Apostasy

The formal renunciation or abandonment of one’s religion or belief system, often viewed as betrayal in high-control groups

• You publicly state you no longer identify with your former faith.

• You stop participating in worship and are confronted by leaders.

• You are told that leaving means eternal separation from your family or deity.

Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)

• Severe social rejection could lead to loneliness, family estrangement, and the loss of primary support systems.

• Chronic anxiety or guilt may develop over perceived spiritual consequences such as divine punishment or eternal damnation.