in -ing vs ing

[ikalel]

Here's the thing.

And I will certainly hide my face on that day
because of all their wickedness in turning to other gods.

What if I omit 'in' from the sentence?
Does that sound okay?

 

[perpend]

I have to type this out and read it.

And I will certainly hide my face on that day because of all their wickedness in turning to other gods.
And I will certainly hide my face on that day because of all their wickedness turning to other gods.

You need the "in" in my opinion.

 

[Giorgio Spizzi]

I agree with you, perpend: the wickedness consists in turning to other gods.

GS

 

[Biffo]

If you say "their wickedness turning to other gods." You are making 'wickedness' the subject. It is impossible for wickedness to turn to a god. Only people can turn to a god.

That is why 'in' is necessary.