Should Christians go out dancing?

[vortigen84]

Do you reckon it's wrong for Christians to go out to clubs and dance to music?

I was reading this answer on another site, I'm not sure I agree with it though:

Nightclubs exist primarily for two purposes: drinking alcohol and meeting members of the opposite sex, most often with sexual activity in mind. Yes, there is music and dancing, but primarily singles in particular go clubbing to drink and meet someone. Nightclubs are of the world, and while Christians are to be in the world, we are not to be of it. Being of the world means to be interested in and desiring those things that appeal to the sinful nature.​

Mainly the "primarily singles ... go clubbing to drink and meet someone" part. I think that might be true for many, but I also think many actually enjoy music and dancing because it's fun. It just seems so much generalizing and throwing out the baby with the bathwater. I love music and art and stuff like that, I actually find it annoying being around others who are only there to get wasted and hookup; I also find it annoying being around folks who assume everyone is like that, because they're no fun and typically have bland taste in creative arts, they're like Sam The Eagle or something:

"Appeal to the sinful nature", what does that even mean? For example, sex appeals to virtually everyone, from pastors to porn stars. So does music, food, etc. So what does that even mean? I am convinced humans are supposed to experience physical / carnal / whatever you want to call it pleasure, and it is scrupulosity that holds some people back rather than legitimate morality.


Anyway... what are your thoughts on dance in general? Should we confine it to home and church? Should we only dance to "Christian" music? Should women dance when men are around or vice-versa? Is dancing with a partner who isn't your spouse inappropriate? Are some styles good and others bad?

 

[Avniel]

I go dancing I don't think there is anything wrong with that

 

[BFine]

It is wrong for those who go there for the purpose of
"hooking up" and getting drunk...however, one doesn't
need to go to a nightclub to do that, many folks have
done the same thing at house parties--this too would be sinful.

 

[briareos]

The idea that night clubs are inherently bad because that is what they typically get used for is simply a bad conclusion... it is completely illogical to use such reasoning to say that for Christians to go out dancing is wrong.

Nightclubs don't equal sex, nightclubs don't equal sin but he said they do because said nightclubs are of the world... then he jumped waaaaaaaaay over into saying that Christians shouldn't ever go there. It is also a bad conclusion to say that this idea begins to imply that Christians shouldn't like to go out dancing.

It's about as bad as saying

Nightclubs are proof that it's sinful to go out and dance period.

There are plenty of ways for Christians go out and dance without having sinful desires, committing sinful acts or being in sinful environments.

 

[TheyCallMeDave]

Do you reckon it's wrong for Christians to go out to clubs and dance to music?

I was reading this answer on another site, I'm not sure I agree with it though:

Nightclubs exist primarily for two purposes: drinking alcohol and meeting members of the opposite sex, most often with sexual activity in mind. Yes, there is music and dancing, but primarily singles in particular go clubbing to drink and meet someone. Nightclubs are of the world, and while Christians are to be in the world, we are not to be of it. Being of the world means to be interested in and desiring those things that appeal to the sinful nature.
​

Mainly the "primarily singles ... go clubbing to drink and meet someone" part. I think that might be true for many, but I also think many actually enjoy music and dancing because it's fun. It just seems so much generalizing and throwing out the baby with the bathwater. I love music and art and stuff like that, I actually find it annoying being around others who are only there to get wasted and hookup; I also find it annoying being around folks who assume everyone is like that, because they're no fun and typically have bland taste in creative arts, they're like Sam The Eagle or something:

"Appeal to the sinful nature", what does that even mean? For example, sex appeals to virtually everyone, from pastors to porn stars. So does music, food, etc. So what does that even mean? I am convinced humans are supposed to experience physical / carnal / whatever you want to call it pleasure, and it is scrupulosity that holds some people back rather than legitimate morality.


Anyway... what are your thoughts on dance in general? Should we confine it to home and church? Should we only dance to "Christian" music? Should women dance when men are around or vice-versa? Is dancing with a partner who isn't your spouse inappropriate? Are some styles good and others bad?

As Christians, we are called to be IN the world but not OF it . We need to be real careful with the NIghtclub thing because they are full of worldliness based on the flesh. , lust, and illicit sexual intent . Further, they are usually a recipe of women inciting drunk men often to the point where the woman can put herself in grave danger by being stalked . It is also an establishment that makes good profit out of getting its Patrons drunk with little regard to innocent Drivers on the road getting into accidents , or worse. , from the served alchohol .

A better enjoyable venue for Single Christians, is to hang out as a group and choose more sensible ,less worldly environment to frequent. One such venue ive found is a decent . , civil, Karaoke venue thats held inside a large Bowling Alley ; there is a bar there but its Patrons have (so far) been responsbile , courteous, and fun loving who enjoy gettin up to sing their favorite songs from their particular era. Ive not noticed any pickup attempts, drunkenness, or lewd activity ... and i typically have a small OJ to drink and stay for a couple of hours having fun with my Christian Bros and Sis's . We usually have dinner beforehand then head over there at 8 pm.

Finding a local Church Singles Ministry to do activities with, is a safer idea than going to what you already know are very worldly places that often attract the low-lifes in society (that is...people who dont mind having a reprobate mind and will act on it) .

Be careful. Peace. David.

 

[BFine]

We need to be mindful that all places are full of the things you
mentioned in your OP-- why else would the divorce rate be
so high in the Christian circle just as it is in the secular circle?

Lust, adultery, murder etc. begin in the "heart" the bible
reveals that.

Nowadays I'm finding most affairs began in the privacy of ones
on home via internet.

 

[seeingeyes]

Mainly the "primarily singles ... go clubbing to drink and meet someone" part. I think that might be true for many, but I also think many actually enjoy music and dancing because it's fun. It just seems so much generalizing and throwing out the baby with the bathwater. I love music and art and stuff like that, I actually find it annoying being around others who are only there to get wasted and hookup; I also find it annoying being around folks who assume everyone is like that, because they're no fun and typically have bland taste in creative arts, they're like Sam The Eagle or something:

This is God's way of keeping Sam the Eagle out of the club. You need to thank God for this.

I'm not a fan of nightclubs but not out of any religious outrage. I'd just rather be talking than dancing (and the folks around me concur!)

I also find it sad that art is so unappreciated in Christian circles these days. If I hear of a piece of fiction by a 'christian' author or screenwriter or painter, I usually don't even bother to look anymore. (Though I typically run in 'evangelical' circles, I'm sure that makes a difference.)

There really is no artistic outlet at all. We go to church in light-blue and brick corporate boxes. We watch sappy and moralizing movies. We hang Wal-mart paintings on the wall... Ok, now you've bummed me out and I need to go draw something.

 

[TheyCallMeDave]

This is God's way of keeping Sam the Eagle out of the club. You need to thank God for this.

I'm not a fan of nightclubs but not out of any religious outrage. I'd just rather be talking than dancing (and the folks around me concur!)

I also find it sad that art is so unappreciated in Christian circles these days. If I hear of a piece of fiction by a 'christian' author or screenwriter or painter, I usually don't even bother to look anymore. (Though I typically run in 'evangelical' circles, I'm sure that makes a difference.)

There really is no artistic outlet at all. We go to church in light-blue and brick corporate boxes. We watch sappy and moralizing movies. We hang Wal-mart paintings on the wall... Ok, now you've bummed me out and I need to go draw something.

Interesting..but, i find the Christian Life an enjoyable life filled with great potential and a variety of entertaining , stimulating, and enjoyable venues that come under : Freedom in Christ , to live my life in a God honoring and noble way .

 

[seeingeyes]

Interesting..but, i find the Christian Life an enjoyable life filled with great potential and a variety of entertaining , stimulating, and enjoyable venues that come under : Freedom in Christ , to live my life in a God honoring and noble way .

Then hook me up, friend. Because if I have to sit through one more Kirk Cameron production, I might just have to pluck out my eyes after all.

I think these things move in cycles though. I pray the children of the Creator will move out of their creative rut and get back in the game. There's no reason we can't have another Dostoevsky or Caravaggio to keep us examining their works for years. We just need someone to pay them.

I'm not really up on the current music scene. Are the kids making anything good these days?

 

[brohammer26]

Mike...michael..tonight bro I got to dance!

 

[brohammer26]

sry that was a dane cook reference. I hear you on this I have a lot of friends that still go out and I find it tempting to as well..just to get out ant let loose.

 

[BFine]

In NC and other places that I know of there are events/venues
for single Christians and or married Christians.

I just attended a Christian club yesterday at a hotel here in town--
there was a brunch, a motivational speaker, a musician and a fashion show.

They have a meeting once a month and it's open for singles and married folks.

Another club I went to had a Christian dance every weekend.
In NC, our local skating rink held Christian fun night each week.
Other churches had events as well.

If nothing is going on in your area-- how about rallying the troops
to get something going?

 

[Jupiter Drops]

There's nothing wrong with going to a club and dance to relieve stress and have fun with your friends. Few drinks are okay too. Be merry. Give thanks to the Lord for the good things in your life. However, if your objective is to get drunk and pick up girls for the night to feed your ungodly pleasure, then it's not good in God's eyes.

 

[TheyCallMeDave]

Then hook me up, friend. Because if I have to sit through one more Kirk Cameron production, I might just have to pluck out my eyes after all.

I think these things move in cycles though. I pray the children of the Creator will move out of their creative rut and get back in the game. There's no reason we can't have another Dostoevsky or Caravaggio to keep us examining their works for years. We just need someone to pay them.

I'm not really up on the current music scene. Are the kids making anything good these days?

If you want some greater sophisticated viewing, why dont you watch a few Debates between Top Christian Apologists and Atheist/Humanists ??? They are very educating, entertaining, and great at solidifying our Faith. Go here for some really great Debate videos with Dr. Norman Geisler / Frank Turek vs the Opposition www.impactapologetics.com . Or....go here if you like informative Science DVD's www.answersingenesis.org and www.icr.org . Also, do a google under CHRISTIAN movies as ive found alot of good ones with great drama and good acting.

 

[briareos]

I myself like to read... anything from Ann Rice is gold to me.

 

[seeingeyes]

If you want some greater sophisticated viewing, why dont you watch a few Debates between Top Christian Apologists and Atheist/Humanists ??? They are very educating, entertaining, and great at solidifying our Faith. Go here for some really great Debate videos with Dr. Norman Geisler / Frank Turek vs the Opposition www.impactapologetics.com . Or....go here if you like informative Science DVD's www.answersingenesis.org and www.icr.org . Also, do a google under CHRISTIAN movies as ive found alot of good ones with great drama and good acting.

Non-fiction we've surely got covered. Been working my way through N.T. Wright lately.

I myself like to read... anything from Ann Rice is gold to me.

I read her earlier stuff back in the day, always enjoyed the way she dug into the motivations of the most unlikely creatures.

How is her recent stuff?

 

[briareos]

Non-fiction we've surely got covered. Been working my way through N.T. Wright lately.



I read her earlier stuff back in the day, always enjoyed the way she dug into the motivations of the most unlikely creatures.

How is her recent stuff?

Don't get me started on Ann Rice... I can't pay enough homage and love to her and I don't want to slobber all over the screen. Some people here seem to think that I am an atheist in Christian clothing so my vast rendering of her greatness would only cause more confusion since she's decidely not Christian.

When I think of Ann Rice she has wings like an angel and is wreathed in holy light... she is my love, my heroin, my mentor, counselor and encourager.

 

[BFine]

???

 

[briareos]

Some people here seem to think I'm actually an atheist because all of my recent posts about them and my sentiments toward them and I esteem Ann greatly and I fear it would only add to that confusion.

 

[seeingeyes]

Don't get me started on Ann Rice... I can't pay enough homage and love to her and I don't want to slobber all over the screen. I have also convinced a few people here that I am an atheist in Christian clothing so my vast rendering of her greatness would only cause more confusion since she's decidely not Christian.

When I think of Ann Rice she has wings like an angel and is wreathed in holy light... she is my love, my heroin, my mentor, counselor and encourager.

Well, I read her stuff when she was a godless heathen, no sense in avoiding her now that she's a born again catholic.

Though, speaking more generally now, the church at large doesn't do a whole lot to encourage creativity nowadays (again, within my limit of experience). Some of it is undoubtedly a reflection of the culture as a whole. 'Art' is relegated to mere entertainment by our American culture. When you add to that our churchly penchant for apologetics and censorship, anything that is not the result of cold logic or pious 'taking out the worldly trash' gets squashed pretty quick.

It truly makes me sad.