Definition and Context
Shunning, in a biblical context, refers to the deliberate avoidance or exclusion of individuals or groups, often due to their behavior or beliefs that are considered contrary to the teachings of Scripture. This practice is rooted in the desire to maintain the purity and holiness of the Christian community, as well as to encourage repentance and restoration of those who have strayed.

Biblical Basis
The concept of shunning is primarily derived from New Testament teachings, where the early church is instructed on how to deal with members who persist in sinful behavior. The apostle Paul provides guidance on this matter in several of his epistles.

In 1 Corinthians 5:11, Paul writes, "But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. With such a man do not even eat." This passage underscores the importance of separating from those who, while professing faith, engage in unrepentant sin.

Similarly, in 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15, Paul advises, "Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother." Here, the purpose of shunning is not punitive but corrective, aiming to bring about repentance and reconciliation.

Purpose and Practice
The primary purpose of shunning is to protect the integrity of the church and to encourage the erring individual to return to a righteous path. It serves as a form of discipline intended to highlight the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance. The practice is meant to be carried out in love, with the ultimate goal of restoration.

In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus outlines a process for addressing sin within the community: "If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector." This passage emphasizes a graduated approach to discipline, with shunning as a last resort.

Historical and Cultural Considerations
Throughout church history, the practice of shunning has been employed in various ways, often reflecting the cultural and theological context of the time. In some traditions, shunning has been formalized into excommunication, a more severe form of exclusion from the community and its sacraments.

The Anabaptist tradition, including groups like the Amish and Mennonites, is particularly noted for its practice of shunning, known as "the ban." This involves social avoidance of those who have been disciplined, with the intent of prompting repentance and eventual reintegration into the community.

Contemporary Application
In modern times, the practice of shunning continues to be a topic of debate within Christian communities. Some view it as a necessary measure to uphold biblical standards, while others caution against its potential for abuse and the harm it can cause to individuals and relationships.

Churches that practice shunning today often emphasize the importance of following biblical guidelines, ensuring that the process is carried out with compassion and a focus on restoration. The goal remains to balance the need for holiness with the call to love and forgive, reflecting the character of Christ in all interactions.Job 28:28
And to man he said, Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 3:7
Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Topicalbible.org

(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Shun.

The Eighth Chapter: Shunning Over-Familiarity
... BOOK ONE. THOUGHTS HELPFUL IN THE LIFE OF THE SOUL The Eighth Chapter:
Shunning Over-Familiarity. DO NOT open your heart to every ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the eighth chapter shunning over-familiarity.htm

Whether Sorrow is to be Shunned More than Pleasure is to be Sought ...
... But the shunning of sorrow is due to the contrariety of the cause of sorrow; whereas
the desire for pleasure does not arise from any contrariety, but rather ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether sorrow is to be.htm

Argument: the Impious Temerity of Theodorus, Diagoras, and ...
... But Infinitely Less to Be Endured is that Skulking and Light-Shunning People of
the Christians, Who Reject the Gods, and Who, Fearing to Die After Death, Do ...
/.../the octavius of minucius felix/chapter viii argument the impious temerity.htm

The Utility of Fear. Objections Answered.
... But if they will quibble about the names, let the philosophers term the fear of
the law, cautious fear, (eulabeia) which is a shunning (ekklisis) agreeable to ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vii the utility of fear.htm

Whether the Will is of Good Only?
... same way. Accordingly, the will is referred both to good and evil: but
to good by desiring it: to evil, by shunning it. Wherefore ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the will is of.htm

1 John iii. 4-7
... It is obvious from the Apostle's mode of expression, when urging upon Christians
this earnest striving for holiness, this shunning of all that is sinful ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john iii 7-apr.htm

The Spiritual Life
... (AE, n.934.). III. Shunning Evils. ... The fifth commandment, "Thou shalt not steal,"
included the shunning of frauds and unlawful gains, for these also are thefts. ...
/.../swedenborg/spiritual life and the word of god/part firstthe spiritual life.htm

Letter ii.
... For no one would indite a private individual for shunning military service; but
when once a man has become a soldier, if he be caught deserting the ranks, he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/letter ii.htm

The Octavius of Minucius Felix
... But Infinitely Less to Be Endured is that Skulking and Light-Shunning People of
the Christians, Who Reject the Gods, and Who, Fearing to Die After Death, Do ...
//christianbookshelf.org/felix/the octavius of minucius felix/

Duty of Imitating Our Master Taught us by Slaves Even by Beasts. ...
... God, whose judgment on His servants turns not on a fetter or a cap of freedom, but
on an eternity either of penalty or of salvation; for the shunning of which ...
/.../tertullian/of patience/chapter iv duty of imitating our.htm

Shunning (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Shun. Multi-Version Concordance
Shunning (1 Occurrence). 1 Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, guard ...
/s/shunning.htm - 6k

Shuns (5 Occurrences)

/s/shuns.htm - 8k

Irreligious (7 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, guard the truths entrusted to you, shunning irreligious
and frivolous talk, and controversy with what is falsely called 'knowledge ...
/i/irreligious.htm - 8k

Frivolous (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, guard the truths entrusted to you, shunning irreligious
and frivolous talk, and controversy with what is falsely called 'knowledge ...
/f/frivolous.htm - 7k

Truths (15 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, guard the truths entrusted to you, shunning irreligious
and frivolous talk, and controversy with what is falsely called 'knowledge ...
/t/truths.htm - 11k

Controversy (21 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, guard the truths entrusted to you, shunning irreligious
and frivolous talk, and controversy with what is falsely called 'knowledge ...
/c/controversy.htm - 14k

Contradictions (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, guard the truths entrusted to you, shunning irreligious
and frivolous talk, and controversy with what is falsely called 'knowledge ...
/c/contradictions.htm - 6k

Shunneth (2 Occurrences)

/s/shunneth.htm - 7k

Entrusted (55 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, guard the truths entrusted to you, shunning irreligious
and frivolous talk, and controversy with what is falsely called 'knowledge ...
/e/entrusted.htm - 23k

Talk (164 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, guard the truths entrusted to you, shunning irreligious
and frivolous talk, and controversy with what is falsely called 'knowledge ...
/t/talk.htm - 36k

What does the Bible say about shunning? | GotQuestions.org

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Who are the Mennonites, and what are their beliefs? | GotQuestions.org

Shunning: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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