Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - May 1/56

Contributor - D. J. Geerling

Title - Our Attitude Toward Dancing

Topic - Youth

Much has been said among Reformed Christian Young People, about whether or not dancing as a social pastime is in keeping with the best of Christian ethics. It is my experience that more often than not this subject is relegated to the realm of our individual feelings and dispositions, without finding the proper solution as justified by the Biblical teaching. However, being aware of the fact that by raising the issue on this Youth Page I might create more controversy, yet I venture to put the case against dancing in any of the popular forms, where it is being performed as a mere Source of worldly pleasure and entertainment. I will squarely base my conviction on the foundation of Christian ethics and before I continue to elaborate on this point, I must first deal with some of the familiar assertions, which are often alleged in favour of dancing. For example: Is not dancing the most natural form of self-expression? Is there anything unchristian in dancing, if we go to a respectable place? Is not dancing consistent with all the decencies of life? Where does it say in the Bible that we are not allowed to go dancing? From whence then the old-fashioned belief and tradition that Christian Young people are not entitled to this form of entertainment? Of course, the same young people realize that dancing should not be subjected to abuse, but after all that applies to all worthy entertainment.

And so we can go on indefinitely, but in the scope of this dissertation, brevity demands to confine our topic to the most elementary points. Admittedly these questions, as mentioned above, are not altogether void of a sound rational appeal to many of our young people. In particular the realization on their part that dancing should not be abused,, at first sight seems to justify and safeguard their stand. But it is here that I disagree with those who favour dancing and firmly believe that we should not be carried away by this allurement. We better concern ourselves in this regard with the question: What is really consistent with the ethics of the Christian religion? All too often, we make the common mistake of adapting the Christian moral standards to our human conceptions of good behaviour. I do not assert that there is any need to denounce, good behaviour in human relations, be it Christian or otherwise, whether engaged in dancing or in our daily work, the point is that we should clearly discern as young people that whereas -the world may -ever its moral conduct from the demands of Jesus Christ, -we, however, can never do so. On this realization hinges our argument, The Christian standard of ethics differs fundamentally from all other ethical standards the world may know. The former demands our entire being, our entire obedience, the latter invariably revolves around man. As Regenerated Christians, who know Christ's redeeming love and grace, our ethics are aimed at the glorification of God and His Kingdom. This should guide us in all circumstances of life, whatever we do and wherever we go. I earnestly believe that as Christian young people we should be governed by this central principle in choosing our forms of entertainment.

To come back to dancing, I do agree with the remarks of those who say that there are different forms of dancing, for instance, folk and square dancing. Granted that this is a more innocent pastime than visiting a ballroom, the root of the matter is that good Christian morals have no need of any such segregation as to what is permissible and what is barely not. Ours is a standard of principle, not of degree. With our habits of entertainment based on this principle, I do not think that the dance hall will hold its attraction for long. Young people, who as Christians prefer conformity with this sort of pleasure, will soon find impaired their Spiritual Growth which leads to real life and happiness.

Please click the "Back" button of your browser to return to previous page.