The Amish: Shunned

Outside and even within the Amish community, shunning is viewed as a harsh and controversial practice that is metaphorically equivalent—as an Amishman here says—to a stoning in the New Testament. Shunning occurs when a church member is cast out for violating rules (known as the "ordnung"), after which other members are forbidden to eat at the same table or take anything from the hand of those shunned. Directed by Callie T. Wiser, this PBS-aired American Experience documentary presents cases of shunned young people who have left the Amish church and community (these instances take place after their allowed period of "rumspringa," or "running around" before joining the church). Some of the shunned departed because they disagreed with the rules, wanted to pursue higher education or wider opportunities, or were drawn to forbidden pursuits, such as owning a car. The decision to leave is often gradual, and always painful, but a lucky few find shelter with former Amish families, who help them transition to a different world (one former Amish man returned to his family seven times before leaving once and for all). Many join a more liberal church, but continue to miss the close-knit family ties. While the former Amish youth are shown on camera, the voices of Amish bishops and parents—whose faces are not shown—justify the painful role of shunning, citing biblical beliefs that sinners cannot enter Heaven. A young woman named Naomi seems to be adjusting, with plans to become a nurse, while Anna has found shelter with a former church member, but can't let go of her beliefs or find her role in the wider world (in a poignant coda, Anna puts her Amish clothes back on, and returns to the fold). Some remain "lost between cultures," but an Amishman notes that for shunned family members, "a place at the table is always set." A fine companion piece to the PBS-aired The Amish (VL-7/12), this is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)