A: I am indeed against dancing in the modern sense of
the practice. However, that does not mean I am against
you. My conviction comes from putting together several
biblical precepts and applying as best as I can to my
life. Let me see if I can explain.
First, let's look at the good things about dancing. It is good
exercise. It helps develop coordination. It works as a socializing
tool (that is, it helps kids get to know each other and learn to
react to one another). These are all good and dancing certainly
provides them.
But now, let's look at the negatives about dancing. Dancing encourages
seductive movements before the eyes of others. Our daughters are
taught to wiggle in various ways in front of the boys. Also, most
forms encourage physical contact between the sexes to varying degrees.
The world would laugh at our concern over this, but as a parent
I believe you can understand the dangers of encouraging this. Dancing
also prepares the young for the greater "adventures"
of the night club and other entertainment forms. In 1Thessalonians
5:22, we are told, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." Dancing
is often associated with evil in this world.
Traditionally, Baptists have opposed worldly activities such as
dancing for the reasons given above and more. But today, even most
Baptists have fallen away from these convictions. Neither you nor
your daughter are evil because she goes to dancing school. However,
I hope you will pray and seek the will of the Lord in this. Go
to the Lord and tell Him that you are willing to do whatever He
wants, ask Him to reveal His will to you in this, expect an answer,
and then obey Him. I am sure that He will help you with this decision
if you will be submissive to Him.
One final comment: The benefits that I admitted can come from dancing
in the earlier paragraph can also be gotten in other ways without
the problems. Families and children who love the Lord and practice
strong convictions do not have to be miserable. We found that out
with our own children. I believe that they had a very happy and
exciting childhood and so can yours. God bless.
Till He comes,
Pastor David Reagan