In last week’s article, we explored various instances of dancing in the Old Testament and concluded that the mere mention of dancing does not necessarily mean it was approved, disapproved, accepted, or rejected by God. In fact, when men and women are depicted dancing together publicly, as in Exodus 32, it is later condemned. While Moses was on the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments, the Israelites, led by Aaron, were creating a golden calf. The passage states, “As soon as he (Moses) came near the camp, he saw the calf and the dancing. So, Moses’ anger became hot…” (Exodus 32:19 NKJV). Yet in another instance, the psalmist says, “Let them praise His name with the dance” (Ps. 149:3). This contrast suggests that we may need to take a closer look before hastily condemning all forms of dancing as sinful.
What can we learn about dancing in the New Testament? The act of dancing is only specifically mentioned a few times. One notable instance is when the daughter of Herodias danced before Herod (Mark 6:22), a performance that many believe was lascivious in nature, something typically associated with prostitutes of that time. If this interpretation is correct, her dance would have been a sinful act of lewdness. In Galatians 5:19, Paul writes, “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness” (KJV). Lasciviousness, or lewdness, refers to actions that express or are filled with sexual desire (according to Merriam Webster), which can often be seen in dancing through indecent or suggestive bodily movements. Paul then says that “those who practice such things will not enter the kingdom of God (Gal. 5:21). Without hesitation we can firmly say such behavior is sinful.
A second mention of dancing is found in the parable of the lost son (Luke 15:11-32). “Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing” (Luke 15:25). It seems this was a natural celebratory response in that culture. Jesus was not referring to sensual or lewd behavior, but rather to the joy and excitement surrounding the return of the lost brother. Additionally, Jesus used this example within His parable and did not condemn the action. One might say, well He did not condone it either. We might ask ourselves: Does Jesus ever speak of something that is sinful and leave it up for debate, or does He always directly call out sinful conduct for what it truly is?
In many ways, we as the church have often labeled all forms of dancing as sinful without considering the context, the people involved, the type of dance, the clothing worn, the music played, or the reason behind the dancing or celebration. The Bible instructs us to “Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22), but can we truly claim that every form of dancing in every setting is inherently evil? In next week’s article, we will examine more specific examples, exploring what makes many forms of dancing sinful, while also considering a few examples where dancing may not be sinful. As the scripture says, “Test all things” (1 Thess. 5:21).
By: Jerrod Hammond