Will Shunning Ever End?

Jumping for "Joy"

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM OR INTOLERANCE?
Cults adopt policies that control members. One humdinger tool of control is shunning. This has played out with many modern-day cults adopting a my-way-or-the-highway shunning policy that shuts down and shuts out anyone who tries to exercise freedom of religion or freedom of conscience.

End Shunning Now! Campaign

END SHUNNING NOW! 
As we swing into spring, we are starting a new campaign. If you have been shunned by a religious group or new age cult or know someone who has, we invite you to show your support for victims worldwide by placing a sign in your window that says, END SHUNNING NOW!

What is the Unforgivable Sin?

The scriptures tell us that there is only one unforgivable sin. Since this sin is so serious--a sin from which one can never recover their standing with God--it is critical to look at what the scriptures say, to gain a better understanding of just what this particular sin entails.

Forgiveness Versus Shunning - What Does the Bible Reveal?

Forgiveness

Christians were exhorted to FORGIVE repeatedly, not SHUN perpetually.

The Bible tells us at Matthew 12:31 that "every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven" (barring the one unforgivable sin). In light of that, shunning goes against the spirit of the scriptures and could be said to be the antithesis of true Christlike love, because those who shun, refuse to forgive repeatedly as Christians have been instructed to do. 

Why Shunning is UnChristian Non-Forgiveness

Obey Us... or Else!

BUT... I HAVEN'T COMMITTED THE UNFORGIVABLE SIN
The scriptures tell us that there is only one unforgivable sin, that of blaspheming against the holy spirit. Is shunning someone ever after truly in line with the forgiveness that Christians are supposed to show? Since the person who is shunned, has not committed the unforgivable sin, why does that person deserve to be treated... as if they HAD?

Why the End May be Near For Groups That Shun

INTERNET CHANGING OLD PARADIGMS
In times past, groups that shunned got away with this form of ostracism and psychological abuse. They could inflict shunning on the vulnerable and the old control mechanisms worked perfectly well to propagate intolerance and dogmatism and an elitist worldview.

Straw Man Arguments About Shunning

BUT... BUT...
An oft' played out scenario occurs when someone raises an objection about shunning. In return, they are given a straw man argument. This diverts them from the point they were trying to make and unaware of how straw man arguments work, the person may be caught off guard and doesn't have time to think about or formulate an effective rebuttal.

How People are Recruited and How the Bible Can Open Minds and Hearts

SUCKED INTO THE BLACK HOLE
The following video (containing three parts) is powerful. It aptly demonstrates how people can be sucked into harmful religions and into embracing questionable ideologies. The promise of a better future and a free home Bible study leads many a person into making a life-changing decision to join an organization but... has it led them to Christ?

Intolerance and Dogmatism Alive and Well in the Land of Shunning

The following conversation demonstrates how intolerance and dogmatism are dressed up in their "Sunday best" to appear acceptable.

Shunner: "We're champions of religious freedom."

Questioner: "So, if I joined your group, I could exercise freedom of religion with no worry of punitive action by your organization, right?"

Shunner: "Well, it doesn't work quite like that."

Questioner: "Why not?"

Shunner: "Because any questioning reveals a wrong motive. Members are expected to be teachable and loyal."

Questioner: "So a more accurate statement is that you champion YOUR religious freedom but punish members who try to exercise THEIR religious freedom."

Shunner: "This is loving discipline."

Questioner: "Would you agree that a more accurate statement would be that you champion intolerance and dogmatism window-dressed as loving discipline?"

Shunner: "You are obviously not searching for the truth. We are seeking those who genuinely want to have a relationship with God."

Questioner: "So if I genuinely believe in God and pray to him, if I read my Bible, if I believe in Jesus, your group would accept me?"

Shunner: "Yes."

Questioner: "What if my beliefs about the Bible, God, and Jesus differed from your leaders' interpretations? Would you still consider me a Christian?"

Shunner: "True Christians are those who obey directives coming from God's appointed representatives."

Questioner: "So correct me if I'm wrong, but what you are implying is that I'm a false Christian. What you are saying then is that my belief in Jesus counts as nothing and that what this is really about is belief in your leaders' teachings. That is completely contrary to what the Bible says--that no one comes to the father except through Jesus (1), that those called Christians were those who believed in Christ (2)."

Shunner: "You must come to our loving organization to be saved. And once you join, you must be willing to accept our teachings. Any who disagree are apostates and mentally diseased. "

Questioner: "How odd since the Bible clearly states the there is no other name given under heaven by which men may get saved (3). Has there been a new revelation that salvation is now found only through your organization and not through Christ?"

Shunner: "Well... er... um..."

What do the Scriptures Say?

(1) John 14:6: Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. NIV

(2) Acts 11:26: So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. NIV

(3) Acts 4:12: And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved. AMP

LDS Member Exodus Continues in Wake of Same-Sex Policy

ANTI-GAY POLICY
In response to what has been called an anti-gay policy, Mormon church members, now in the thousands, have reacted. And perhaps not in the manner that church leaders may have anticipated. Instead of accepting a new ruling that those in same-sex unions are to be considered apostates and that their children must be excluded and denied baptism, church members have taken a stand. In downtown Salt Lake City, thousands gathered to protest and to submit letters of resignation.