Discipline, excommunication, and shunning

The tradition may apply measures of community separation in cases of serious disobedience.

77%

Confidence

Supportive

Contrary

Neutral

What it is: Amish discipline can include warning, excommunication, and forms of social and religious separation often called shunning by English-speaking observers.

How the tradition understands it: The stated goal is to preserve the integrity of the church and call to repentance and restoration.

Basis and context: The practice is linked to classical Anabaptist texts and played an important role in historical divisions between more rigorous and more moderate groups.

Debates and variations: The degree of strictness, the social reach of these measures, and their impact on families and ex-members are themes of strong debate.

Supportive

1 Corinthians 5

amish,bible,discipline,excommunication

Community treatment of serious sin.

Reference: 1 Corinthians 5.
Content: Paul commands the community to act in the face of serious public sin.
Use in debate: One of the most cited passages for excommunication and discipline.

Matthew 18:15-17

amish,bible,discipline,church

Fraternal correction and ecclesial discipline.

Reference: Matthew 18:15-17.
Content: Jesus presents a process of fraternal correction within the community.
Use in debate: Important basis for discipline and restoration in the Amish tradition.

Schleitheim Confession (1527)

amish,schleitheim,confession,anabaptism

Important early Anabaptist text on separation, discipline, and nonviolence.

Reference: Schleitheim Confession, 1527.
Content: The document addresses baptism, ban, separation, sword, and oath.
Use in debate: Central source for the Anabaptist heritage subsequently received by Amish groups.

Neutral

Documentation on Old Order and New Order Amish

amish,old-order,new-order,diversity

Internal diversity prevents absolute generalizations about the whole tradition.

Reference: Historical and sociological studies on Old Order Amish, New Order Amish, and other branches.
Content: Show differences regarding technology, evangelization, education, liturgy, discipline, and contact with broader society.
Use in debate: Important to treat internal diversity with precision.