Christians should excommunicate people in certain circumstances

Christians should excommunicate people in certain circumstances
Subjects
Christian behavior	Christianity
Excommunication	Theology
Linking arguments
None

Supporting arguments

Churches have the authority to excommunicate based on Matthew 18:15-20

Excommunication has a Biblical basis, in 1 Corinthians 5:5.

Matthew 18:15-17 shows that Jesus approved of the practice of excommunication.

People who propose and expound doctrinal errors should be excommunicated so that their mistakes will not propagate among the congregation. Excommunication will also help those who are lost find true faith again.

Excommunication recognizes that a church member has ceased to behave in an appropriate way, and encourages them to improve, in order to better please God. People who are excommunicated cause it through sinning in ways that necessitate excommunication.

This point applies only to Amish people. Believers who refuse to confess their sins to the community should be excommunicated. The community should shun them until they behave appropriately.

This point applies only to Catholics. Christians should respect the decision of the Catholic Church regarding who is to be excommunicated. The Church inherits this authority from the apostles through apostolic succession.  Related argument: The Catholic Church is a source of scriptural and doctrinal authority.

Opposing arguments

Some modern churches excommunicate people without a trial, which is unbiblical.

Excommunication turns people away from the church, which is not appropriate. No matter how much people have sinned, Christians should never push them away from the church.