Expert: Dr. Ronald E. Shultz - 5/11/2010

Question
Do Southern Baptist believe that dancing is a sin?  I'm asking about Country Western dancing %26 waltzing, nothing vulgar.

Answer
Some SBers have allowed dancing others still feel it is sin. Most Independent Baptists would call it sin.   

Most would say that the dance hall atmosphere is as bad as the activity since they are normally full of smoke, booze, drunks, cheats and leering eyes.  I spent a lot of time in bars from my early youth and I would have to concur with that evaluation. Most of the folks are there to get drunk or they are there to hook up for the night though there are exceptions.  Therefore, I think the locale becomes associated or tied to the activity and the dance can be very sensual.  

There was story on TV about a 90+ year old lady who wanted to waltz one last time before she died and some folks set that up for her.  In the interview she said that dancing led to a lot more love and a lot more kissing and a lot more something else in her marriage so I say she validated the sensual aspect of dancing.  She was a waltzer.  

As a former dancer, I would say that it doesn't matter if it is the shaking the body and accentuating various body parts or simulating sexual motions and positions as in rock and roll dancing or the slow waltz or box step with a man close to your body hand on back near your backside usually will instill even subconsciously some lustful thoughts.  I have heard many a man after a dance speak about such things after he shared a dance with a pretty gal.

That being said, if you want your husband to polish his buckle on your belly at home that is between you and God and if leads to a lot of kissing and lot of something else you are married and it is undefiled.  If the couple is not married and it leads to that or thoughts of that then you have stirred up desires that cannot be righteously fulfilled and you will have some sin of action or heart at that point.  

While you, as a lady, may or may not have such thoughts or think you won't, men are easily aroused by sight and touch so it is pretty much a 99.9% chance he will have to deal with such thoughts and passions. Basically, Jesus said if it gets riled up and wants you in his mind it is the same as having you.  The only real difference is opportunity to perform what is already in the heart.

While dancing is good exercise it is also becomes an exercise in self-control of body and mind and a great many folks flunk that exercise class and end up in immoral PE and in an OB/GYN ward or STD shot line later. It is one of those things that really are not needful and not worth the risks involved.  I guess you could say that it won't send you to Hell but it might make Hell out of your life.  

Blessings to you as you seek His will through His Word!