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| Churches Ban Dancing |
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 Some churches ban dancing. Is this a biblical doctrine or merely the legalistic ranting of grumpy old men?
Is the Ban Eisegesis or Exegesis?
Exegesis is that process of Bible study whereby the reader seeks to learn what the author was intending. It is an extraction or drawing out of the original meaning. Eisegesis is a dishonest approach to Bible study, whereby the reader inserts preconceived notions and prejudices into the text, implying that it says what it really does not say. Let's look at some dishonest use of Scriptures in regard to dancing.
Exodus 32 speaks of the time when Moses had gone up onto the mount to receive the Ten Commandments. The ancient Israelites had created a golden calf to represent God and were dancing around it. Those opposed to dancing claim this was part of the sin. However, nowhere does this chapter state that all dancing is a sin.
In Matthew 14:6-8 we read of Herod's daughter Herodias dancing before him and subsequently asking her father for John the Baptist's head. However, nowhere does this account say that either this was or even that all dancing is a sin.
Galatians 5:19-21 lists among the works of the flesh, debauchery (sensuality, lustful pleasure, lasciviousness) and orgies (carousing, wild parties, reveling) and the like. It must be granted that some dancing is definitely designed to be sensual, sexy, but not all dancing is as we shall see. To imply that all dancing is sensual and an orgy is dishonest.
Dancing for Joy and Praise
In Exodus 15 we read how women danced after the prophetess Miriam in praise to God for his delivery of ancient Israel from Pharaoh. Nothing indicates that this was inappropriate.
In 2 Samuel 6 we read of King David dancing before the Lord with all his might. The attitude of Michal towards David was that she despised him for his dancing. This is similar to the attitude of some judgmental Christians, who are more concerned with people breaking some man-made taboo than with loving their neighbor as Jesus commands.
The Psalms speak of dancing for joy or praise (Psalm 30, 149, 150) and this form of dancing just for sheer joy or in religious worship is encouraged. Some cultures are more used to dancing than others, and worshipful dancing can be very uplifting and joyful.
Ecclesiastes 3 speaks of a time for dancing, implying that it is not always the appropriate time even for a righteous form of dancing.
In Luke 15 is the parable of the prodigal son, a picture of the lost sinner returning in repentance to God. Part of the celebration of a returning son is pictured in music and dancing. If God was against dancing, Jesus would not have included it in the parable.
Conclusion
Dividing the Christian church over a matter that Jesus did not think was important enough to command his disciples is crap. What did Jesus say about this topic? In telling the story of the prodigal son, Jesus said that there was music and dancing at his return. He gave no value judgment on the dancing. However, because this parable represents the joyful reception of a lost son by God, it seems that dancing is being pictured as an appropriate expression of celebration.
Banning all dancing is Pharisaic crap. Clearly dancing is like anything else that is neutral, it can be used for good or evil. To dance in a sexually provocative manner before anyone else other than one's spouse in private, or dancing in a sexual orgy is clearly sinful. To ban dancing outright because it can be used for evil does not make sense. Such a ban is more in line with the heavy-handed ideology of the Pharisees who killed Jesus than with the manner in which Christ taught. He taught believers to think for themselves, to use discernment and principles of good Christian conduct.
At times dancing is very appropriate and even encouraged in the Scriptures. May God grant us the discernment to tell the difference, and may God grant Church authorities the good sense not to make Pharisaic lists of do's and don'ts about non-essentials. |
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| To add a comment to "Churches Ban Dancing" |
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| May 18, 2008 |
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| I'm seeing a refrain here..."Dividing the Christian church over a matter that Jesus did not think was important enough to command his disciples is crap." Well it seems to me you are right, Grant. |
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| May 18, 2008 |
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| :) Yes, Mike, I believe that is where the essentials lie. |
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| May 18, 2008 |
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I'll second that.
...I'll also be dancing when I worship - whether in church or in the woods - it's just my way...join me if you want, but if not, worship however you like... |
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| May 18, 2008 |
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Our Pastor said this evening;
Religion is a list of "Have to's", while Love and Relationship is a "get to" all the way. |
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| May 18, 2008 |
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| Voice, me too. Tom, well said. |
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| May 19, 2008 |
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I AM OFF TO THE GREATEST DANCE OF ALL TIME...I KNOW THIS AND I HOPE TO SEE YOU LOT JOINING ME! GREAT BLOG GRANT, LOVE STU!! |
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| May 19, 2008 |
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| DANCING AND LEAPING AND PRAISING THE LORD!!!!!!! |
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| May 19, 2008 |
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| A few weeks back, I was dancing my way out of church, it was a great service, the good Lord had the preacher step on my toes, LOL.......and I felt God there.......the youth pastor stopped me and said " We need more of that!" God had that pastor say that and I'm praying hard for God's direction on it......I took dance and drama.....we have youth and children....woooooooohooooo. Put it all together and there could be a ministry!!!!! The youth pastor and I talked about it, he wants me to tell the pastor I'm interested in doing it and go for it! |
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| May 19, 2008 |
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| No Dan, you don't HAVE to. LOL. But if Steel Hors... is right, there will be dancing in heaven and I'm certainly not going to stay on the sidelines. Princess, good on yah! |
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| May 19, 2008 |
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Hey, count me in!!! When the time is right... you'll find me dancing ;-) I have the two most wonderful dance partners: My husband and God!!!! Have you ever danced with God?
P.S. I would like to learn how to "Tango", now I have to convince my husband... let's see how that goes. lol lol
Great blog!!! |
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| May 19, 2008 |
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| May we all strive for more exegesis!!! |
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| May 19, 2008 |
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Way to go Lourdes. I used to do ballroom dancing. Every now and then I still do it. It's great fun.
Yes, Kathy. |
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| May 20, 2008 |
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| LOL. Way to go Paul. |
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| May 20, 2008 |
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| I do the Snoopy dance! |
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| May 21, 2008 |
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| I am all for dancing! In fact i just read yesterday about David when he disrobed as he danced, and michal was angry at him. I love his response " I will become even more undignified than this." Some people praise the Lord quietly and some of us may be somewhat undignified!LOL The song by the David Crowder Band is awesome! (Undignified) Have a blessed day! |
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| May 21, 2008 |
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The Snoopy dance? Okaaaay, LOL.
Undignified? I guess that lying on your side for days as one of the prophets did, could also be considered undignified. Certainly dying on a cross was. |
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| May 26, 2008 |
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I'm feeling a victory dance right now.
Thanks for the invite! |
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