Why Do the Amish Shun Those Who Leave?

The Amish Community: A Foundation of Tight-knit Bonds and High Control

The Amish community is a religious group known for its traditional ways and strong spiritual and communal bonds. However, this close-knit nature also includes unique customs and practices that may not align with societal expectations in contemporary times. One such practice is 'shunning,' also known as dys.unsqueeze or meidung. Despite this practice, it is not universally applicable to all Amish communities, and its severity and frequency can vary.

Understanding Shunning in the Amish Community

Shunning is a severe and often traumatic measure used by some Amish communities to discourage members from leaving the community. It is a bold and often confrontational tactic that serves as a direct response to perceived breaches of community values, such as misconduct or defectors who have left the fold. This practice is significant in high control cults, where leaving is not just a personal choice but a rejection of community standards and values.

High Control Cults and Shunning

Many high control cults, including the Jehovah's Witnesses and Scientologists, also employ shunning as a powerful tool to force individuals to remain within the cult. However, the Amish shunning is often less rigid and brutal compared to the practices observed in these other cults. Typically, the Jehovah's Witnesses practice dys.- or shunning, where members are completely ostracized and no longer acknowledged, while the Scientologists use 'disconnection' to similar effect. In contrast, the Amish often allow for a more gradual and less absolute form of ostracism.

Shunning in Other Cults

The Jehovah's Witnesses have a very high suicide rate due to the psychological and social pressure of shunning. This is exacerbated by the extreme measures they take, including separating families and even physically destroying personal belongings of those who leave. Similarly, the Scientologists use a form of shunning known as 'disconnection,' which often leads to severe social and psychological consequences for the defectors.

Impact of Shunning on Individuals Who Leave the Amish Community

For individuals who decide to leave the Amish community, the experience of shunning can be incredibly difficult. Unlike the practices of other high control cults, where members are often completely cut off from their previous lives, the Amish often retain some form of contact with their former members. This can make the process of leaving both easier and more complex. However, the impact of being shunned can still be profound. Social isolation, loss of family relationships, and the inability to form new connections can lead to significant emotional and psychological distress.

The Divergence in Practices

Not all Amish communities practice shunning. Some adopt a more lenient approach, or they may choose not to abandon those who decide to leave. The degrees of shunning can vary greatly between different Amish groups. For example, some communities may only isolate someone for a short period, while others might forbid any direct contact or acknowledgment for an extended duration. This variation means that the experience of leaving differs significantly from one Amish community to another.

Non-Proselytizing Practices

It is also important to note that the Amish shunning is not the same as proselytizing or actively seeking out recruits. While the Amish may not welcome new members, they do not typically engage in aggressive or coercive tactics to obtain them. The focus is more on maintaining the purity and standards of their community rather than expanding it. This makes the Amish more distinct from other high control cults in terms of their approach to membership and community.

Conclusion

The practice of shunning in the Amish community, while less rigid than in other high control cults, remains a powerful and often traumatic measure. It serves to enforce community values and discourage members from leaving, but its varied implementation means that the impact on individuals who choose to depart can differ significantly. Understanding the context and differences between Amish shunning and other cult practices provides a more nuanced view of the challenges faced by defectors in various communities.