Should a Christian Attend Shows with Dancing and Music?
A reader asks, “Should a Christian attend shows with dancing and music?” The question is too vague and also indicates some misunderstanding as well. The definition of “dancing” is, “a successive group of rhythmical steps or bodily motions, or both, usually executed to music” (“Dancing”). Nowhere in Scripture are Christians forbidden, aside from singing hymns, psalms and spiritual songs in worship (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16), from enjoying or playing instrumental music. In addition, successive rhythmical steps or bodily motions accompanied by music are not necessarily sinful; whether it is sinful depends on the type of bodily motions and with whom (if anyone) the dancing occurs. The type of dancing forbidden by Scripture are “revelries” (Galatians 5:21; 1 Peter 4:3), which are associated with “drunkenness” (Galatians 5:21) and “lewdness” (Galatians 5:19).
Christians ought not to subject themselves to the influence of or participate in bawdy gyrations with or without music and with or without alcoholic beverages. The type of behavior between persons that is immoral is no more acceptable if plied with booze or set to music. Yet, Christians may well enjoy shows with dancing and music that are not characterized by the vices contained in the Sins of the Flesh in Galatians 5:19-21, etc.
