Jesus Café Ministries - Scripture Squad - What does the Bible say about social dancing?

From: Trudi
Our youth group would like to have dancing at their formal banquet this year. Our church board has objected to this and I wondered if you could tell me what the Bible says about social dancing.

Trudi,
Social dancing as we know it today didn't exist in the times when the Scriptures were written. Male-female partner dancing is a relative new modern concept.

There are two types of dancing mentioned in Scripture.

Dancing before the Lord.
Dancing for sexual or immoral gratification.

Let's talk about the latter first. Matthew records a famous dance that cost the life of John the Baptist.

Herod, who was the ruler of Judea at the time Jesus walked the earth, was a wicked and immoral man. He had killed many of his family members just to keep his position with the Roman government. He was living in sin with his brothers wife, Herodias. Herod and Herodias were constantly being annoyed and agitated by the preaching of John the Baptist who pointed out their sin and demanded repentance. As a result, Herod had John imprisoned. Yet John wouldn't relent and continued pointing out their sin.

At a birthday celebration of Herod, which would have been party lacking in any morals or decorum, Herodias saw a chance to get rid of John. She saw that the dancing of her daughter in front of Herod pleased him. (Matthew 14:6) This word "pleased" means excited in an immoral sense. The daughter (who is not named in Scripture) is prompted to ask as a favor the head of John the Baptist. Herod granted her wish and had John beheaded.

You can read the entire account in Matthew 14.

Another account of immoral dancing can be found in Exodus 32.

Dancing before the Lord is another matter indeed! Scripture records many accounts where the people danced before the Lord in joy for His might and glory.

David is recorded as being so joyful at the return of the ark to Jerusalem that he danced without reservation in the streets of Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 6, 1 Chronicles 15

Dance is a result of God's mercy: Ps 30:11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; (KJV)

Dance is a result of restoration: Luke 15 and Jer 31:13 Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow. (KJV)

Dance is used in praise: Ps 149:3 Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. (KJV) Ps 150 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. (KJV)

Praise dancing is still a part of many worship services today. It can be a beautiful and meaningful experience for both the congregation and the participants.

Social dancing is a custom of man and just not discussed in the Bible. However, there are some principles that you can follow in such times as these.

First, we are to honor our parents.

Exodus 20: 12: Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. (KJV)

Ephesians 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. (KJV)

Second, we are to respect and obey those whom God has given to be our authority.

Rom 13: 1 Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil. 5 Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. (NAS)

While we don't have to agree with everything those in charge say or do, we do have to honor the position they are in, as God has put them there for His glory.

Our suggestion would be that you and some others in your youth group come up with a plan and submit it to the council at your church. Decide what kind of dancing will be done, what kind of music, where the dancing will be held, clothing, sponsors, lighting, rules, etc. Go to your council and ask for an opportunity to make suggestions. Then honor their decision, no matter what it is, for this will be a blessing to you, not only by honoring them, but by showing that you can be responsible and mature in the ways of the Lord.

Trudi, may God bless you as you continue to seek His will.

- The Scripture Squad :
TCCaleb, WMomTCC & RuthCCC