Is going to the prom a sin?

Question

My grandmother and mother say that it is and my mother will not give me a solid answer to see how or why they would think this.

Answer 1

it sound like your Mother, and Grandmother, are old time Pentecostals
I was not allowed to go to mine, and i left the church, for several years after that, when I matured and quit listening to religion, and started listening to God, I found out that not every thing is a sin..

Answer 2

I think your mother and grandmother could possibly be telling you that because they're afraid of what might happen at the prom. Going to the prom is not a sin in itself but by some religions' standards having premarital sex or drinking are in fact sins. They are probably just trying to protect you from those things because they don't want you to do something you might regret. Try talking to them and tell them that you just want to have a fun traditional night with your friends and that nothing sinful will happen. Going to the prom is something every teenager should do because it is such a huge part of your life in high school. See if you can compromise with your mom by saying that you want to go to prom but you'll be home at a reasonable time so that she knows you are OK.

Answer 3

The Bible doesn't give specific instructions on dancing. So I'll point out some examples of good and bad dancing, and then mention some biblical principles to build dancing standards on. Here goes: Exodus 32:6, 19-25--This is a disappointing part of Israel's history. While Moses was up on the mountain talking to God, the Israelites built an idol. In the process of the idol worship, they began to dance. This ended up in "revelry" (v. 6) and being "out of control" (v.25 says "naked" in some translations). In this case, dancing led to very sinful activity. In Exodus 15:20 (mentioned above), Miriam was dancing to celebrate the victory God's power had brought at the Red Sea. 2 Samuel 6:12-16--David "danced before the Lord" to celebrate the Ark of the Covenant being brought back to Jerusalem.



Every instance of dancing that is not considered sinful was done in worship or praise to God. Here are some more principles to keep in mind in considering dancing: Ecclesiastes 3:4--There is an appropriate time to dance (and inversely an inappropriate time to dance). Psalm 149:3 & 150:4--Both passages mention that we can praise or worship God through dance. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20--Our bodies belong to God, and are the temple of the Holy Spirit. So everything we do must be honoring to Him.



Dancing to bring attention to yourself or your body therefore would be sinful. 1 Corinthians 7:1-3--The writer says, "It is good for a man not to touch a woman." (see New American or King James for this translation as NIV says "marry" instead) Paul was acknowledging that men have a very strong sex drive that is easy to set off. Because of this, many styles of pair dancing outside of marriage can be very tempting, especially to the man. 2 Timothy 2:22--"Flee (as in "run away from") the evil desires of youth." Any dancing that stirs up sinful desires in yourself OR OTHERS PARTICIPATING is sinful. Matthew 18:6--Doing something that might cause someone else to stumble into sin is considered absolutely inexcusable. Dancing in a way that would cause someone else to lust would fall under this guideline. 1 Thessalonians 5:22--This is a great rule of thumb if you're not sure if a dancing situation is o.k. It says, "Avoid every kind of evil." If it even looks like it could be sinful, don't do it.



In the end, there is a lot of dancing that is inappropriate for believers who should be trying to glorify God with their lives, and especially their bodies. Yet the Bible acknowledges that you can dance in a way that does not tempt others, does not tempt yourself, and brings glory to God. I hope these guidelines and examples will help you to set Godly standards.

Recommended Resource: Balancing the Christian Life by Charles Ryrie.

Answer 4

I'm in a similar disposition my grandma and the church i go to call it a sin because there is dancing and they believe its wrong to dance in my personal question this is a time you have to search your soul and figure out what you will be doing there will you be tempted so much by promiscuity alcohol and whatever else and see if it will effect you and if will give in if you know your judgment will be impaired or you are in doubt about this dance and it has a negative effect on your conscience well i know this is long and im sorry but i hope this helps by the way i am going to prom and i feel that i am not wrong and i have studied it in the bible but that's just me Good luck

Answer 5

I will never understand how some people figure dancing is a sin. If you haven't seen the movie Footloose, I suggest you rent it.

Sure, dancing can be provacative. Sure, prom might lead to sin.

But there comes a time when you have to trust yourself. Or your parents have to trust that they've instilled you with the love of God - over the desire for sex.

That's probably what they are afraid of. The whole "everybody does it" business. Everybody has sex after prom. Well - they don't. Find yourself a good Christian girl to go with. Find accountability partners. Sit down and talk with Mom and Grandma and spell out how you are going to protect yourself AND your date - from temptation.

Answer 6

Its not a sin but sometimes there are temptations involved with it. Your friends who are non Christian or who are slacking in their faith could lure you to drink, to go have sex in a motel or a car, they could convince you to take drugs and smoke. See Proverbs 12:26 and Psalm 1:1..... If you know youre going to have trouble perhaps you should leave early. I hope you have some brothers in Christ and friends that are of good influence for you. Be strong and represent Christ in everything you do. Be different than the world. God sees you and wants you to have joy but not in sinful, perverted and disgusting ways. God bless.

Answer 7

Have you given them a reason to think you might misbehave? You say your mom won't give you a solid answer - sit her down, tell her this is very important for you to understand, don't let her off the hook, but don't lose your temper... tell them you can be trusted. Perhaps it is their own personal experiences with prom that have made them this way?
I wish you luck

Answer 8

Going to the prom is not a sin . They are worried about what you might do ( that which is wrong ) that is upsetting them . Have you done something in the past that is influencing their decision ?

Answer 9

It's because religion is destroying their sense of reasoning. Just tell them you won't do drugs and you won't have sex, you won't even drink. They'll know exactly where you are and who you're with, and you'll be home by curfew unless you notify them beforehand to see if it's okay. Than kiss your mama on the cheek and tell her thanks.

Answer 10

Depends on what you do while you are there. And afterwards. My prom didn't involve any sin.
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