The Amish Practice of Shunning: A Tradition of Discipline and Reconciliation
In the heart of rural America, the Amish community stands as a testament to the enduring power of tradition and faith. Among their most distinctive practices is the concept of shunning, or “Meidung” in Pennsylvania Dutch, a form of social exclusion and discipline deeply rooted in their religious beliefs and communal values.
The Bann: Excommunication from the Amish Church
At the core of the shunning practice lies the concept of the Bann, which refers to the state of being excommunicated from the Amish church. This can be either temporary or permanent, lasting until the excommunicated member reconciles with the church and repents for their actions. The Bann is not a decision taken lightly, but rather a measure of last resort when other attempts at correction have failed.
The process of excommunication is a communal affair, requiring a unanimous vote from the congregation. It is not a unilateral decision made by the bishop or church leaders alone, although their influence can be significant. The bishop has the authority to raise concerns about potential violations of the Ordnung (the communal rules and guidelines) and initiate the discussion about excommunication for the congregation to vote upon.
The Ordnung: The Guiding Principles of Amish Life
The Ordnung is a set of mutually agreed-upon church rules and guidelines that govern various aspects of daily life within the Amish community. It covers a wide range of topics, from sanctioned and disallowed technologies to styles of dress and other cultural practices. The Ordnung serves as a unifying force, ensuring that the community maintains its distinct identity and adherence to traditional values.
Importantly, the Ordnung is not a static document but rather a living, evolving set of guidelines that are reviewed and reaffirmed twice yearly during the Council meeting preceding Communion. This process allows for adaptations and adjustments to be made as needed, ensuring that the Ordnung remains relevant and reflective of the community’s needs and beliefs.
Reasons for Excommunication and Shunning
Amish members may be excommunicated and placed in the Bann for a variety of reasons, including exhibiting sinful behavior, owning or using forbidden technology, or violating the Ordnung in other significant ways. However, excommunication is not a knee-jerk reaction but rather a carefully considered decision, taken only after other methods of convincing the member to change their ways have been exhausted.
Once a member is excommunicated, the practice of shunning, or Meidung, comes into play. Shunning involves the social exclusion of the excommunicated individual, with Amish members unable to accept any form of assistance, eat together, or conduct business with them. However, they are still permitted to speak with and offer aid to the shunned individual, as the ultimate goal is to encourage their return to the church and repentance.
The Biblical Basis for Shunning
The Amish derive their practice of shunning from a close adherence to biblical principles, particularly passages such as 2 Thessalonians 3:14, which instructs believers to “have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.” They believe that shunning serves to preserve the integrity of the church and protect faithful members from those who might disrupt unity or lead others away from their commitment.
In this sense, shunning is not viewed as a cruel or vindictive act but rather a necessary measure to maintain the purity of the community and encourage errant members to reflect on their actions and seek reconciliation.
Variations in Shunning Practices
While the core principles of shunning are shared across Amish communities, there are variations in the specific practices employed. Some churches practice “streng Meidung” (strict shunning), where the Bann remains in place until the excommunicated member confesses and returns to their home Amish church. Other churches follow a milder approach, allowing the Bann to be removed when the individual joins another Amish church or a non-Amish church with similar Anabaptist roots and beliefs, often a more progressive Mennonite church.
These variations reflect the diversity within the Amish community and the autonomy of individual congregations to interpret and apply the principles of shunning in a manner that aligns with their specific beliefs and traditions.
The Path to Reconciliation
While the practice of shunning may seem harsh from an outsider’s perspective, it is important to understand that it is an accepted and understood part of Amish life. When individuals choose to be baptized into the church, they are aware of the consequences of breaking the Ordnung, including the possibility of excommunication and shunning.
However, the Amish community also recognizes the importance of reconciliation and the potential for redemption. Though infrequent, there have been instances where excommunicated members have returned to the church after showing contrition and making amends. In these cases, the community welcomes them back with open arms, shedding tears of joy and experiencing a sense of restoration akin to the parable of the lost sheep in Matthew 18.
One Amishman described the experience of an excommunicated member’s return as follows: “The parable of the lost sheep in Matt 18 is very descriptive. Many tears are shed, and there is a feeling of restoration.” These moments serve as powerful reminders of the Amish community’s commitment to forgiveness and the belief that even those who have strayed can find their way back to the fold.
Shunning in Other Religious Communities
While the Amish practice of shunning is perhaps the most well-known, they are not the only religious group to employ such measures. Some Mennonite groups, as well as Jehovah’s Witnesses, also practice forms of shunning, though the specific practices and rationales may vary.
This broader context highlights the fact that shunning, while controversial to outsiders, is a deeply rooted tradition in certain faith communities, serving as a means of maintaining doctrinal purity and encouraging adherence to established beliefs and practices.
Conclusion
The Amish practice of shunning, or Meidung, is a complex and multifaceted tradition that lies at the heart of their communal identity and religious beliefs. While it may seem harsh or even cruel from an outside perspective, it is important to understand the context and rationale behind this practice.
For the Amish, shunning is not a punitive measure but rather a means of preserving the integrity of their community, encouraging errant members to reflect on their actions, and ultimately facilitating reconciliation and restoration. It is a tradition deeply rooted in their interpretation of biblical principles and their commitment to maintaining a distinct way of life.
As with any tradition, there are variations and nuances within the Amish community, reflecting the diversity of beliefs and practices among different congregations. However, at its core, shunning remains a powerful symbol of the Amish commitment to their faith, their values, and the preservation of their unique cultural heritage.
