John Chowning
There are two very different types of dancing found in the Scriptures. One kind could best be called Celebratory. Miriam, the prophetess and sister of Moses and Aaron, did such when she “took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances” (Exodus 15:20) after God had destroyed Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea (Exodus 15:19-22). In this case, the women—like King David later (2 Samuel 6:14-16)—whirled and leaped in celebration. This type of movement can still be found today after an athletic team has secured an important, hard fought victory.
The second kind could best be called Provocative. This was what the daughter of Herodias did as she intentionally moved her body in sensuous ways so that Herod was enticed and “pleased” with what he saw (Mark 6:22). It is this type of dancing which was a common and popular component of prostitution and idolatry. After eating and drinking, the children of Israel rose up to “play” before the golden calf at Mount Sinai (I Corinthians 10:7); their “play” included dancing (Exodus 32:19). Sadly this type of dancing saturates our society today.
What probably comes as a surprise to many Bible students today is the fact that men and women did not dance together in ancient cultures. According to researchers: “There is no real evidence that they ever did. Social amusement was hardly a major purpose of dancing, and the modern method of dancing by couples is unknown” (Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, vol. 2, p. 12). “Of the social dancing of couples in the modern fashion there is no trace” (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 1170).
Since God in His word recognizes two distinctly different types of dancing, God’s people must also. There is, therefore, nothing sinful about joyously celebrating with one’s teammates and family an important accomplishment. It was—and rightfully so—a time of rejoicing and family celebration when the prodigal son returned home (Luke 15:25).
However, there is everything wrong with provocative dancing. Regardless of whether it is done individually (like the daughter of Herodias) or as a couple, provocative dancing is sinful because:
· It is lasciviousness (i.e. “filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females” and “conduct which excites lust”), one of the works of the flesh. Be forewarned: They which involve themselves in any of the works of the flesh shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21).
· It entices youthful lusts, and thus violates the command of 2 Timothy 2:22 to “flee youthful lusts”.
· It tantalizes fleshly lusts, and thus violates the command of I Peter 2:11 to “abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul.”
· It provokes ungodliness and worldly lusts and thus violates Titus 2:12’s expectation of denying ungodliness and worldly lusts and living soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.
· It does not glorify God. Only those things authorized by God are to be done (Colossians 3:17), so that in whatever we do, all is done to the glory of God (I Corinthians 10:31).
· It violates the command to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Ephesians 5:11).
· It transgresses the divine principle of giving no place to the devil (Ephesians 4:27).
· It defiles one’s religion, because to practice pure and undefiled religion before God one must keep himself unspotted from the world (James 1:27).
· It is an unholy use of one’s body, which is a temple of the Holy Spirit for a Christian (I Corinthians 6:19-20).
Though provocative dancing is rarely viewed as sinful in our culture today, such does not change the holy mind of God about it. Christians are to be people of virtue (2 Peter 1:5) who have the moral courage to not follow a multitude in doing evil (Exodus 23:2) and not be conformed to this world (Romans 12:2). Wanting to be friends with the world and its sinful ways is enmity with God (James 4:4).
—Christian Messenger, Vol. XLIV, No. 43.