“Dancing Is Sinful”

Carrol R. Sutton

Dancing is an accepted social practice of the world. Many professed Christians engage in dancing or approve of those who do. Some preachers see “no harm” in the modern dance. Those who are spiritually mature should be able to discern good and evil. It is the firm conviction of this writer that modern dancing is sinful. Let us consider some of the reasons that such is the case.

Dancing is condemned as a work of the flesh. It is included in the word “lasciviousness” in Galatians 5:19-21 and in the word “wantonness” in Romans 13:13. To be lascivious means to be “wanton, lewd, or lustful.” That which produces or tends to produce lewd or lustful thoughts or emotions is lasciviousness. In commenting on “wanton (acts or) manner,” Thayer’s Lexicon says “as filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females, etc.” (Pages 79-80).

Dancing may also be condemned (in some instances) under “reveling” which is also a work of the flesh that is specifically condemned in Galatians 5:19-21. The New Century Dictionary says under the word “revel” (among other things): “specif., formerly an occasion or course of noisy festivity with dancing, masking, and other forms of entertainment.” (Page 1545). Note: Dancing is unquestionably sinful because it produces or tends to produce lewd or lustful thoughts or emotions!

Dancing bears evil fruit. Jesus said: “Therefore by their fruits you will know them” (Matt 7:20). The modern dance has produced broken hearted parents, fornication, divorce, drunkenness, prostitution, cursing, fighting, murder and other vices. Dancing can not be a “good tree” with such rotten fruit!

Dancing will corrupt good morals because it has evil companions. The apostle Paul said: “Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits.” (1 Cor 15:33). Evil companionship or communion will indeed corrupt good morals or character. Dancing does not strengthen one’s moral character.

Dancing is definitely of the world since it is evil and produces evil fruit. We must not engage in it. Please read 1 John 2:15-17, James 1:27, James 4:4, Romans 12:1-2, and John 15:19 very carefully.

Dancing has the appearance of evil. “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thes 5:22).

Dancing will ruin the good influence of a Christian. A Christian should be “an example of the believers” and in “all things” show himself “a pattern of good works” (1 Tim 4:12; Tit 2:7-8; Matt 5:16). The most godly people on earth do not dance nor encourage others to dance. Even many ungodly people believe it is wrong to dance. So if a Christian dances, it will certainly ruin his influence for good.

Someone has said that “a dancing leg and a praying knee” do not belong on the same body. I say, AMEN!