Apostasy.
Apostasy is a standing away from, a falling away, defection,
rebellion, abandonment; it involves teaching false
doctrines, supporting or promoting false religion and its
holidays or interfaith activities. (Deut. 13:13, 15; Josh.
22:22, ftn.; Acts 21:21, ftn.; 2 Cor. 6:14, 15, 17, 18;
2. John 7, 9, 10; Rev. 18:4)
Those with sincere doubts should be helped, dealt with
mercifully. (Jude 22, 23; w82 9/1 pp. 20-1;w80 8/1
pp. 21-2)
Apostasy includes action taken against true worship of
Jehovah or his established order among his dedicated
people. (Jer. 17:13; 23:15; 28:15, 16; 2 Thess. 2:9, 10)
Persons who deliberately spread (stubbornly hold to and
speak about) teachings contrary to Bible truth as taught
by Jehovah's Witnesses are apostates.
If it is learned that a person has taken up association with
another religious organization, the matter should be investigated,
and if verified, a committee should be formed.
If it is clearly established that the person has joined
another religion and intends to remain with it, the
elders would make a brief announcement to the congregation
that such- one has disassociated himself. (w86
10/15 p. 31 )
Working secularly for a false religious organization could
put one in a position similar to that of one preaching false
doctrine. (2 Cor. 6:14-16)
Celebrating a false religious holiday would be similar to
performing any other act of false worship. (Jer. 7:16-19)
The Bible condemns the following:
Causing divisions and promoting sects.
This would be deliberate action disrupting the unity
of the congregation or undermining the confidence
of the brothers in Jehovah's arrangement.
It may involve or lead to apostasy. (Rom. 16:
17, 18; Titus 3:10, 11 )
The practice of spiritism. (Deut. 18:9-13; I Cor. 10: 21, 22; Gal. 5:20)
Idolatry. ( I Cor. 6:9, 10; 10:14)
Idolatry includes the possession and use of images
and pictures that are employed in false religion.
