Hey, everyone. I'm Baptist myself, but I have always wondered why Baptists believe in no dancing. Anyone?
Time for you to stop believing stereotypes and live in the real world.Hey, everyone. I'm Baptist myself, but I have always wondered why Baptists believe in no dancing. Anyone?
That makes two of us ... doesn't stop me either (much to my friends' chagrin!)I dance all the time...poorly, but still
Time for you to stop believing stereotypes and live in the real world.
Seriously, where did you hear that? Although outside of worship (which I think counts), I haven't seen any Baptist dance, but then again, I really wasn't on the look-out, so I say: unintended straw man.
Hey, everyone. I'm Baptist myself, but I have always wondered why Baptists believe in no dancing. Anyone?
I'm sorry, brother, I've been being silly.
Traditionally, (not in a contemporary context,) Baptists have been a socially conservative people. Avoiding bars, pubs, social drinking, dancing, high society, etc. With this comes, "the dance." Often associated with a more, let's say, sensual appearance, dancing can be offensive and physically attracting.
Some have used the negative outcome of David's dancing in the O.T., but I was always told his dance was not, pardon the expression, the Dish Rag Twist, or the Skunk Skeedaddle, but he was literally leaping and jumping for joy in the presence of the Lord because of the return of the Ark of the Covenant.
The scripture does admonish us:
1 Thess. 5
[22] Abstain from all appearance of evil.
The text instructs us to abstain (not just avoid) from the appearance of evil. The question may not be, "Is dancing sinful?" but, "Could it appear that way to the onlookers?"
Some may say, "Who cares, God knows my heart!" Yes, he does, but that is not what onlookers see, the see the appearance. "Well, that's their problem! Right?" No, we are not alone in Body life. We are to consider what our actions are going to be construed as by others. Paul said:
1 Cor. 8
[9] But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
Dancing would fall under the category of a liberty, but the Lord expects us to use our liberties carefully because of their impact.
[10] For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
O.k., so you wouldn't go to the Dance Club, or do some Dirty Dancing, but if those who are weak, who watch and respect your opinion, see you dancing, will it embolden them to do more than you, by conscious, would do? Remember your not in this alone. We are part of a Body. I might not stick MY hand in the fire, but if foot decides to jump in won't the body suffer from his actions? Yes.
[11] And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
[12] But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
So, Paul concludes, when you cause a weak one to stumble with your liberty, you thus sin against Christ.
This is a way to see this issue.
Thank you. I really appreciate you taking the time to write all that. That helped a lot with multiple things! God bless you!
You're quite welcome, and oh, by the way, I noticed the PINK FEMALE icon. . . oops! Sorry, sister.
Hey, everyone. I'm Baptist myself, but I have always wondered why Baptists believe in no dancing. Anyone?