SHALL WE DANCE?
by Steve Higginbotham
Source: Therefore Stand, September 1991
I am convinced that the above question is often asked by sincere, honest, dedicated Christian young people. And I am also convinced that we should never be found "marking" or questioning one's faithfulness simply because a question has been raised. Questions coming from honest people are never evil and can only result in good. So, what shall we answer to the above question?
Before we answer that question, let us consider the ungodly world into which our young people are thrust. They, like all Christians do not want deliberately to sin, but at the same time, they do want to enjoy themselves. Thus it is for this reason that sin needs to be defined, lines need to be drawn, and activities need to be exposed so that all can know what is right and what is wrong.
In answer to the question, "Is dancing wrong?" I must first simply answer "no." Dancing is not an intrinsic evil. There is no sin in moving one's feet to the rhythm of music. Not all dancing involves indecent dress, unchaste conduct, or illicit movement. In fact, the Bible records instances when righteous men danced as an expression of joy (1 Chronicles 15:25-26; Luke 15:25-29).
However, dancing that calls for close body contact between unmarried males and females is wrong. Dancing that involves indecent and suggestive bodily movements is wrong. And dancing that involves impure handling of a dance partner is wrong.
The kind of dancing that God's word condemns is the kind of dancing that stirs one to have impure thoughts, and act in impure ways. Be completely honest, "Is it possible for a boy to hold a girl's body up against his (realizing what all that entails while dancing), and keep his mind pure, chaste, and godly?" Come on, be honest! But someone may say, "But many of the dances are done standing apart." But of what kind of movements do these dances consist? Be honest now, aren't most of them suggestive of sexual acts or at least suxually stimulating?
You see, that's the problem with most of the dancing that takes place today. it's appeal is sex. Now, there is nothing wrong with sexual attraction. In fact, sexual attraction is a perfectly healthy matter that God created and put within us. However, that attraction must be kept within proper bounds. It should not be tantalized or it will very likely get out of hand. Unmarried people who have no legitimate means to fulfill their sexual desires need to be careful to avoid any situation that could feed or flame such desires.
Now, let's see just exactly what God has said about dancing. In Galatians 5:19, God condemns the sin of "lasciviousness." This word is not one that is used commonly in our language, therefore some may not know what it means. The Greek lexicons say that it is a term that is "closely related to sensuality and sexual excess" (Arndt & Gingrich). It is defined as "Indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females" (Thayer). Now be honest once again, do these definitions accurately define dancing?
Furthermore, God condemned a practice called "revelling" in Galatians 5:21. Notice what several lexicographers and Greek grammarians had to say about the word "revelling":
"a revel, carousel of guests (after banquets), music and frolic, dimmed light, dance" (Robinson).
"Festivities with music and dancing" (Liddell & Scott).
"Festive entertainment with carousing and dancing" (Vincent).
"Entertainment and celebrations in honor of victors with dances at national games" (Schoff).
Did you notice that dancing was included in all of the above definitions of "revelling"?
Consider as well the category of "such like" sins listed in Galatians 5:21. This category covers a list of sins that are of the same nature as those that were specifically mentioned. In other words, practices that are "similar to" or are "of the same nature" as lasciviousness and revelling are also sins.
Nearly twenty years ago (closer to 28 now, drl), the FBI published a tract in which they listed the top six ways wherein young people get hurt. Dancing was one of the six items that made the list. The other five were drinking, gambling, reckless driving, parking and petting, and mixed swimming.
I know of a Christian mother who adamantly defended her daughter's right to attend all of the dances. She claimed that there was nothing sexual about dancing. Several years later, her husband began to attend some of those "harmless dances that are not sexual." When this occurred, she approached a gospel preacher for help. It seems she recognized the sexual nature of dancing after all.
A few years ago, I heard a man interviewed on TV concerning dancing. During the interview he was asked if his girlfriend would mind if he danced with other girls. He stated, "Oh yes, definitely. Dancing is very sensual and therefore we only dance with each other."
A dance sponsored by a Memphis denomination several years ago offered half-price to all girls who came dressed in "hot pants." Boys had to pay regular price, but were told to "come and enjoy the scenery." Are you shocked at such? You shouldn't be, for all they did was remove the masquerade and advertise dancing for what it really is: an exploitation of sexuality.
Young people, when you obeyed the gospel, you made a commitment to make Jesus Lord of your life (Rom 10:9). Any activity that you engage in that is inconsistent with the nature and teachings of Jesus is a breech of your commitment.
I fear those who go to a dance, spend all night with their date, come home the next morning (which happens to be the Lord's day), and find themselves too exhausted, because of their carousing, to go to worship or truly worship in spirit the one who shed His blood for their redemption. Do we think that such actions will simply be pardoned or excused because, after all, "it's the Prom!"?
In years past, there was hardly any Christian who would openly defend dancing. The preachers of times past taught that it was sinful, and the congregations concurred with their sound doctrine. So, what has happened? Has dancing cleaned up its act? Were the preachers of yesterday all wrong about dancing? Or has God's moral standards changed some over the years?
Well, dancing certainly hasn't become any more moral over the years. If anything, the modern dance is more sensuous today than it ever was. Furthermore, the preachers of the past were correct in preaching and warning against the sin of dancing (Gal 5:19-21). And of course, God's moral law has not changed one bit (Mat 24:35). What has changed are the attitudes and respect that God's people have for God's will. Some apparently are more willing to justify their "pet" sins than they are willing to justify God's high moral standard.
Could we be drifting? You answer that. But if we are, then we need to return and anchor ourselves upon the solid foundation of God's word, which provides an eternal hope for his children (Heb 6:19).