Pentecostal Christianity is known for its strong tradition of respecting conservative ideals. Since the beginning of the modern Pentecostal movement in the early 20th century, churches and denominations belonging to this tradition have defended sacred doctrine and holy behavior. Many people wonder if Pentecostals can dance.
According to Pentecostal beliefs, dancing isn’t necessarily sinful. Believers should be careful about where and how they dance. Pentecostals are familiar with passages that speak of people dancing. Some even do it in worship. However, there are some forms they don’t like.
What type of dancing is considered sinful in the Pentecostal traditions? What are some examples of Pentecostalism’s dancing? What does the Bible have to say about dancing? Continue reading to find out the answers to these and other questions.
What type of dance is considered sinful in the Pentecostal tradition?
Orthodox Pentecostalism does not teach that dancing is wrong. Many Pentecostal leaders, like pastors teach that dancing can be wrong in certain contexts and involve certain actions. Here are three examples.
Dancing can be considered sinful if it mimics unholy sexual activity. These movements are reminiscent of sexual activity. Some movements involve touching, while others do not. Pentecostals generally agree that these dances don’t honor God that glorifies sexual immorality.
It is possible to be sinful by dancing, depending on the environment and context. Some Pentecostals believe that dancing is an activity associated with the world. This view holds that any activity should be avoided regardless of whether it is inherently sinful.
The same applies to Christians who don’t go to movies. Christians should not wear a particular style of clothing. Although some Pentecostals continue to live by these guidelines, disassociating from social norms or trends does not entirely characterize Pentecostalism.
It may be wise to avoid dancing depending on the touching involved. Some people may feel uncomfortable touching someone in certain ways or on specific parts of their bodies. This could jeopardize their purity of heart and mind. Although the dance is not necessarily sinful, it can lead to other sins.
What are some examples of dance in Pentecostalism that you would recommend?
Although most Pentecostals recommend caution to young people when it comes to dancing, many believe that some forms are healthy and holy.
Some forms of dancing can be good exercise and help people care for their bodies. Dancing can be healthy for a married couple because it promotes health and can include affectionate touching.
- Weddings can provide the right environment for dancing. Although some weddings might not allow for proper dancing, others may include loving traditions such as father-daughter dancing that is pure, holy, and pleasing to God. Like other Christian traditions, a wedding in Pentecostalism is an important occasion in which a woman moves from her family to start a new life. The father-daughter dance beautifully represents this transition.
- Children can express themselves by dancing. Some children enjoy the beat of a song. Children instinctively follow a song’s beat and will try to sing along to it. According to orthodox Pentecostal teaching, it is not inappropriate for children to express themselves in this way.
- Examples of worshipping God in dance are found in the Bible: Miriam and David were examples of believers dancing for God. Pentecostals may dance in a sanctuary during worship services, possibly more than other people from other traditions. Many churches allow such dancing to be encouraged without any restrictions. Recognizing that not everyone is comfortable dancing at church services, some churches regulate the practice to ensure it doesn’t distract from worship.
What does the Bible have to say about dancing?
In several verses, the Bible describes and mentions dancing. Dancing is often associated with evil and sin in some scenes. In others, dancing is associated with joy in God and worship.
Dancing After The Exodus From Egypt:
Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.
Exodus 15:20
Dancing In Worship
Let them praise His name with the dance;
Psalm 149:3
Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.
Dancing Is Contrasted With Mourning
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
Psalm 30:11
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
A time to weep,
Ecclesiastes 3:4
And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;
Dancing After The Prodigal Son Returns
“Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
Luke 15:25
In the context of sin, evil, and dancing, dancing is also mentioned. Many Bible readers believe that dancing is directly related to sin in the sense it’s a physical manifestation of sin and evil.
Others believe that the sin in these passages doesn’t involve dancing. Exodus 32’s sin is idolatry, while Mark 6’s sin is in the context of the murder of John.
Dancing At The Worship Of The Golden Calf
So it was, as soon as he came near the camp, that he saw the calf and the dancing. So Moses’ anger became hot, and he cast the tablets out of his hands and broke them at the foot of the mountain.
Exodus 32:19
Dancing At The Death Of John The Baptist
And when Herodias’ daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.”
Mark 6:22
Conclusion – Do Pentecostals Believe In Dancing?
In conclusion, it can be said that Pentecostals generally believe that dancing is a form of expression that can be used to glorify God. However, there is no one answer to whether or not Pentecostals believe in dancing, as there are many different sects within Pentecostalism with varying beliefs. ultimately, it is up to the individual Pentecostal to decide whether or not they believe in dancing.
