backslide v : drop to a lower level, as in one's morals or standards [syn: lapse] [also: backslidden, backslid]

English

Etymology

From back + slide

Verb

1. To regress; to slip backwards or revert to a previous, worse state.

   He felt better for a little while, before his condition started to backslide.

2. To shirk responsibility; to renege on one's obligations or commitments.

   Rich countries are backsliding on their commitment to agree to new WTO measures to help people in poor countries gain access to affordable medicines. — Oxfam press release, 24 June 2002

Translations

• Icelandic: hrasa, lenda aftur í slysi, lenda aftur í synd, lenda aftur í villu

Backsliding is a term used within Christianity to describe a process by which an individual who has converted to Christianity reverts to pre-conversion habits and practices. Within churches which teach Arminianism, backsliding is a state in which any free willed being can adopt, which is a doctrine rejected by Calvinists. Historically, backsliding was considered a trait of the biblical Israel which would turn from the abrahamic god to follow idols. In the New Testament church, the story of the Prodigal Son has become a representation of a backslider.

See also

• Apostasy

Link

• http://www.dianedew.com/backsldg.htm Christian article about backsliding

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