Dear
Fr. Joe: My friend is a Baptist, and she says that going to dances is
a sin, and that they are evil things. I think she is too uptight. What
do you think?
I believe the first premise to keep in mind is this: Celebration
is good and holy. The Bible is filled with images of dancing
and festivals that lasted days at a time. As humans we need celebration.
We need those times when we get together, dance, enjoy ourselves and forget
what is wrong with the world. Young people in particular know how to have
fun, and if properly done, dances can be liberating and a great time for
all.
As Christians, we have to reclaim dances and make celebration ours again.
The way dances are celebrated is the problem. I believe that there are
three areas that are a problem in much of modern-day dancing.
One of my favorite speakers, Dr. Tony Campolo spoke about modern dancing
styles and said "Young people, if you can stand in front of people
gyrating like that and not be turned on, you aren’t spiritual, you
are dead." I agree and have to say that some of the time,
the way people dance today does nothing but reduce people to sexual objects.
God felt you were worth His life. You are more than how you look, and
you deserve better than to be treated like an object for someone else’s
sexual gratification.
Also, what the heck is up with lyrics these days? Why would we, as Christians,
get together and celebrate the things that a lot of lyrics imply? Instead
of celebrating these things, we need to reject such messages as unholy
and degrading and not take part in anything that involves them.
Third, and most importantly, in my mind, dances hold the possibility of
reaffirming something inherently evil about the way the world operates:
the very people who Jesus most reached out to are generally rejected at
dances. Look at the next dance you are at and see if about half of the
participants are told that they are not acceptable. Relegated to the side,
standing against the wall, or not even attending because they
know what is going to happen to them are often the very people who don’t
need to be reminded of how the world views them.
So, are dances evil?
No, just the way we do them. But we can reclaim them. Here’s my
master plan:
The first thing is when we dance, we must to treat our bodies
with dignity. How we dance is important, and some dance styles
are inappropriate. Standing, snapping your fingers and making strange
faces is pretty scary, but that is not what I am talking about. I am talking
about dance styles that basically involve sex in public with clothes on.
Secondly, if the music has lyrics that are not appropriate, step
away. Don’t participate. Vote with your bodies. Young people,
you are the market they want, and if you don’t respond to -- or
purchase -- music that is degrading or foul, they will stop making it.
If you hear it, leave the floor.
Finally, make sure that everyone is included. Group dances
are fun and nobody is left out that way. Invite everyone. Dance with everyone.
Have fun!
These are key ideas that can help us transform our celebrations into something
that we are proud of and not ashamed of.
Send your Questions to:
“In the Know with Fr. Joe”
FAITH Magazine
300 W. Ottawa, Lansing, MI 48933
Or: JoeInBlack@priest.com
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