The following is the first in a series of four studies on the question: WHY DON'T WE DANCE. It was written by Earl Gieseke as a series of bulletin articles while Earl preached at the Pike Road church in Pantego, NC. Earl now preaches for the Heath church of Christ near Paducah.

DANCING #1
FROM THE QUESTION BOX:
Question: "Why don't we dance?" #1

Answer: In our study, I will be speaking of mixed dancing between those of the opposite sexes, and why I believe it to be sinful, unless married to one another, and in the privacy of the home.

Some form of dancing is mentioned in the Bible at least twenty-seven times by name, plus references to it by other names. Paul writes of the Israelites who had eaten and drunk and were dancing naked around the idol made by Aaron, in 1 Corinthians 10:7. [See Ex. 32:6]

One man said: "Every time I think about the dance, my neck hurts, when I remember that John the Baptist lost his head because of a dance."

First, I wish to emphasize that we must be honest in our search for truth. We must not let our prejudices blind us to the principles taught in God's Pattern for His church.

Someone counted eighteen times where the Bible mentions dancing without an unfavorable connotation. However, dancing of that nature was entirely different from the modern dance as to method and motive. It was a movement by one person who danced for joy. Those participating were always either men or women, but not together. The celebrations were of victory or some other special celebration.

Thus we can draw certain conclusions that show the dancing was much different from the modern dance. The dances were spontaneous at extraordinary occasions, and were following times of favor from God, deliverance, or some other special occasion, as when David danced before God at the return of the ark. Dancing was in open daylight, and with no handling of each others bodies by the opposite sex, as men and women danced alone. Certainly no immodest dress was involved, and it was not for amusement, partying, exercise [as some claim], developing gracefulness, or to see how well they could move to music. Usually it was of a religious nature.

According to the count of the person already mentioned above, dancing is mentioned five times in an unfavorable way. We have already mentioned the dancing by the Israelites in Exodus 32, and another occasion I wish to mention is the dancing of the step-daughter of Herod which led to the beheading of John the Baptist. [Mat. 14 and Mark 6] While not all dances cause someone to lose their life, some dances have resulted in something worse. What could be lost that is worse than losing one's life? The loss of the soul! An old Methodist preacher wrote: "A dancing foot and a praying knee do not grow on the same leg." Dancing feet, have and will, carry people to hell.

If one believes that something is wrong and thus, sinful, a good reason must be given. By request of someone who is interested, I will be discussing why the modern dance is sinful, based on principles taught in the Bible. I trust all will give a very careful study of the things said. I will speak plainly so that any who can read can understand my reasoning. If I write something any reader does not understand, please let me know and I will try again.

Second, let me point out that I was not raised by parents who opposed dancing, so that is not why I believe dancing to be sinful. I remember fiddles and dancing in our home as a child. I did not suddenly come to the conclusion that dancing was sinful the instant I was baptized. I did not decide that dancing was sinful after I decided to preach. I cannot remember that I awoke one morning and said: "Earl, from this day on, dancing is a sin." When I became old enough to know that lust was a sin, I THEN KNEW THAT DANCING WAS A SIN. [More -Earl Gieseke]

Earl Gieseke, Evangelist
Heath church of Christ [West Paducah, KY]
"The best is always ahead for the Christian!"
eegieseke@hcis.net
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Yes, go ahead and push the button to see the next in the series.