How to respond to anti-dance arguments

[Dave]

Here's something I've been thinking about recently:



How do you respond to someone who feels that worship dance (of any form) in church services is not permissible, based on their reading of the Bible. They accept that the Old Testament contains references to dance and worship, but would say that there is no evidence for it in the New Testament. They also use theological arguments to claim that dance is in the same category as the sacrificial system and is not applicable for believers in Jesus.



I have my own ideas, but would like to know what other people think.



(This is a hypothetical question based on some things I've read, and I'm not in discussion with anyone who actually holds this view.)

[HelenaZF]

This kind of position can stem from the false premise that the old and new testaments are not parts of the same book. I would ask that person what was the bible used by the early church before the new testament was written? They would have to concede that it was the old testament of course, and their hymnal was the psalms which enumerate, encourage and exemplify movement as an integral part of worship. The disconnect of the old and new testaments has caused all kinds of wrong thinking in the church, and this is just one manifestation of it.



I'll let someone else tackle equating dance to the sacrificial system...but I think it's another case of apples and oranges myself.

[DeanZF]

I usually just laugh and ask them when they're going to give up electricity, indoor plumbing, and automobiles!



I then ask them about what the Greek words mean that talk about worship and praise. I ask them what Jesus' response was when the disciples returned from their first missionary quest. He "rejoiced". Ah, what does that mean exactly? What does the Greek word imply? Some see it as a very physical verb. Not merely excited and happy in his heart, or smiling broadly. Leaping, or springing up are the two main accepted definitions, but there are some who equate this with (gasp) dance. Dance is, after all, the sort of activity that Jewish men and women engage in when God is doing amazing things. Great way to celebrate Him.



And then I often turn, tsking, that they aren't full enough of His joy that is springs up and breaks out of them with such exuberance!