church Fathers - Worship on Sabbath or Sunday (freerepublic.com)]

[http://www.dailycatholic.org/history/councils.htm Major Councils of the Church (dailycatholic.org)]

* [http://www.churchhistory101.com/feedback/sunday-worship.php Could you tell me why the Sunday-law of Constantine is ignored as if Sunday is mentioned in the Greek Scriptures. Is this not a turning point of the history of the apostasy of the church as prophesied in 2nd Thessalonians 2? (churchhistory101.com)]

 

* [http://orthodoxinfo.com/general/greatschism.aspx Orthodox Christian Information Center. The Great Schism: The Estrangement of Eastern and Western Christendom (orthodoxinfo.com)]

[http://www.ukapologetics.net/early.htm The Early Church Fathers and the Sabbath (ukapologetics.net)]

* [http://www.catholicbasictraining.com/apologetics/coursetexts/6l.htm The Great and not-so-Great Apostasy (catholicbasictraining.com)]  

 

* [http://www.catholic.com/magazine/articles/latter-day-saints-and-the-great-apostasy Latter day Saints and the "Great Apostasy", by Tim Staples (catholic.com)] ''Discusses the Mormon claim that Christianity did not exist on earth for 1800 years after the death of the apostles.''

[http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1806220/posts Early Church Fathers - Worship on Sabbath or Sunday (freerepublic.com)]

* [http://mit.irr.org/great-apostasy-did-church-disappear The Great Apostasy: Did the Church Disappear? by Robert M. Bowman, Jr. Institute for Religious Research (mit.irr.org)]

 

* [https://www.lds.org/topics/apostasy?lang=eng Apostasy (lds.org)] ''The actual teaching of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints about the meaning of the Great Apostasy.''

[http://www.churchhistory101.com/feedback/sunday-worship.php Could you tell me why the Sunday-law of Constantine is ignored as if Sunday is mentioned in the Greek Scriptures. Is this not a turning point of the history of the apostasy of the church as prophesied in 2nd Thessalonians 2? (churchhistory101.com)]

* [http://thegreatapostasy.com/ The Apostasy: An Era of Spiritual Darkness (thegreatapostasy.com)].  

 

* [http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/90-318 Grace to You: Explaining the Heresy of the Catholic Mass, Part 1. John MacArthur (gty.org)] ''The author accurately quotes the early Church Fathers regarding the sacrifice of the Mass. He says, "It's really an amalgamation of pagan sacrifices which has found their way into Christianity very, very early."''  

[http://orthodoxinfo.com/general/greatschism.aspx Orthodox Christian Information Center. The Great Schism: The Estrangement of Eastern and Western Christendom (orthodoxinfo.com)]

:This sermon transcript is an outstandingly clear representation, based almost entirely on an anti-sacramental [[Evangelical Christians|Evangelical Christian]] interpretation of Hebrews 8 and 10, of the claim that a Great Apostasy ''must'' have occurred in the first and second centuries of Christianity, first perpetrated by a unanimous doctrinal conspiracy among the earliest Church Fathers which was passively accepted by ''all'' the heads and leaders of the churches without comment, criticism or protest, in ''silence'', and then perpetuated through the centuries by Church Councils and enforced by threats of damnation to hell. * [http://friendshipgarden10538.yuku.com/topic/13887/The-Great-Apostasy-That-Never-Happened#.WEs26_WcHx8 The Great Apostasy that Never Happened (friendshipgarden10538.yuku.com)] ''Subtitle: "The So-called 'Great Apostasy' Has Already Come to Pass! But it did not happen when non-Catholics claim it happened."''

 

* [https://thechurchofchristiscatholic.com/2014/03/06/protestant-church-of-christ-proof-of-apostasy-1/ The Protestant Church of Christ: Proof of Apostasy #1. Patrick Vandapool (thechurchofchristiscatholic.com)]

[http://www.catholicbasictraining.com/apologetics/coursetexts/6l.htm The Great and not-so-Great Apostasy (catholicbasictraining.com)]  

* [http://www.equip.org/article/the-two-babylons/ Christian Research Institute. ''The Two Babylons'', by Ralph Woodrow (equip.org)] ''a critique and rebuttal of anti-Catholic arguments used by Alexander Hislop, the 19th century author of "The Two Babylons"''

 

* [http://jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Roman%20Catholicism/fools.htm Why Catholics Are Going To Hell, by David J. Stewart (jesus-is-savior.com)]

[http://www.catholic.com/magazine/articles/latter-day-saints-and-the-great-apostasy Latter day Saints and the "Great Apostasy", by Tim Staples (catholic.com)] ''Discusses the Mormon claim that Christianity did not exist on earth for 1800 years after the death of the apostles.''

* [http://www.catholic.com/magazine/articles/what-no-salvation-outside-the-church-means What "No Salvation Outside the Church" Means ("''Extra ecclesiam nulla salus''"), by Jim Blackburn (catholic.com)]

 

* [http://www.bethelcog.org/church-of-god-articles/the-apostasy-when-did-it-begin/ The Apostasy - When Did It Begin? Bethel Church of God (bethelcog.org)] ''One of the dates proposed is when [[Herbert W. Armstrong]] of the [[Worldwide Church of God]] died in 1986. Other dates are also explored as the possible beginning of the Apostasy.''  

[http://mit.irr.org/great-apostasy-did-church-disappear The Great Apostasy: Did the Church Disappear? by Robert M. Bowman, Jr. Institute for Religious Research (mit.irr.org)]

* [http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/Cults/armstrong.htm Worldwide Church of God. Christian or Cult? (rapidnet.com)]

 

* [http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/40017-are-we-living-in-the-days-of-the-great-apostasy Are We Living In The Days Of The Great Apostasy? (charismanews.com)]

[https://www.lds.org/topics/apostasy?lang=eng Apostasy (lds.org)] ''The actual teaching of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints about the meaning of the Great Apostasy.''

* [http://www.lightforthelastdays.co.uk/The%20Great%20Apostasy.pdf The Great Apostasy (lightforthelastdays.co.uk)] ''Discusses the Great Apostasy prophesied to come in the last days''.

 

* [https://gotquestions.org/great-apostasy.html Question: Will there be a great apostasy / falling away during the end times? (gotquestions.org)]

[http://thegreatapostasy.com/ The Apostasy: An Era of Spiritual Darkness (thegreatapostasy.com)].  

* [http://mu-warrior.blogspot.com/2012/02/dan-maguire-just-short-step-from.html ''Marquette Warrior'': Dan Maguire: Just a Short Step From Atheism? (From the New Oxford Review) (mu-warrior.blogspot.com)] ''A relevant discussion of virtual atheism'' ("Christian" hypocrisy).

 

[http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/90-318 Grace to You: Explaining the Heresy of the Catholic Mass, Part 1. John MacArthur (gty.org)] ''The author accurately quotes the early Church Fathers regarding the sacrifice of the Mass. He says, "It's really an amalgamation of pagan sacrifices which has found their way into Christianity very, very early."''  

:This sermon transcript is an outstandingly clear representation, based almost entirely on an anti-sacramental [[Evangelical Christians|Evangelical Christian]] interpretation of Hebrews 8 and 10, of the claim that a Great Apostasy ''must'' have occurred in the first and second centuries of Christianity, first perpetrated by a unanimous doctrinal conspiracy among the earliest Church Fathers which was passively accepted by ''all'' the heads and leaders of the churches without comment, criticism or protest, in ''silence'', and then perpetuated through the centuries by Church Councils and enforced by threats of damnation to hell.

 

[http://friendshipgarden10538.yuku.com/topic/13887/The-Great-Apostasy-That-Never-Happened#.WEs26_WcHx8 The Great Apostasy that Never Happened (friendshipgarden10538.yuku.com)] ''Subtitle: "The So-called 'Great Apostasy' Has Already Come to Pass! But it did not happen when non-Catholics claim it happened."''

 

[https://thechurchofchristiscatholic.com/2014/03/06/protestant-church-of-christ-proof-of-apostasy-1/ The Protestant Church of Christ: Proof of Apostasy #1. Patrick Vandapool (thechurchofchristiscatholic.com)]

 

[http://www.equip.org/article/the-two-babylons/ Christian Research Institute. ''The Two Babylons'', by Ralph Woodrow (equip.org)] ''a critique and rebuttal of anti-Catholic arguments used by Alexander Hislop, the 19th century author of "The Two Babylons"''

 

[http://jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Roman%20Catholicism/fools.htm Why Catholics Are Going To Hell, by David J. Stewart (jesus-is-savior.com)]

 

[http://www.catholic.com/magazine/articles/what-no-salvation-outside-the-church-means What "No Salvation Outside the Church" Means ("''Extra ecclesiam nulla salus''"), by Jim Blackburn (catholic.com)]

 

[http://www.bethelcog.org/church-of-god-articles/the-apostasy-when-did-it-begin/ The Apostasy - When Did It Begin? Bethel Church of God (bethelcog.org)] ''One of the dates proposed is when [[Herbert W. Armstrong]] of the [[Worldwide Church of God]] died in 1986. Other dates are also explored as the possible beginning of the Apostasy.''  

 

[http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/Cults/armstrong.htm Worldwide Church of God. Christian or Cult? (rapidnet.com)]

 

[http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/40017-are-we-living-in-the-days-of-the-great-apostasy Are We Living In The Days Of The Great Apostasy? (charismanews.com)]

 

[http://www.lightforthelastdays.co.uk/The%20Great%20Apostasy.pdf The Great Apostasy (lightforthelastdays.co.uk)] ''Discusses the Great Apostasy prophesied to come in the last days''.

 

[https://gotquestions.org/great-apostasy.html Question: Will there be a great apostasy / falling away during the end times? (gotquestions.org)]

 

[http://mu-warrior.blogspot.com/2012/02/dan-maguire-just-short-step-from.html ''Marquette Warrior'': Dan Maguire: Just a Short Step From Atheism? (From the New Oxford Review) (mu-warrior.blogspot.com)] ''A relevant discussion of virtual atheism'' ("Christian" hypocrisy).