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Shall We
Dance?
Should the Christian dance? That’s a good question, in light of the fact
that, in the 21st century, dancing continues to be one of the more
popular activities in the world. Society in general approves of dancing,
whether it’s done in the ballroom or in the barroom or on the high
school gym floor. Should the Christian join in with this activity?
Please consider the following three passages...
“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are...
licentiousness...” (Galatians 5:19). This passage lists seventeen
“works of the flesh” “and the like,” but for the purpose of
answering our question we are singling out the term, “licentiousness.”
This word means, “unbridled lust, excess... wantonness,
outrageousness, shamelessness, insolence... wanton (acts or) manners, as
filthy words, indecent physical movements, unchaste handling of males
and females, etc.” (Thayer's Greek Lexicon). Take a good look at
that definition. The word itself is not synonymous with dancing, but it
does describe much of what goes on in (at least most of) today’s dances.
This writer may be somewhat naive (a thing for which he does not
apologize), but he knows enough to understand that today’s dances are
for no other purpose than to express and incite emotions -- and the
emotions are not pure ones.
“Flee sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18). But the
dances of today run TOWARD sexual sins. Lights are turned down low.
Immodest apparel is worn. And what is described in the preceding
paragraph goes on to the sound of a rhythmic beat, all intended to stir
up carnal lusts in a person’s heart.
“But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for
her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew
5:28). This passage goes on to teach that we must do everything within
our power to steer clear of sexual lust. And certainly we must do
everything possible to ensure that we ourselves do nothing that would
produce lewd emotions in others. Someone says, “I can dance without
experiencing temptation.” Really? Even if we were to grant such, one
still needs to consider the risk they run of making themselves the
object of lascivious thoughts in others.
But...
“But I only dance for exercise.” If that’s the case, why don’t
you simply dance with members of the same gender? (C’mon! We all know
the answer to that one.)
“But I only go to chaperoned dances.” Hmmm... Doesn’t the fact
that they need to be chaperoned say something? And still further, in
what way does chaperoning what goes on at a dance make it right?
“But All my friends are doing it.” Well, probably not ALL of
them. But even if they are, what does this have to do with anything?
(Please read Romans 12:2.) Sometimes parents are to be blamed for caving
in to this reasoning, especially when it comes to the Senior Prom. “It’s
part of a Senior’s rite of passage.” “It’s a night that only happens
once.” “They can go and have a good time without dancing.” Parents, what
are we thinking? A ‘good time’??!!... at a place where the primary
activity is sinful?! In what way could this be deemed as bringing one’s
child up “in the training and admonition of the Lord”? (Ephesians
6:4).
“But there’s dancing in the Bible.” This is true. Of course,
there’s murder in the Bible as well. Seriously, though, the Old
Testament does speak of dancing, sometimes putting it in a favorable
light, sometimes in a bad light. Generally speaking, though, the
favorable passages describe religious exercises of joy done at times of
great deliverance or triumph (e.g., Exodus 15:20-21; 2 Samuel 6:12-15).
What was done certainly wouldn’t describe modern dancing. But it does
occur to this Bible believer that the question ought to be, “What would
Jesus do?” One never reads of Jesus, His apostles, or early Christians
ever engaging in dancing -- religious, social, or otherwise.
“And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its
passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24).
--Mike Noble
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