Here youth leaders, parents and young people can ask a team of experts questions about issues facing youth.

Is it a sin to dance? Why, yes or no?

Florian Stabekk, Norway

Answer from Kevin Wilson, youth minister at First Baptist Church in Mt. Airy, N.C.

Florian, Hello! My name is Kevin and I serve as Minister to Youth at a Baptist Church in the United States. I have recently received your question about whether or not it is a sin to dance, why or why not. Well, I have a 17-year-old boy in my youth group who is a very committed Christian and who loves to dance. He is even attending a school in the United States preparing him for a career in dance. Let me share with you some of his thoughts related to your question.

"Psalm 150 in the Old Testament encourages the people of God to 'Praise God with tambourine and dancing...'. Even King David of the Old Testament, the most revered king in Israel's history, danced before God in worship and celebration. Dancing, in and of itself, is not sinful. Dancing can be used as a powerful tool for the worship of God. I seek to bring glory to God in my dancing and to praise God in my dancing by giving to God my performances. Yet I also believe that the manner in which you use dance may be seen as sinful if it's used in a suggestive way, for example. Music is much the same way. For centuries music has been used to worship, honor, and glorify God, but it can also be used to dishonor God, depending on the lyrics and the manner in which it's used."

Florian, I have to agree with the above thoughts on dancing. I have seen the above mentioned teenager dance, and it was a very worshipful experience. It was his way of honoring God. Yet as with music, medications, speaking, and a host of other things, dance has the potential to be sinful depending on how it's used and why it's used. Perhaps with dance, as well as many other activities, the question we need to ask ourselves is, "Is what I'm doing honoring to God?"
Another thing you should consider, perhaps, is your culture (the feelings/beliefs of your particular religious community) The apostle Paul (in Romans 14: 13-23 and I Corinthians 8) encourages Christians to consider their actions and whether or not their actions may cause other Christians to stumble - whether or not their actions may offend others. Will dancing cause another to stumble in his/her faith? What is the loving thing to do in this situation? Even if you believe dancing is O.K., I believe you should consider if it's the right thing to do in your particular situation.
I hope I have helped answer your question. If you have further questions please don't hesitate to contact me. God Bless You - Kevin

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