Shunning

[Xeno.of.athens]

Wikipedia says ...

Shunning can be the act of social rejection, or emotional distance. In a religious context, shunning is a formal decision by a denomination or a congregation to cease interaction with an individual or a group, and follows a particular set of rules. It differs from, but may be associated with, excommunication.​

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Social rejection occurs when a person or group deliberately avoids association with, and habitually keeps away from an individual or group. This can be a formal decision by a group, or a less formal group action which will spread to all members of the group as a form of solidarity. It is a sanction against association, often associated with religious groups and other tightly knit organizations and communities. Targets of shunning can include persons who have been labeled as apostates, whistleblowers, dissidents, strikebreakers, or anyone the group perceives as a threat or source of conflict. Social rejection has been established to cause psychological damage and has been categorized as torture[1] or punishment.[2] Mental rejection is a more individual action, where a person subconsciously or willfully ignores an idea, or a set of information related to a particular viewpoint. Some groups are made up of people who shun the same ideas.[3]​

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Social rejection was and is a punishment in many customary legal systems. Such sanctions include the ostracism of ancient Athens and the still-used kasepekang in Balinese society.​

Shunning is not the same thing as excommunication.

 

[BobRyan]

So then which one do you view as the Bible case of 1 Cor 5?

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

So then which one do you view as the Bible case of 1 Cor 5?

None.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

Wikipedia says ...

Shunning can be the act of social rejection, or emotional distance. In a religious context, shunning is a formal decision by a denomination or a congregation to cease interaction with an individual or a group, and follows a particular set of rules. It differs from, but may be associated with, excommunication.​

​

Social rejection occurs when a person or group deliberately avoids association with, and habitually keeps away from an individual or group. This can be a formal decision by a group, or a less formal group action which will spread to all members of the group as a form of solidarity. It is a sanction against association, often associated with religious groups and other tightly knit organizations and communities. Targets of shunning can include persons who have been labeled as apostates, whistleblowers, dissidents, strikebreakers, or anyone the group perceives as a threat or source of conflict. Social rejection has been established to cause psychological damage and has been categorized as torture[1] or punishment.[2] Mental rejection is a more individual action, where a person subconsciously or willfully ignores an idea, or a set of information related to a particular viewpoint. Some groups are made up of people who shun the same ideas.[3]​

​

Social rejection was and is a punishment in many customary legal systems. Such sanctions include the ostracism of ancient Athens and the still-used kasepekang in Balinese society.​

Shunning is not the same thing as excommunication.

I belive shunning comes first then eventually excommunication. Shunning whether intentional or not, is a form of discipline that is used to pressure members who have violated a community's rules. This is used to force the individual to repent and conform. In severe cases , shunned individuals are typically cut off from all contact with the community, including their family and friends. They are not allowed to attend church services, participate in community activities, or even speak to other members.The goal of shunning is to bring the individual back into the fold of the community. Non compliance will lead to excommunication. IMO, there is a very thin line between the two as excommunication can also be a form of shunning.
Blessings.

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

I wrote this letter yesterday. It raises a question pertinent to this topic.

Hi Mike,

It has been a good while since last I wrote an email to you, that is not because of any good reason but just because our previous cycle of emails was about books and specific theological issues and having dealt with that issue no new emails seemed to be called for. And in keeping with a theological questions theme I have a new theological matter about which to ask your opinion.

Do you know that some members of your congregation are practicing shunning of former members who cease to attend and especially those who, like myself, become Catholics? So, I am wondering what your view is of this practice? Do you recommend shunning or do you think it is not in keeping with the gospel as a lived experience? Or perhaps you have a view different from the two mentioned.

I will be very pleased to hear from you and to hear your view on this matter.

Warmest regards,
Phil