Apostate vs. Infidel — What's the Difference?

An apostate refers to a person who has abandoned a religious faith, a political party, a cause, or a principle that they previously adhered to. This term underscores a significant shift or departure from a set of beliefs or affiliations that were once held dear. For instance, someone who was once an active member of a religious community but who has since rejected those beliefs would be considered an apostate. On the other hand, an infidel is someone who does not believe in a specific religion or ideology, especially as viewed by those who do. The term often carries a connotation of otherness, used by members of a religious group to describe those outside their community, without implying any previous adherence or affiliation.

While apostasy involves an active decision to leave or renounce a belief system, the concept of being an infidel is more passive, concerning one's current state of belief rather than a change from a previous belief. An apostate's actions are characterized by the rejection or denunciation of their former beliefs, highlighting a transformation or transition. In contrast, being labeled an infidel reflects a lack of acceptance or recognition by others within a specific belief system and does not necessarily involve any change in personal belief or affiliation.

The term apostate is used primarily within the context of religion but can also extend to political or philosophical beliefs, indicating a broader application. It implies a personal journey or evolution in thought, belief, or allegiance. Meanwhile, infidel is almost exclusively used in religious contexts to signify someone outside the faith, often without considering the individual's personal journey or the nuances of their beliefs.

Apostasy is often viewed within communities as a betrayal or a significant loss, with apostates sometimes facing social stigma or penalties for their decision to leave the faith. This perspective underscores the perceived seriousness of the act of apostasy. In contrast, the term infidel is used to delineate between those who are within the religious community and those who are outside it, often without the same level of personal betrayal or loss, but with potential implications of exclusion or otherness.

The distinction between an apostate and an infidel highlights the complex dynamics of belief, belonging, and identity within and outside religious and ideological communities. While an apostate's identity is marked by their departure from a previously held belief system, an infidel's identity is characterized by their position as an outsider to the belief system, as defined by those within it.