Christians have engaged in lively debate about dancing for centuries. While the Bible offers no explicit commandment forbidding dance, numerous verses emphasize modesty and the avoidance of temptations. This nuanced biblical landscape leads to diverse interpretations, particularly within different Christian denominations. Baptists, in particular, often face questions about their stance on dance.
The reality is, Baptists hold varied views on dancing. Some Baptist congregations and individuals firmly believe all forms of dancing are sinful, while others adopt a more moderate stance, permitting dance as long as it’s done with proper intention and within certain contexts. Even within Baptist circles, you might find enthusiasts of folk dances like square dancing. Compared to some other denominations, Baptists are generally perceived as more reserved regarding dance, although opinions differ across all Christian traditions. Let’s delve into the reasons behind these perspectives.
Ultimately, the decision to dance or not is a personal one for each Christian. If you’re wrestling with this question, seeking guidance through prayer and reflection is encouraged. And if you choose to dance, ensure your motivations are rooted in glorifying God and experiencing joy, rather than seeking attention or showcasing personal abilities.
What Does Scripture Say About Dancing?
While some might assume Baptists universally prohibit dancing, the Bible itself presents instances where dance is viewed positively. King David, a figure revered in Christianity, expressed his devotion in Psalm 149:3, stating, “Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp.”
Psalm 30:11 echoes this sentiment of joyous expression: “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.”
Further illustrating dance in a positive light, 1 Samuel 18:6 recounts the celebratory scene after David’s victory over Goliath: “When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres.”
The Bible even describes David dancing before the Lord with unrestrained enthusiasm in 2 Samuel 6:14: “Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might.” This event occurred as David celebrated the return of the Ark of the Covenant, highlighting dance as an expression of profound joy and spiritual elation for a divinely chosen leader.
In the New Testament, Luke 15:25, within the parable of the prodigal son, mentions, “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing.” This context, celebrating the return and repentance of the younger son, portrays dancing as part of joyful reconciliation and forgiveness within a loving father-son relationship, a metaphor for God’s love.
Exodus 15 recounts, “Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing,” after the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, signifying dance as a response to divine deliverance and a form of communal praise.
Both the Old and New Testaments depict dancing as an acceptable and even commendable form of worship and celebration. Given the unchanging nature of God, as some interpretations suggest, the question arises: what factors led to a shift in perspectives on dancing within certain Christian traditions? This evolution in viewpoints warrants further exploration.
Dancing as an Expression of Worship
A person in silhouette dances with arms raised to the sky, set against a vibrant, heavenly background.
As exemplified by David in 2 Samuel 6:14, “Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might,” dance can be a powerful avenue for worship. It allows for the physical manifestation of joy and gratitude towards God. Dance can facilitate a deeper connection with the divine, enabling individuals to express their emotions physically, releasing worries and focusing on their relationship with God.
This embodied worship experience can be liberating, fostering a sense of closeness to God. The use of flags in worship within some denominations further illustrates this concept of outward expressions of faith, symbolizing God’s banner over believers.
A Historical Look at Dance and Shifting Perceptions
While dance has ancient roots, its perception within some Christian circles evolved significantly, particularly in America. In the early 19th century United States, social dancing was prevalent in urban ballrooms, often characterized by formality and elaborate etiquette. The waltz, a popular dance of the era involving close partner contact, was even considered somewhat controversial. Other dances like the polka, quadrille, and cotillion were also enjoyed in social settings.
Over time, dance gained broader popularity in American culture. By the early 20th century, diverse dance styles emerged in ballrooms and dance halls across the nation. The Lindy Hop, originating in Harlem, New York City, became a nationwide sensation, known for its energetic and improvisational nature. The Charleston, a lively solo dance characterized by rapid steps and footwork, also gained prominence.
The 1920s marked a boom for dance in America, fueled in part by the burgeoning jazz music scene. Jazz rhythms resonated with younger generations and filled dance venues, including speakeasies during the Prohibition era.
However, as dance evolved, so did concerns about its appropriateness within certain religious contexts. While dance can be a source of enjoyment and innocent fun, some perceive certain forms as overly suggestive or potentially leading to impure thoughts. This concern, coupled with the evolving styles of dance becoming increasingly sensualized over decades, contributed to stricter stances against dancing within Baptist and some Holiness Christian denominations. Many contemporary dances, with their emphasis on suggestive movements and close physical contact, are seen as conflicting with principles of modesty and spiritual purity.
The Concern with Worldliness: Dance, Alcohol, and Gambling
Ephesians 5:18 advises, “Do not get drunk on wine,” “which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” The association of gambling and alcohol with dance, while complex, reflects deeper concerns about “worldliness” and behaviors deemed detrimental to spiritual life.
Historically and culturally, gambling and alcohol have been linked, and some trace this association to interpretations of Christian teachings. The biblical account of Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding has been cited to justify alcohol consumption in moderation, and by extension, some argue for the permissibility of gambling. Proponents suggest that if celebrating with wine was acceptable, then engaging in gambling, within certain limits, might also be permissible.
However, biblical perspectives on gambling are generally cautionary. Proverbs 28:8 warns, “He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor,” highlighting the dangers of greed and potential harm to the vulnerable associated with gambling.
Matthew 16:26 poses a poignant question: “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” This verse emphasizes the ultimate value of spiritual well-being over material gain, cautioning against pursuits that could jeopardize one’s soul.
Ecclesiastes 9:18 states, “so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor,” suggesting that even small acts of foolishness, including financial imprudence, can erode wisdom and respect.
While the Bible doesn’t explicitly forbid all forms of gambling, its overall tone is one of caution, warning against its potential pitfalls. To delve deeper into Christian perspectives, explore “What Does It Mean To Be A Christian?” for further reading.
Alcohol, while part of some Jewish celebrations in the Bible, is often restricted by Baptists and Holiness denominations due to concerns about its potential to lead to sinful behaviors. These denominations often teach that alcohol can lower inhibitions and contribute to actions like anger, violence, sexual immorality, and self-destructive behaviors. Instead of seeking solace or solutions in substances, these traditions emphasize turning to God for support and guidance. This aligns with 1 Peter 5:7, which encourages believers to “cast all of your cares (worries, troubles, fears, anxieties) on Him, because He cares for us.”
Avoiding reliance on substances like alcohol is seen as an expression of trust in God’s care and ability to address life’s challenges. Turning away from God for worldly solutions can be interpreted as a lack of faith in His provision and a belief in self-reliance, which contradicts the core tenets of faith in many Baptist and similar denominations.
In Conclusion: Baptist Perspectives on Dance
Baptists, along with other denominations, exhibit a spectrum of views on dancing. Generally, Baptists are more likely to abstain from dancing compared to many other Christian denominations, although this is not a universal rule. While some denominations might view dance as a form of community building and joyful expression, others maintain reservations, often advocating for moderation or abstinence.
P.S. (Plain and Simple): Do Baptists dance? And what about other denominations?
Ultimately, navigating questions about activities like dancing often comes down to individual discernment and seeking God’s guidance. Faith traditions provide frameworks and teachings, but personal communication with God through prayer and scripture is often emphasized as the primary means of understanding His will for one’s life. He is believed to offer unwavering love and invites individuals to bring all concerns and questions to Him.
