The Danger of the Dance (Part 1 of 2)
Worldliness has a way of creeping up on us, infiltrating our homes, communities and congregations before we are aware of its sway over us. The onslaught of worldliness demands that we remain vigilant and understanding of its covert operations, and that we persevere against its never-ending attacks. Our society has grown to embrace tolerance and acceptance as signs of progress, no matter what is being tolerated and accepted, and, sadly, many in the church have adopted similar views. Many ungodly activities and practices once staunchly opposed by members of the Lord’s church are now permitted and even encouraged. As the body of Christ, we are in the world that we might be a preserving influence for godliness and righteousness (Matthew 5:13-16), but we have allowed the world into the church, and for that we are paying a very dear price. Fewer seem to stand against social drinking, fornication, pornography, gambling, dancing, and such like. Sermons used to be preached, and articles written, concerning the dangers of these immoral and ungodly activities. In an effort to garner the favor of the world, many have left off opposing anything in which the world delights. Sadly, those who do so do not realize that they are forfeiting friendship with God (James 4:4). Are we being prudish when we refuse to give in to the demands of the world, and even some of our brethren, that we lighten up on issues of morality? Are we simply behind the times when we insist that brethren hold the line regarding these things? I submit to you that we are neither prudish or behind the times in regard to these matters; rather, we are standing upon God’s word as our guide in all matters, religious, ethical, and moral!
Modern dance is one area of morality in which we are asked to tread lightly. Homecoming dances and proms are a rite of passage for high school kids, we are told. The dance halls and bars are filled with those who are having a little “harmless fun” on the dance floor. Shows such as “Dancing with the Stars”, “So You Think You Can Dance?”, and others reinforce our infatuation with modern dancing. We are supposed to sit back and accept that it is simply a part of our culture, and is an “innocent” way to have a good time. It is high time that we reject such foolish thinking, and come to view modern dancing for what it really is! While many in our culture view dancing as a means of “expressing” themselves, many psychologists tell us that dancing is nothing more than a vertical expression of a horizontal desire. World Magazine (May 19, 2001) stated, “This year’s prom season is causing turmoil at schools across America: Dancing has become so sexually explicit that some officials call it sex with clothes on and many want it stopped.” Even the Encyclopedia Brittanica states, “To a certain extent all dancing is sexually stimulating.” It does not take long for us to see the appeal of modern dancing to the carnal mind. Bodies gyrating in suggestive ways, sexual overtures acted out, males and females intertwined as passions ignite within those who are not married to each other. Why is it necessary to turn the lights down low in most of these supposedly innocent dances? Sin loves the darkness, and in the darkness of the dance floors much sinning is ongoing (John 3:19). As Paul, by inspiration, catalogued the works of the flesh, by which the doors of heaven will forever be closed to those who practice such, he listed “lasciviousness…drunkenness, revellings…” (Galatians 5:19-21). Lasciviousness literally means “to be incontinent.” Incontinence has to do with an inability to keep one’s desires in check, especially those of a sexual nature. Lasciviousness is further defined as the unchaste handling of males and females. I know of no better definition of modern dancing than an inability to keep one’s sexual desires in check as he/she handles those of the opposite sex in an unchaste way! Add to that the fact that the modern dance often occurs in partnership with drunkenness and revellings, and you have something that the child of God should avoid at all costs! If that were not enough, Paul adds to this list, “and such like.” In other words, Christians should flee from anything that looks, sounds, or feels like any of the aforementioned works of the flesh.
-Patrick Morrison
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