Do Baptists Dance?
How About Other Denominations?
Christians have been debating the issue of dancing for centuries. The Bible doesn’t give a clear answer on whether or not dancing is a sin, but there are plenty of verses that speak to the importance of modesty and avoiding anything that could lead to lustful thoughts. So where does that leave Baptists? And what about other denominations?
The fact is, Baptists are divided on the issue of dancing. Some Baptists believe that any kind of dancing is sinful, while others believe that it’s fine as long as it’s done in moderation and with the right intentions.
There are even some Baptists who enjoy square dancing! As for other denominations, they tend to be more accepting of dancing, although there are always going to be some people within each denomination who believe that dancing is a sin. Let’s explore this subject together.
At the end of the day, it’s up to each individual Christian to decide whether or not they want to dance. If you’re struggling with the decision, pray about it and ask God for guidance. And if you do decided to dance, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons – to glorify God and have fun – and not because you’re trying to impress other people or show off your moves.
What Does The Bible Say About Dancing?
So, while Baptists may not dance as often as other Christians, there are some Bible verses that suggest it is okay to do so. David wrote in Psalm 149:3 Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp.
Psalm 30:11 says, You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.
1 Samuel 18:6 tells the story of what happened after David killed the giant, 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.”
Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, (2 Samuel 6:14) This story is when David was overjoyed at the return of the Ark of the Covenant. And he was the king anointed by Samuel, and chosen by God. David was also called the apple of God’s eye.
In Luke 15:25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing.” This story is in regard to the son that turned away from his father and squandered the inheritance he had demanded. Then once broke and starving he came home to beg for a job in order to eat.
The father that had been tossed aside and considered dead by his prodigal son, watched daily with hope and expectation for the return of his son. This story is a parable told by Jesus to show the faithful, unending, undeserving love of the Heavenly Father for all of His children.
Exodus 15: “Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing.”
In both the Old Testament and New Testament dancing was viewed favorably and considered an acceptable way to praise God. And if God is “The same yesterday, today and forever” then what brought about this change of view on dancing? I will get into that in a moment.
Why Dancing Is A Good Way To Worship God
Dancing is a great way to worship God because it helps us to express our joy and gratitude for all He has done for us. It also allows us to connect with Him on a deeper level. When we dance, we are able to move our bodies in response to the music and let go of all our worries and concerns.
This can be a very liberating experience that helps us to feel closer to God. Many people in other denominations also use flags in worship. This shows that His banner is raised over us.
The History Of Dancing
Dancing started in America in the early 1800s. At this time, there was a lot of social dancing happening in the ballrooms of big cities like New York and Boston. These dances were often quite formal, and participants were expected to dress up in their best clothes and behave politely.
The most popular dance at this time was the waltz. This dance was considered quite scandalous because it involved couples dancing very close to each other. Other dances that were popular at this time include the polka, the quadrille, and the cotillion.
As time went on, dancing became more and more popular in America. By the early 1900s, there were many different types of dances being danced in ballrooms and dance halls across the country.
One of the most popular dances of this era was the Lindy Hop. This dance originated in Harlem, New York City, and quickly spread to other parts of the country. The Lindy Hop is a very fast-paced dance that involves a lot of jumping and spinning.
Another popular dance from this era is the Charleston. The Charleston is a solo dance that involves lots of quick movements and feet tapping.
The 1920s was a decade when dancing really took off in America. This was due in part to the rise of jazz music. Jazz music was very popular among young people, and it was often played in dance halls and speakeasies.
Dancing can be a lot of fun, but it’s not for everyone. Some people find it too suggestive or think it leads to impurity. However, if done respectfully, dancing can be a great way to let loose and have some fun – whether you’re Christian or not.
Many of today’s dances are very suggestive or straight out showing a sexual movement as two people move together. These dances have been an evolution of entertainment throughout the decades. These are the very reason that Baptists, as well as other Holiness Christian sects have banned dancing.
How Is Gambling Associated With Alcohol And Dancing?
Gambling and alcohol have been associated with one another for centuries. While the reasons behind this correlation are varied, some believe that the link between the two activities is derived from Christianity.
According to the Bible, Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding party. This story has been used as justification for alcohol consumption in general, and by extension, for gambling. Gambling proponents argue that if God saw no issue with people drinking wine at a celebration, then there is no issue with gambling either.
However, there are a few different Bible verses that address gambling. In general, the Bible takes a negative view of gambling, warning against its many dangers.
Some of the most famous Bible verses about gambling can be found in the book of Proverbs. In Proverbs chapter 28, verse 8, it says “He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.” This verse is warning against the dangers of gambling, and specifically how it can lead to greed and poverty.
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? (Matthew 16:26)
Finally, in Ecclesiastes chapter 9: 11b it says “so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.” This verse is saying that foolishness in any area of your life, including finances will deplete one of all their wisdom and honor before others.
So overall, the Bible is not in favor of gambling. But What Does It Mean To Be A Christian? Read more here.
Alcohol was a very large part of the Jewish celebrations in the Bible. The reason Baptists, as well as other Holiness Denominations forbid drinking is because it leads to all forms of sinful actions. Anger, murder, and sexual immorality to name a few.
It also causes one to turn their feelings inward, doing harm mentally and physically to themselves. It does not help to solve a problem but can lead to more and bigger problems. This is directly against God’s plan to “cast all of our cares (worries, troubles, fears, anxieties) on Him, because He cares for us.” 1 Peter 5:7
By not turning to God it shows that we do not trust Him to take care of things for us. It may also show the lack of faith in His ability to work out each situation. Inwardly we believe that we are alone and have to fix every situation, when this is impossible.
To Sum Up, Do Baptists Dance And How About Other Denominations?
Baptists and other denominations generally differ on their stances when it comes to dancing. Baptists typically don’t dance, while other denominations may have different approaches. Some denominations may see dancing as a way to come together and have fun, while others may see it as something that should be done in moderation.
P.S. (Plain and Simple) Do Baptists dance? What about other denominations?
It’s up to the individual to turn to God for answers about what they should and should not do. He loves us so much He is waiting for us to talk to Him and give Him all of our concerns about everything.