Disfellowhipment, discipline, repentance

 How can disfellowshipment be viewed as discipline, as opposed to punishment, and how can one that is disciplined demonstrate repentance?

According to AI: 

Disfellowshipment, a term commonly used in certain religious contexts, refers to the act of excluding or suspending an individual from the community or fellowship due to a violation of religious principles or standards. While disfellowshipment may have punitive aspects, it can also be viewed as a form of discipline intended to guide and correct the individual's behavior. Here's how it can be understood as discipline rather than punishment:

Focus on Restoration: The primary objective of discipline, including disfellowshipment, is to restore the disciplined individual to a state of righteousness or adherence to the community's values. It aims to assist the person in recognizing their wrongdoing, acknowledging the impact of their actions, and facilitating a path to reconciliation and personal growth.

Corrective Intent: Discipline is not solely intended to inflict suffering or retribution but rather to correct behavior and promote positive change. By imposing consequences, such as disfellowshipment, the community seeks to encourage the disciplined individual to reflect on their actions, take responsibility, and make amends.

Spiritual Development: Discipline can be seen as an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth. It challenges the disciplined individual to evaluate their beliefs, values, and actions, and to make necessary changes. By engaging in self-reflection and seeking to rectify their behavior, the disciplined person demonstrates their commitment to personal and spiritual development.

When it comes to demonstrating repentance while undergoing discipline like disfellowshipment, here are some general guidelines:

Acknowledge Responsibility: The disciplined individual should take full responsibility for their actions and sincerely acknowledge the harm caused to others or the community. This requires a genuine understanding of the consequences of their behavior.

Express Remorse: Demonstrating genuine remorse is crucial. The disciplined person should express sincere regret for their actions, recognizing the pain or disruption they may have caused, and communicating a desire to change and make amends.

Commit to Change: Repentance involves a commitment to transform one's behavior and align it with the values and principles of the community. The disciplined individual should articulate their intention to rectify their actions, seek guidance, and actively work towards personal growth and positive change.

Patience and Perseverance: Demonstrating repentance is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. The disciplined individual should be patient with themselves and demonstrate perseverance in their efforts to change. It may involve seeking support, engaging in self-reflection, and making amends where possible.

Respect the Process: Each religious community may have its own specific requirements or processes for demonstrating repentance. It is important to respect and comply with the established guidelines and seek guidance from religious leaders or mentors who can provide appropriate counsel and support.

It's worth noting that the specific practices and beliefs around discipline, repentance, and disfellowshipment may vary depending on the religious context. It's advisable to consult with religious leaders or individuals knowledgeable in the particular faith tradition to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices involved.

According to me, having viewed it in a somewhat different way simply by asking the question a little differently: Actually, by adhering to the rules of being disfellowshipped, the person is already displaying a degree of repentance with every meeting attended. 

It's no different than if a parent says to their child, "No, you can't go over to ... house, because, I can't trust you to come home when I tell you to. You start doing what I tell you around the house and what your teachers tell you to do at school, and then I'll try trusting you other places, again." 

The purpose is not to shame or punish the child. The purpose is to really emphasize the importance of listening skills and the importance of obedience in matters of safety.