Is it Wrong to Dance? Why has this Been Taught?

Question: Is Dancing Wrong? Why has this Been Taught?
Taught at the Orchard Hills Baptist Church Seekers Class

- This question has usually been associated with Baptist. You hear the statements, “Baptist don’t dance.” I’ve heard pastors say, “You can’t have a praying knee and a dancing foot on the same leg.” This debate is usually found in the center of a generation gap. The older generation has a stance, while a younger generation asks, “Why”? However, let’s see what the Bible says:

I. Dancing in the Bible – Let’s be very clear from the beginning… dancing is found in the Bible. And, guess what? No one was struck with lightning bolts while they were doing it!
a. Dancing as Worship unto the Lord: There were obviously times in the Bible where people danced as worship unto Jehovah. Here are a few examples:
i. “And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment. So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns.” - 2 Samuel 6:14 – 15
ii. “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.” - Psalm 30:11
iii. “Praise His name with dancing, accompanied by a tambourine and harp.” - Psalm 149:3
iv. “Praise Him with the tambourine and dancing; prise Him with strings and flutes!” - Psalm 150:3

b. Dancing, just to Dance: However, there were also instances in the Bible, where people were dancing just to dance. Dancing is a big part of Jewish culture. They danced at parties, birthdays, and weddings. Don’t forget… Jesus first miracle was performed at a wedding (John 2), where they would have been dancing. Does this mean that JESUS WAS DANCING? You can probably bank on it!
i. “A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.” - Ecclesiastes 3:4
1. This verse is in a context of scripture that is dealing with different scenarios in life. Everyone experiences good times, and rough times. There will be times when you will cry, and times when you will laugh. There will be other times when you will be grieving and hurting, then there will be other times when your dancing and having a great time.
ii. “To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, ‘We played wedding songs, and you didn’t dance, so we played funeral songs and you didn’t mourn.’ For John the Baptist didn’t spend his time eating and drinking, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by results.” - Matthew 11:16 – 19
1. Oh no! Was Jesus is connected with having a good time? People were critical of everything He or John the Baptist did. It is a okay to be a Christian and have a good time. I promise! The concern is… What environment are you placing yourself in to have that ‘good time’?
iii. “Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house.” - Luke 15:25
1. This was possibly an act of worship in thankfullness to God fro returning the boy. However, let’s be clear about this… it was a coming home party! They were celebrating, and dancing!

- This is what I believe the Bible says: Obviously the act of dancing is not a sin in itself. I think the confusion has come from this… the main concern was not the act of dancing, but rather, placing yourself in the setting that dancing takes place a lot of times - bars, clubs, etc. Then, the things (fairly or unfairly) that are often associated with those places - fights, alcohol, and one night stands (sexual immorality, for those not familiar with the term).
o I believe everyone should consider a couple of things with this issue:
1. The way you dance: If you want to dance with your wife, then I would consider that a wonderful thing. I usually don’t dance. Not, that I believe it is wrong, but rather, because I can’t and therefore… I embarrass my wife.
• However, I think the ‘booty-grinding dancing’ (for lack of a better term) can be a negative act. Especially, between two unmarried individuals, because it can cause you or someone else to sin. It could cause those “ol’ hormones” to awaken.
• Girls especially… The way you dance could cause a man to look at you and lust after you. Don’t give a reason for someone to stumble, because of your actions.
o 1 Corinthians 8:9, 12 – “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to weak. When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.”

2. Where you dance: What environment are you placing yourself in to have a ‘good time’? My grandpa always said, “If you hang around skunks long enough, you’ll start to smell like one.” There is no one who is strong enough to place themselves in a negative environment consisently and it not affect them in negative ways!
• If you are around the bar scence or club scene… you will inevitably take on the bar and club scene. You can’t have a growing and life-changing relationship with Jesus, while consistently placing yourself in a scene that will hinder that relationship.

I knew a group of young Christian men, who had the bright idea of going into Strip Clubs to share Jesus with people. Well… sadly to say… none of those men are serving the Lord any longer, because they got so caught up in that scene.