'Understanding Biblical Shunning: A Guide for Christian Believers'
Posted on 17 July 2026
Bible Shunning
In the Bible, the concept of shunning is often associated with avoiding evil. It is seen as a way to express wisdom and understanding by fearing the Lord and deliberately avoiding evil actions. The book of Job describes Job as a man who fears God and shuns evil, emphasizing the importance of this practice. Proverbs also advises against being wise in one's own eyes and encourages the fear of the Lord and the shunning of evil.
Shunning can also be seen in a religious and ecclesiastical context as a form of church discipline. This practice involves a formal decision by a church to ban interaction with a person who has violated church rules. The extent and duration of shunning can vary among different groups that practice it. While shunning is often associated with Amish and Mennonite communities, it is also employed by other churches. In some cases, certain cults and traditional societies may practice severe forms of shunning that can lead to whole families being ostracized from society.
Amish shunning, for example, entails restrictions on eating at the same table as those who are shunned, engaging in business with them, or receiving anything from them. However, it is important to note that shunning is only applied to baptized adult members who willingly violate their vows to the church. Non-members and individuals who have never taken these vows are not eligible to be shunned.
It is crucial to distinguish between shunning and excommunication. While excommunication involves losing membership rights in a church, such as the ability to vote or teach classes, shunning goes beyond this by denying personal interaction with church members even in non-ecclesiastical settings. It is possible to be excommunicated without being shunned. Shunning can sometimes be misused for spiritual manipulation or legalistic tendencies, but there is a proper place for breaking association. The Bible teaches excommunication as a form of church discipline, and it also refers to not associating with individuals who consistently engage in public, unrepentant sin.
The apostle Paul's letter to the Corinthians provides an example of what can be interpreted as a form of shunning. In 1 Corinthians 5:11, Paul instructs the Corinthians not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is involved in immoral behavior, greed, idolatry, slander, drunkenness, or swindling. This command is given in the context of dealing with a man who was involved in gross immorality. The purpose of excommunicating him was for his own spiritual good and the purity of the church. After excommunication, it is important not to give the impression that everything is alright. Instead, the individual should be treated as an unsaved person and be shown love and grace.
While the Bible does teach about excommunication and breaking close associations with unrepentant individuals, it does not provide specific details on the practice of shunning. Extreme forms of shunning that involve considering someone "dead" or completely ignoring their existence go beyond what Scripture commands. Jesus' words in Matthew 18:17 suggest treating an intractable offender as an unsaved person. This means showing love and grace and extending efforts to evangelize and reconcile with them. The goal of excommunication and any form of shunning is restoration and repentance.
Scripturally, excluding someone from the church through excommunication is a last resort that follows admonition and counsel. It is only employed in cases of heresy, divisiveness, or unrepentant sin. After excommunication, the relationship between the former member and the church naturally changes, and the command not to eat with such a person may come into play. However, the church still has the responsibility to pray for the individual being disciplined and to extend forgiveness when repentance is evident. It is important to remember that shunning, as a refusal to speak to someone or a complete severing of ties, goes beyond what the Bible advocates.
Why This Matters
Understanding the concept of shunning in the Bible and its application in church discipline helps Christians navigate issues related to personal conduct, accountability, and restoration within the church community. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding evil and pursuing godly wisdom. Shunning, when practiced with love and grace, can serve as a means to prompt repentance and ultimately restore fallen brothers and sisters to the church.
Think About It
- How can we strike a balance between applying church discipline and showing love and grace?
- In what ways can shunning be misused or misunderstood within a church context?
- How might the practice of shunning differ among various Christian denominations or cultural contexts?
