Kelly - 2 Thessalonians 3

And my distaste for this book continues. I don't remember Paul being so obnoxious in the other letters - I'm definitely on the "he didn't write this" bandwagon. Paul is "commanding" right and left in this letter.

This chapter has the scritpures that form the basis of "shunning." V. 14 "If anyone does not obey our instructions in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed."

"Shunning" is best known for its use by some Amish - cutting someone out of the community by ignoring them completely. But it is found in the Roman Catholic history of "excommunication." And the Jehovah's Witnesses practice "disfellowshipping."

Regardless of the name of the practice, it is only done in extreme circumstances. It is harsh and cruel - often done even by family members of the person being shunned.

And the practice, like the words in this letter, is about making strict lines about what is and what is not proper, orthodox behavior. While I would never see myself in a situation where I could come close to participating in shunning, I must admit to having mixed feelings on the issue.

On the one hand, who are we to say what is and what is not pleasing to God? We know so little, and see through a glass dimly to the truth of things. Judge not, lest ye be judged. Worry about the log in your own eye.

On the other, what is it that we stand for? We canot believe in "everything." We are not pantheists - some beliefs are just wrong. And some behaviors are wrong and we cannot grow in Christ if we surround ourselves with those behaviors. I have been in churches where one or two people with a need for power and control, or with other insecurities, have taken the entire congregation hostage. Where their power issues and the amount of fighting that comes from that became more central to the life of the congregation than the gospel. There are times when one bad apple can spoil the barrel - and the church suffers for it - and contemporary protestantism does not have a way of holding people accountable for their actions.