Why Can't Baptists Dance? Are They Allowed to Go to Dances?

[GarrettC]

I am a Southern Baptist myself, and I have always wondered: why in the world is there a ban on dancing? It's not of the devil. Dancing isn't a sin. David and Moses both "danced for joy" in the Bible. Can anyone enlighten me?

 

[BBAS 64]

I am a Southern Baptist myself, and I have always wondered: why in the world is there a ban on dancing? It's not of the devil. Dancing isn't a sin. David and Moses both "danced for joy" in the Bible. Can anyone enlighten me?

Good day, Garrett

Where does the BFM say that?

May be SBCer's have no "groove"

In Him,

Bill

 

[arunma]

It's probably a caricature. It's true that some forms of dancing are genuinely sinful, as are some forms of music and reading material. But the Bible prescribes music, dancing, and (obviously) reading as well. I've never actually met a Christian from any denomination who really believed that all forms of dancing are from the devil.

 

[tallyn75]

I was raised Southern Baptist and have never heard that of Southern Baptist except by people who don't really know. There are other types of Baptist who forbid dancing though. I attended a Independent Baptist High School that frequently spoke out against dancing of any kind. (Off topic: they also were against any kind of card playing--I got in trouble for playing Old Maid). Not going to knock these folk though (even though the flesh wants to), they are some good people.

 

[sealacamp]

Good day, Garrett

Where does the BFM say that?

May be SBCer's have no "groove"

In Him,

Bill

It is spelled out in some places although those vary. I was raised in a southern Baptist environment and my dad was a SB preacher as well. The church I currently attend has an official ban on dancing on church grounds only and that ban was put into effect in the 40's. I have run into this before and like the OP I mention that dancing can be a way to glorify God according to the scriptures. So like the OP I don't understand this and don't agree with it either. I follow Christ and His word not the edicts of any denomination. In fact I say that I am a Christian not a baptist. I just happen to go to a baptist church.

I spent years at odds with the church in general and attended various denominations. I found error everywhere I went. I also find error in myself. I separated myself from the church for a very long time and when I came to my senses I rejoined the baptists because I find more freedom there to follow Christ and more freedom to speak out even if no one is listening.

Unfortunately I can't answer the question about why there is a ban on dancing in some places that are southern baptist. I wish I could but it doesn't make any sense to me either. Maybe someone can point to something tangible because I have no idea.

Sealacamp

 

[holyrokker]

I thought it was going to be the first line of a joke.

Why can't Southern Baptists dance? - because they......

 

[StreetPreacher82]

I thought it was going to be the first line of a joke.

Why can't Southern Baptists dance? - because they......

HA!HA!HA!

Can we say Footloose?

 

[edie19]

I am a Southern Baptist myself, and I have always wondered: why in the world is there a ban on dancing? It's not of the devil. Dancing isn't a sin. David and Moses both "danced for joy" in the Bible. Can anyone enlighten me?

cause they have no rhythm

 

[Christian Soldier]

I've been a Southern Baptist (SB) for years. There are numerous SB churches in my area, virtually every one of which I've been in. I have yet to find one that opposes all forms of dancing.

Having lived in the Bible Belt for over 36 years, I have yet to find a SB church that's opposed to ballroom dancing, tap dancing, folk dancing etc.

Sexually suggestive dancing/music is where most SB churches draw the line, as do numerous other denominations.

 

[DeaconDean]

I wonder what some Southern Baptist churches would do with this verse:

"And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod." - 1 Sam. 6:14 (KJV)

God Bless

Till all are one.

 

[sealacamp]

I've been a Southern Baptist (SB) for years. There are numerous SB churches in my area, virtually every one of which I've been in. I have yet to find one that opposes all forms of dancing.

Having lived in the Bible Belt for over 36 years, I have yet to find a SB church that's opposed to ballroom dancing, tap dancing, folk dancing etc.

Sexually suggestive dancing/music is where most SB churches draw the line, as do numerous other denominations.

My family resides in portions of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Georgia. I was raised in south Georgia and currently live in the Atlanta area. I have encountered many churches in these three states that either have an official ban on dancing or an unofficial ban. I have no idea why as I said before and if others have never encountered this I would like to know what area of the country you are familiar with. Is this a regional thing or what?

Sealacamp

 

[holyrokker]

I wonder what some Southern Baptist churches would do with this verse:

"And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod." - 1 Sam. 6:14 (KJV)

God Bless

Till all are one.

The difference is, David wasn't dancing to the EEVIL rock-n-roll.

 

[holyrokker]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BznsjIe5sMk

 

[56Bluesman]

Basically the reason for bans on dancing and other activities of culture such as going to
movies, listening to any form of secular music in any style, etc, arose out of the
fundamentalist movement and it's back lash against the world around it starting
around the turn of the last century.

A lot of christian fundamentalist culture borrowed from the 19th century piety movements that
placed a tremendous importance on outward holiness, being whatever the church leaders deemed
to be holy living, while still claiming it was from the heart produced by indwelling power of the
Holy Spirit. There was also a desire to be disengaged from the evil outside world, other than
evangelizing and mission work. In other words, once noble ideas ended up becoming full of
the same dead works and self righteous attitudes of the pharisees as the outward performance
of works was the most important part of being a born again christian no matter what lip service
was payed to the gospel of Christ. Also various groups of christians locked in this form of
spiritual tryanny were always busy looking for new rules to follow and new evils to avoid such as
banning pant suits for women, no makeup either for women in some congregations, and men
you better not ever let your hair touch the back of your shirt collar! It's easy to see how
dancing was also on the do not do list, besides the easy ones such as not smoking or drinking.

 

[StreetPreacher82]

Basically the reason for bans on dancing and other activities of culture such as going to
movies, listening to any form of secular music in any style, etc, arose out of the
fundamentalist movement and it's back lash against the world around it starting
around the turn of the last century.

A lot of christian fundamentalist culture borrowed from the 19th century piety movements that
placed a tremendous importance on outward holiness, being whatever the church leaders deemed
to be holy living, while still claiming it was from the heart produced by indwelling power of the
Holy Spirit. There was also a desire to be disengaged from the evil outside world, other than
evangelizing and mission work. In other words, once noble ideas ended up becoming full of
the same dead works and self righteous attitudes of the pharisees as the outward performance
of works was the most important part of being a born again christian no matter what lip service
was payed to the gospel of Christ. Also various groups of christians locked in this form of
spiritual tryanny were always busy looking for new rules to follow and new evils to avoid such as
banning pant suits for women, no makeup either for women in some congregations, and men
you better not ever let your hair touch the back of your shirt collar! It's easy to see how
dancing was also on the do not do list, besides the easy ones such as not smoking or drinking.

I was going to ask if it was somehow tied into prohibition/sexual revolution of the early 20th century. But, I think you answered my question.

 

[TwistTim]

Seeing the grand majority of Southern Baptists around me that have to be carted off the dance floor, I must agree with edb19... Most have no Rhythm.... and those that do, are afraid to take the floor and let pride get into their hearts.....

seriously, it did grow out of the Flapper movement and the Fundamentalist retaliation movement.... but that happened in all stripes of Baptist Churches, and here in NC it is part of history and Baptists dance, except not at Church Weddings in two Churches I was at (Both in NC)... but they can rent a hall elsewhere, so they are married in church and have the reception outside the church...

I was at a Methodist Wedding once, and they had the Husband/Wife Dance no one else was allowed to dance that one, and there were no other dances.... it was weird...

Of course you can two-step into another ditch here, and Dance to distraction during worship such that you are to tired and to listless to even hear the preaching.... (I've seen that at a Pentecostal service, they praised so much I was the only one who noticed the sermon (which was 5 minutes) was utter nonsense (and no, not in tongues, English babble)

 

[eldermike]

I have been SB all my life. Being a life long musician it's time for us SB to face reality, most SB have rhythm issues.....

Years ago while working as a worship leader in a small SB church I attempted to teach the worship team to "sway" with the music..........it was the funniest thing you ever saw, it would have been a Utube classic if the internet had been 10 years sooner.

We can't dance, that's the only reason I can give you.

 

[JerryL]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BznsjIe5sMk

Oh man, this is a classic.

 

[seashale76]

I was married in a SB church and we also had the reception there. No dancing. My husband was raised in a SB church (his dad used to be a youth pastor) and the way he tells it, it was like WWIII in his house when his older sister wanted to go to prom (she eventually got her way). For my own part, my mom always wrote notes to the P.E. teacher when I was in elementary school saying that I wasn't allowed to learn how to dance. I spent a lot of time not being allowed to participate. However, back when I was a baptist, I do recall witnessing something called 'interpretive movement' on occasion in church. It was dancing and everybody knew it. The new name wasn't fooling anybody.

 

[fireman1173005]

Great question. I am Southern Baptist and personally see nothing wrong with dancing, but take my Grandmother who is also Southern Baptist and she has a different opinion. I think dancing can be a sin if we let it become sin. Example, dancing in a sexual way with someone of opposite sex. If it is kept clean, then I see nothing wrong with it. I don't know that I personally would ever recommend churches hosting dances as some kids from outside the church who might attend could possibly do things that we might not of intended to happen at a church function.

Brian