Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the concept of being "shunned" often relates to the practice of avoiding or ostracizing individuals or groups due to their actions, beliefs, or behaviors that are considered contrary to the teachings and values of the Christian faith. This practice is rooted in the desire to maintain the purity and holiness of the community of believers, as well as to encourage repentance and restoration for those who have strayed.Old Testament Context The Old Testament provides several instances where individuals or groups are shunned due to their disobedience to God's commandments. For example, in the book of Leviticus, God commands the Israelites to separate themselves from those who engage in idolatry and other sinful practices (Leviticus 20:23-26). The Israelites are instructed to be holy and distinct from the surrounding nations, which often involved shunning those who did not adhere to God's laws. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of shunning is addressed within the context of church discipline. Jesus Himself provides guidance on how to deal with a sinning brother in Matthew 18:15-17. He instructs that if a brother sins, he should be confronted privately. If he does not listen, the matter should be taken to one or two others, and if he still refuses to listen, it should be brought before the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, he is to be treated as "a pagan or a tax collector." The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of shunning in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 5:11, Paul writes, "But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or verbal abuser, a drunkard or swindler. With such a man do not even eat." This directive emphasizes the importance of maintaining the moral integrity of the church community by distancing oneself from those who persist in sinful behavior. In 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15, Paul further instructs, "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." This passage highlights the dual purpose of shunning: to bring about a sense of shame that leads to repentance, while still regarding the individual as a brother in need of correction. Purpose and Implications The practice of shunning serves several purposes within the Christian community. It acts as a protective measure to prevent the spread of sinful behavior and false teachings, thereby preserving the spiritual health of the church. Additionally, it serves as a form of discipline intended to lead the erring individual to repentance and restoration. The ultimate goal is not punishment, but rather reconciliation and the reintegration of the individual into the fellowship of believers. While the practice of shunning can be seen as harsh, it is rooted in the biblical mandate to pursue holiness and to love one another by holding each other accountable to the standards set forth in Scripture. It is a reflection of the seriousness with which the early church viewed sin and the importance of maintaining a community that reflects the character of Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Shun.Library Whether Sorrow is to be Shunned More than Pleasure is to be Sought ... December 29. "I have not Shunned to Declare unto You all the ... Grant that Beauty be not to be Feared: Still it is to be Shunned ... Excess in Dress, as Well as in Personal Culture, to be Shunned ... Whether Fear is a Sin? A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial. On the Apparel of Women Sin Never to be Returned to after Repentance. Concerning what is Voluntary and what is Involuntary. "I visited Two Monasteries of St. ... Thesaurus Shunned (4 Occurrences)... (imp. & pp) of Shun. Multi-Version Concordance Shunned (4 Occurrences). Acts 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. (KJV WBS). ... /s/shunned.htm - 7k Shunneth (2 Occurrences) Shunites (1 Occurrence) Declare (346 Occurrences) Rich (140 Occurrences) Neighbor (123 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about shunning? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a pariah? | GotQuestions.org Who are the Amish, and what are their beliefs? | GotQuestions.org Shunned: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Shunned (4 Occurrences)Acts 20:27 Job 1:1 Proverbs 14:20 Proverbs 19:7 Subtopics Related Terms |
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