Herbert W Armstrong

   The question "Is it a sin to dance?" has been in the minds of many.

   God's Word shows us that "sin is the transgression of the law" (I John 3:4). Does dancing transgress God's law?

   It is obviously WRONG to dance in a lustful manner or in a smoke-filled night club. This wrong kind of dancing characterizes the vast majority of dancing situations today! BUT there is a right kind of dancing. There is "a time to dance" (Eccl. 3:4).

   The Bible is full of examples of dancing (Ex. 15:20). Miriam and the women of Israel rejoiced in the dance over their deliverance from Egypt. In I Samuel 18:6, the women came out singing and dancing to greet Saul as he returned after a military victory. We see in II Samuel 6:14 that David, a man after God's own heart, danced with all his might.

   Psalm 149:3 shows the converted people in God's Kingdom are to praise God "in the dance." God specifically states that He will cause those people to dance and rejoice together over their deliverance from captivity (Jer. 31:4,13). In the account of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), we are given an example of how joy may be expressed in dancing (verse 25).

   We find no mention in the Bible as to the various dance steps used as they are of secondary importance. It is the mood and attitude of JOY that is essential for the kind of dancing God wants us to do.

   It is not sinful or "worldly" for real Christians — young or old — to relax and rejoice with others of godly faith in a clean wholesome atmosphere and surroundings.

   Remember! God says: "There IS a time to dance" (Eccl. 3:4), so let's do it at the right time and in the right way!