For the entire time I have been preaching the gospel of our Lord, I have been asked this question, “What is wrong with dancing?” The answer to that question is not difficult, but it is a question that takes a few paragraphs to explain. So please bear with me as I describe the problem.
First, understand that there is nothing inherently wrong with movement accompanied by music. If that were so we would all have to be absolutely motionless when any music is heard. That is absurd. There is no prohibition in scripture regarding movement accompanied by music, either instrumental or vocal.
2 Samuel 6:14 reveals that “David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod.” Later, in the 16th verse, “Now as the ark of the Lord came into the City of David, Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked through a window and saw King David leaping and whirling before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart.” David was rejoicing. He was ecstatic. The leaping (springing up) and dancing (whirling) were not an embrace or interaction between a man and woman. There are times in the Old Testament that such dancing is shown as an expression of joy and thanksgiving. There is no indication that it was in any way inappropriate.
On another occasion, the daughter of Herodias danced before Herod and his guests. “And when Herodias’ daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.’ He also swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom’” (Mark 6:22-23). Though not explicitly stated, it is probable that the dance had erotic elements. Consider that it was a performance for men, and it led to a rash and exorbitant vow by Herod, that led to the beheading of John the Baptist. The typical reaction of ungodly men to the feminine wiles of a seductive woman are well known and fit the narrative completely.
So, if the dance was seductive, then it could be objected to on the basis of God’s condemnation of lascivious acts. Paul lists lasciviousness as a lust of the flesh, condemning it in Galatians 5:19-21. The word lasciviousness comes from the Greek (aselgeia). Thayer defines it: “unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness, lasciviousness, wantonness, outrageousness, shamelessness, insolence.” Note especially the words lust, wantonness and shamelessness. These would be indicative of bodily movements designed to elicit lust or desire.
Think of the half time show at this year’s Super Bowl. Entertainers Jennifer Lopez and Shakira sang and dance in revealing costumes. According to one Entertainment writer, “There were two tribal opinions in America when it came to their performance: It was either ‘muy caliente,’ or an abomination to families watching at home.” (Greg Brian, cheatsheet.com). Note the two views. Those who thought it was very hot, rejoiced at the sexiness (lasciviousness) of the dance. Those who objected, objected to the sexiness (lasciviousness) of the dance. The FCC received over 1,300 official complaints about the performance.
Now think about the typical dances you see on television, at bars, at weddings, in the ballroom and even at a local high school prom. They all are designed to attract the opposite sex through what the Christian should recognize as indecency. It may be suggestive movements or close embraces, but the actions would be inappropriate if no music were being played, and equally inappropriate even if they are set to music.
The world knows these things, and revel in them. That is why dances are called sexy; why dress is often itself immodest; why movies are titled “Dirty Dancing”; why teenagers are chaperoned and monitored; and why Prom night is universally acknowledge to be a night of rampant promiscuity.
Why is it that the world is able to recognize the lascivious nature of dancing in its typical iterations, and the Christian can’t? Or, how about this question. Why is it so many mature, zealous Christians see the sinfulness of such lascivious action, but some Christians are unwilling to admit to the inappropriateness of the modern dance?
I would object to a Christian moving in public in this way if there were no music. Why should the presence of music change anything? I would object to a Christian holding another person (not their spouse) in the way that men typically hold women when dancing, if there were no music. Again, what is the difference? It is similar to those who make a distinction between a woman wearing her underwear in public (bad), but have no problems with a bikini or other bathing suit in public. There is no rational, scripture defense of these actions.
By the way, God determines what is lascivious, lewd, wanton, immodest, licentious. Men do not. If any seek to defend the modern dance as not inappropriate for a Christian, it might behoove them to study the concepts of holiness, sanctification and righteousness. It is evident that modern dancing can’t rise to the standard that God has set for Christian behavior.
I have had young people tell me they don’t think about it that way. They talk about how it is good exercise, or that it is chaperoned, or their movements are not nearly as sensual as others who do it. None of that is relevant. The question is, does God allow it? Or does He view it as sinful?
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).
