Backsliding

A moral or religious lapse; may refer to the falling from grace after following a particular religion, reverting to old ways after conversion or to rejoining of a less than worthy organization or cult after apparently successful "deprogramming". Backsliding may be contrasted with endurance, the former showing a falling away in time of trial, adversity or lack of progress, the latter demonstrating an ability to keep going despite setbacks. Particularly distressing is the re-emergence of old habits which had apparently been overcome. However, although backsliding is common to those who have experienced a conversion, so also is the process of renewal after backsliding. The whole process is part of the natural rhythm of rise and fall of religious feeling. Whether change in attitude is accompanied by backsliding or endurance, the process of development may thus continue, such problems being inherent in the process.