Can we dance in the service?
09-11-2007, 06:54 AM
Hi Daego,
I can commend everything that Dean and Helena have said to you. They are wise and experienced people who are a blessing to many.
Let me just add a few comments of my own.
Historically, Christians generally believed that dancing was wrong. They had looked at dance in the world, found it to be immoral, and concluded that it was a sin to dance. This view was taught or passed down to generations of believers who accepted it as one of the behavioural norms that are part of the evangelical subculture.
Whilst this mindset is no longer universal, there are still many people who hold it, and even greater numbers who have been influenced by it. I suspect that the pastor who condemned the dancing in your situation has this view.
But there are four major problems with this approach:<LIST>
The Bible is silent on the specifics of how we should dance, but I think a useful verse to consider is 1 Cor 14:40, where Paul says "But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way". Although this verse comes from a famous passage on spiritual gifts, the context is gatherings for worship. I believe it does give a principle that we can apply to everything that happens in our church services, including dance.
Dance in church must be done in a fitting and orderly way. It should both glorify God and encourage the congregation. The people who watch the dance must be able to understand and relate to it. The style of movement, costuming, and music should all be appropriate and not cause undue offence. But there is huge scope for variation within these guidelines, and what is right for one church may be wrong for another.
I can probably find you some videos of dancing, but can you say a bit more about your church situation. For example, what type of church is it, what are your services like, and what style of music do you use. Also, what sort of dance are you interested in?
I am thrilled that Christians in China are dancing for the Lord, and Im pleased youve taken the trouble to share your questions with us here.
Many blessings,
Dave
I can commend everything that Dean and Helena have said to you. They are wise and experienced people who are a blessing to many.
Let me just add a few comments of my own.
Historically, Christians generally believed that dancing was wrong. They had looked at dance in the world, found it to be immoral, and concluded that it was a sin to dance. This view was taught or passed down to generations of believers who accepted it as one of the behavioural norms that are part of the evangelical subculture.
Whilst this mindset is no longer universal, there are still many people who hold it, and even greater numbers who have been influenced by it. I suspect that the pastor who condemned the dancing in your situation has this view.
But there are four major problems with this approach:<LIST>
- <LI>
- Firstly, the reasoning is not correct. The worlds dancing is not all immoral. I have studied at several secular dance schools, and I never encountered anything that was even remotely immoral. Many other people have had similar experiences.</LI>
<LI> - Secondly, our approach should not be based on the worst examples from unbelievers or its potential for abuse. Why should we let the worlds behaviour define ours?</LI>
<LI> - Thirdly, the methodology is isolationist. There is no interaction with the dance community and the views of Christian dancers are not considered.</LI>
<LI> - Fourthly, it ignores or dismisses the biblical references to dance. The bible is studied by people who are opposed to dance and seek to justify their view.</LI>
- <LI>
- In years gone by (and Im sure you can relate to this), many books have been written that have been highly destructive. But no Christian would say that this means all books are wrong, and few Christians would say that all secular books are worthless or immoral.</LI>
<LI> - We see that the Bible mentions music many times, and we want to use music to worship God. But the bible is not a music textbook, and there are many types of music today. Whilst we may sometimes disagree over musical styles, we would never say that all music is sinful.</LI>
The Bible is silent on the specifics of how we should dance, but I think a useful verse to consider is 1 Cor 14:40, where Paul says "But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way". Although this verse comes from a famous passage on spiritual gifts, the context is gatherings for worship. I believe it does give a principle that we can apply to everything that happens in our church services, including dance.
Dance in church must be done in a fitting and orderly way. It should both glorify God and encourage the congregation. The people who watch the dance must be able to understand and relate to it. The style of movement, costuming, and music should all be appropriate and not cause undue offence. But there is huge scope for variation within these guidelines, and what is right for one church may be wrong for another.
I can probably find you some videos of dancing, but can you say a bit more about your church situation. For example, what type of church is it, what are your services like, and what style of music do you use. Also, what sort of dance are you interested in?
I am thrilled that Christians in China are dancing for the Lord, and Im pleased youve taken the trouble to share your questions with us here.
Many blessings,
Dave
« Next Oldest | Next Newest »
Messages In This Thread
Users browsing this thread: 2 Guest(s)
Powered By MyBB - Hosted by Tierra Hosting