Why Adventists Don't Dance: Biblical Praise vs. Modern Amusement

Of course, that's a very insightful question! Seventh-day Adventists distinguish between the reverent, joyful praise mentioned in the Bible and the fashionable modern dance, which is often associated with worldliness and folly that can weaken a person's connection with GodAH 517.1+1.

The approach is rooted in making a clear distinction between sacred acts of worship and worldly amusements. Here is a more detailed look at the principles involved.

The Biblical Distinction: Reverent Praise vs. Modern Amusement

While the Bible does mention dancing as an expression of praise, such as when David danced before the Lord, this is seen as fundamentally different from modern social dancingAH 517.1+1.

• Dancing as Joyful Worship: David's dancing was an act of "reverent joy before God"AH 517.1+1. The music and dancing at the removal of the ark, for instance, were intended to remember God and exalt His holy nameAH 517.1+1. The song of triumph after the deliverance from Pharaoh's army, which says, "Sing ye to the Lord, for He hath triumphed gloriously," is another example of holy celebration Exodus 15:21VSS 446.1+1. The Psalms also encourage this kind of praise: "Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp" Psalm 149:315LtMs, Ms 15, 1900, par. 21.

• Concerns with Modern Dancing: In contrast, the fashionable modern dance is viewed as having no resemblance to these sacred actsAH 517.1+1. The concerns include:

• Association with Folly: Modern dancing is often associated with "folly and midnight reveling"1MCP 313.4+2.

• Sacrifice of Morals: In many modern contexts, "health and morals are sacrificed to pleasure"1MCP 313.4+2.

• Absence of God: For frequenters of the ballroom, God is not an object of thought and reverence. A prayer or a song of praise would feel completely out of place in such assemblies1MCP 313.4+2.

The Decisive Test for Christians

A key principle guides the choice of activities for a Christian. The decisive test is this: Amusements that tend to weaken the love for sacred things and lessen our joy in the service of God are not to be sought by ChristiansAH 517.1+1.

Modern dancing is seen as a device of Satan to cause people to forget God and dishonor Him, whereas the joyful praise in the Bible was meant to honor and remember HimAH 517.1+1.

Negative Examples of Dancing

The Bible also provides examples of dancing associated with idolatry and blasphemy, which reinforces the need for caution.

• The Golden Calf: When the Israelites made the golden calf, they engaged in a "bacchanalian frenzy," singing and dancing naked in "blasphemous worship" at the very foot of Mount SinaiARSH June 13, 1854, page 157.30.

• Worship of "Reason": During the French Revolution, the nation descended into degrading idolatry by worshipping the "Goddess of Reason," personified by a "dancing girl of the opera" in the national assemblyHF 172.1+1.

The Importance of Sacred Music

This principle extends to the type of music used in worship. There is a strong emphasis on reverence and ensuring the music is not frivolous.

• Singing as part of a religious service is an act of worship, just like prayerBDOC 13.23+2.

• Parents are counseled not to allow their children to learn or practice "dance songs and frivolous music"BDOC 13.23+2.

• The use of dance tunes for sacred words, accompanied by a big drum and tambourines in a "Salvation Army" style, was found to be distressing and confusing for the flockMRQI 13.2.

In summary, the objection is not to joy or celebration, but to the specific form and associations of modern social dancing. The focus is on maintaining a spirit of reverence and holiness in all aspects of life, choosing activities that draw one closer to God rather than those that lead the heart toward worldliness and away from sacred thingsAH 517.1+1.