Expert: Carl Fuglein - 4/4/2011

Question
Is it wrong for a Christian to go dancing at a club? I know God judges the motive of our hearts so, if I'm there just chilling out with friends,dancing, enjoying a beer responsibly, and NOT looking lustfully at the dancers, is it wrong? I'm a 17 year old Christian guy. Very much appreciated.

Btw, your essay "How Far is Too Far" is brilliant! I have my pledge in my wallet already.

Answer
Jonathon-

Thanks for your kind words about my essay.  I actually first wrote that over 15 years ago.  I've revised it a little and had an editor do some revisions, but it remains essentially the same essay it was then.  I wrote it as an answer to a young man I had met on line - he asked the question, and I debated it several days and decided that even if his parents read it, I've always been absolutely truthful with my youth group kids and my family, and that I wouldn't be embarrassed even if the parents were.  His response?  This is EXACTLY what I needed.  And the rest is history - I have no idea how many have read it, but it has to be in the hundreds, and maybe over a 1000.  I know it's posted several other places online, too.

So, as for your new question.  Well, if you aren't going to a club, where ARE you going to go dancing?  Church would be the only better place.  If you're legal to drink, and if you drink responsibly, and don't drive when you drink, then I have no problem with it.  Are you SURE you don't look at the dancers lustfully?  Heck, I probably would.  But we're all sinners, aren't we.  I think clubbing is fine.  My biggest issue would be you driving afterwords.  My rule is simple, no drinking and driving, not even 1 drink.  Impairment begins with the first drink.  I don't do it, and I expect my kids not to do it, but of course, none of them are legal.  

To give you some insight into my feelings about that - when I was in my late teens (I was legal then - national law is now 21 in US) and 20s, I was a binge drinker and drove far too many times drunk.  God's grace kept me from killing myself or anyone else.  I rarely drink now, and when I do, I do not drive - and then I will only drive with someone who has NOT been drinking.

Again, thanks for your kind words.  

Blessings,

Carl