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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
The Bible doesn't give specific instructions on dancing. It may be helpful to point out some examples of good and bad dancing, and then mention some biblical principles to build dancing standards o...
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James Kraft
'No dancing' should not be made into a law that everyone is supposed to obey without question. Many things we do not bring Glory to God. They are neutral. Some people will not even listen to secular music, then they take pride in the fact that they don't. Then they become self-righteous and look down on everyone that does not obey their man-made rules and regulations. If what you do causes you to sin, then don't do it. But, don't make that binding on everyone else. There is far too much of this in the church. If some Christians would take their wives dancing once in a while it might save some marriages. Some have gone so far that you cannot even dance with your own wife in your own house. Then we have the fruit inspectors that come around to spy out your liberty. Where there are no hard and fast rules in the bible we are not to add any. It just leads to spiritual pride and self-righteousness. The bible is very clear on what sin is. We should obey those things. Many obey these extra things but do not obey the things we are supposed to do. It just puts people in bondage. Paul said we are not to obey the doctrines of men. Where the bible is clear we should follow that. Where it is silent, we are not under the letter of the law but the spirit. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Only do not use your freedom for license. Many of these things start out as good scruples, but then become the traditions of the fathers and law. If we obeyed all of the doctrines of men that are in the church we would not be able to move. Obey God rather than men.
Hairy Animals
Great question! Yes, the Bible has much to say about dancing. Psalm 149:3 ESV Let them praise His name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre! Psalm 150:4 KJV Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. Jeremiah 31:13 ESV Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow. 2 Samuel 6:14 ESV And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. Exodus 15:20 ESV Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing. And Miriam sang to them: “Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.” 1 Samuel 18:6 ESV As they were coming home, when David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments. As with everything they do, Christians should dance for the Lord. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31 "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." Colossians 3:17 "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." Colossians 3:23 It is an excellent idea to dance to worship songs. Remember to dance for the Lord. Evil dancing should at all times be avoided. Christians should avoid sexual/worldly moves. (Shaking your hips for example.) If you decide to perform onstage, you must be sure your costume is proper for a Christian. You should not wear costumes that are see-through or excessively expose body parts. And you should never, never dance to please someone and then ask him to do something. Matthew 14:6-8 ESV But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” Do not do what Herod's daughter did.
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