AI Overview
Amish shunning, or
Meidung, is the practice of social isolation for baptized members who repeatedly violate church norms (Ordnung) and refuse to repent. It is a form of church discipline rooted in biblical teachings, intended to encourage the individual to return to the faith and protect the community's integrity. The practice involves excluding the individual from church activities and social life, but the specific forms of shunning can vary by community, and in some cases, members will still speak to the person or offer assistance.
How the practice works
Last resort: Shunning is not immediate; it follows repeated attempts to guide the member back to the church, which can last for months.
Biblical basis: The Amish base the practice on scripture, such as 1 Corinthians 5:11, which advises against associating with fellow believers who engage in certain behaviors.
Exclusion: Shunned members are excluded from social and economic life, including eating meals with others, doing business, and participating in church events.
Intention: The practice is seen as a "tough love" measure meant to save the soul of the shunned member and maintain the community's spiritual purity.
Conditions for return: A shunned individual can return to the community if they repent and are willing to reconcile their actions with the church's rules.
Scope: Only baptized members who have made a public vow can be shunned; those who leave the community before baptism are not subject to the practice.
Important considerations
Nuance: The practice is more nuanced than complete ostracization. Members are often still permitted to have some level of interaction and support from their families, though their social role is severely limited.
Variability: The exact rules and severity of shunning can differ significantly between different Amish communities and affiliations.
Impact: Being shunned can lead to lifelong estrangement from family and friends, but for those who choose to return, the door is open to be reinstated into the fellowship.
