Quote:
Originally Posted by Archaea
This is a traditional argument, but it is doubtful legitimate evidence can be produced to support both parts of the thesis. Excommunication is about bending the will of the sinner to that of the collective by embarrassment, reduction of benefits and humiliation. It is the "death" penalty as it were, with statistically few ever resurrecting from the death of excommunication. It rids the body of the dross which the collective wisdom no longer wishes to carry. If, after abject humiliation and subjugation, a sinner wishes to return with tail between legs, after enough years and mea culpas, the congregations will allow the subject to return, but never really in full graces.
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Au Contraire mon Frere. If you have cultural standing, you can return much as the prodigal son with much jubilation and cheering.
I know of a prominent SP who was exed. It was something everyone knew of because of the news accounts of his indescretion. Because a public figure, he got exed. However, he was allowed to stand in front of the Stake at conference and express his sorrow, much like a Jimmy Swaggert moment.
It is a double edged sword. Less prominent sinners would not have had their dirty laundry put out for all to see. However, a less prominant sinner would not have had such great anticipation of his return.