Shall We Dance?

Last week we began our study on dancing, giving examples of different forms of dancing from God’s word.

Then we reviewed four basic principles we use to determine whether an activity, such as dancing, is sinful.
·   We are to glorify God in our bodies, and exalt Christ (1 Cor. 6:19‑20; Phil. 1:20).
·   We are to do things that are honorable and respectable in the sight of all men (Rom. 12:17; Phil. 4:8), obeying God in everything we do (Acts 4:19; 5:29).
·   We shouldn't engage in lustful and licentious (sensual) behaviors (Rom. 6:12; 1 Jn. 2:16; 2 Cor. 12:20‑21; Jude 1:4).
·   We shouldn't engage in questionable behaviors (Rom. 14:23; 1 Th. 5:21‑22).

In this article, we begin exploring different forms of dancing, pertinent to our culture, and determine whether they’re sinful.

“Hokie Pokie” Style Dances
As a young Christian, I remember hearing that dancing is sinful. I didn’t remember hearing that certain types of dancing aren’t sinful, making me wonder if my parents had led me astray, allowing me to sin in first grade when I performed the Hokie Pokie with my classmates.

Later I learned that certain forms of dancing, such as the Hokie Pokie, aren’t sinful.

Such dances are mentioned by Jesus in Luke 7:32, figuratively representing a person’s joyful response to the gospel, which the Jews lacked.

These dances are honorable, absent of lustful and licentious behavior, as innocent children play.

Celebratory Dances
The term“celebratory dance” refers to a series of movements performed to celebrate. It’s like the movements of an athlete to celebrate a touch down or a home run.

I remember being at a birthday party of one of the children at church, where a miniature football field was set up in the back yard. We watched the boy score touch down after touch down, and do a celebratory dance after each one.

Celebrating in this fashion is not sinful, reminiscent of lawful dancing in the Old Testament (1 Ch. 15:29).

But we must be careful. As with many things, celebrations can become sinful if we incorporate licentious moves or vulgar gestures.

For example, many Christians congratulate one another with a high five when playing sports. But this honorable activity becomes sinful, if we add a vulgar gesture.

As Christians, we must ensure that everything we do is pure and wholesome, including our celebrations when engaging in secular activities such as sports.

Husband and Wife
I’m sure we realize there’s nothing sinful about a husband and wife dancing in private. As a married couple, they are permitted to physically enjoy one another’s company (1 Cor. 7:3-4).

The question that some Christians ask, is, “Can a husband and wife dance in public?”

I believe, for several reasons, the answer is “no.”

First, married couples dancing in public can easily result in lustful desires within people who are watching (Rom. 6:12; 1 Jn. 2:16; 2 Cor. 12:20‑21; Jude 1:4).

Second, the example set forth by married Christians dancing in public would encourage other Christians to dance, possibly encouraging young Christians to engage in sinful dances at school (1 Tim. 4:12; Tit. 2:7).

I can imagine teenagers watching married people from church dance at a social function, maybe even a potluck where everyone is present. This would be very discouraging to them, especially to those who might be deciding whether to go to the prom.

Third, married Christian couples, dancing in public is not honorable in the sight of all men (Rom. 12:17; Phil. 4:8). Not long ago, a large number of people in the religious world believed it was wrong for married couples to dance in public. And today, many Christians hold to the same belief.

Fourth, Christians are to hold fast to what is good, abhorring evil and abstaining from every form of evil, while never doing anything that’s questionable (Rom. 12:9; 1 Th. 5:21-22; Rom. 14:23).

As such, I believe it would be wrong for me to dance with my wife in public.

To Be Continued
In upcoming articles, we’ll explore other types of dancing, such as father-daughter dances, wedding receptions, ballroom dancing, swing dancing, square dancing, and high school dances.