Should people be allowed to dance in Church?

Question

The church I attend allows(encourages) people to dance during the worship service. What do you think of that?

If your in agreement then I challenge you to step out and worship the Lord in dance this Sunday

Answer 1

That is called freedom of worship. It is a beautiful thing! How sad it is that men and women can holler and act like complete idiots at a sports game, but become all stuffy and boring when they are in the Lord's house. No thing or person deserves our praise and worship more than God.

Answer 2

I'm not too wild about it, but then I was raised catholic (very stiff and traditional) and am now an atheist. I personally would feel very uncomfortable doing that.

I guess if that is how people express their devotion, then that is ok. Religions always want people to get more involved, so dancing is a good way to get people active and engaged. Plus, song and dance has a huge role in the traditions of some religions (song in almost all, dance to a lesser degree) and I think it is important to preserve and express culture.

It is important, though, to be able to distinguish emotions/fun/even hysteria from a religious/spiritual/supernatural experience. Dancing is great, but if it gets you so excited that you can't make rational theological decisions, then it's time to stop.

Answer 3

dance? the bible talks about dancing a bit, but from what I have read, and taking much of what I read into a context. You shouldn't take away from the message or make it difficult for others to understand the word. In some churches, dancing would clearly be a distraction, but in some, dancing would encourage everyone and gods work would be done in that way. You don't want to upstage the pastor and the message, but on the other hand, you want to rejoice as one of gods children. I don't know. Take it case by case.

Answer 4

It certainly should be allowed when you have received an answer to your prayer.., especially healing manifested or finances restored or family members getting born again or filled with the Holy Spirit! Who could stop it?
Then our church also has a dance team ministry and it truly brings the spirit of God on the scene.
Why not! What do you think the word "rejoice" involves?

Answer 5

No, they should organize a party at home and dance to their hearts' content.

I see a lot of misquotes and ignorance in the previous answers.

Firstly, most mention of 'dance' in the Old Testament was a type of instrument.

Secondly, David and Mariam's dancing was not IN THE CHURCH. These were social occasions.

Thirdly, Psalm is a book of POETRY, with much figures of speech.

Lastly, those quotes that speak about dance in Psalms also speak about praising God with a two-edged sword. Now, THAT is something I would like to SEE in church.

Answer 6

Remember the movie Footloose?

It's a tale of teen rebellion and repression that features a delightful combination of dance choreography and realistic and touching performances. When teenager Ren (Kevin Bacon) and his family move from big-city Chicago to a small town in the West, he's in for a real case of culture shock. Though he tries hard to fit in, the streetwise Ren can't quite believe he's living in a place where rock music and dancing are illegal. There is one small pleasure, however: Ariel (Lori Singer), a troubled but lovely blonde with a jealous boyfriend and an over protective father who is the Bible thumping minister responsible for keeping the town dance-free. Ren and his classmates want to do away with this ordinance, especially since the senior prom is around the corner, but only Ren has the courage to initiate a battle to abolish the outmoded ban and revitalize the spirit of the repressed townspeople. Fast-paced drama is filled with such now-famous hit songs as the title track and "Let's Hear It for the Boy.

Answer 7

I agree with hpathik. I have attended churches where people were so on fire and in love with the Lord that they danced for joy. That is a beautiful thing.

Answer 8

I saw 'em doing it once in a holiness church. But they also had snakes they were taking out of boxes. This was in the spring of '77 in Kentucky. Don't know if they still do it or not. But I thought then and now, that was a good reason for dancing. (Just staying away from the true believers with snakes in hand)

Answer 9

David danced before the Lord. As long as its not for peoples attention and is worship to God, its OK.

Answer 10

As far as I know ,years ago church was used as a meeting place for social functions, including dancing, eating etc. It was only later on that church halls were built to cover such functions. Personally I see no harm in it.