Eclectic Christian

By Michael Bell,

Dancing has long been one of the pariahs of Evangelical Churches. “I don’t drink, dance, smoke, chew, or go with girls that do” was a slogan that had gained some popularity in some Christian circles. This post is not so much about the “rightness” or “wrongness” of dancing, but rather some of the wonderful imagery that can come out of it.

In Samuel 6:14, David is said to have “danced before the Lord with all his might.” Ecclesiastes 3:4, tells us that there is a “time to mourn and a time to dance”. Jeremiah 31:13 states that “…maidens will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.” 1 Samuel 18:7 tells us that as the Israelites sang as they danced.

Dancing in scripture is related in a positive way with laughter, singing, celebrating and rejoicing in what God has done.

I am reminded of a time a number of years ago when I had just learned the song “When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon my heart… I will dance like David danced.” Here is a video of the song. Trust me, when my church did it we were a little more understated than this YouTube version.

Not long after I had learned the song I was invited by a friend to learn Jewish folk dancing at the local Jewish community center. I went, and I had a blast. I don’t know how far back the traditions of Jewish folk dancing go, but it certainly helped me to feel a lot closer to the biblical text, and imagine that maybe, just maybe, I was dancing as David might have danced.

The thing that got me thinking about dancing was a wonderful post by an Eclectic Christian reader. Cynthia compares her relationship with God with learning to Ballroom dance with her husband:

The first few times I tried to be with God it was the same awkward thing. We shuffled about with a space between us, and no matter how much I wished for a closer waltz, it just didn’t happen. It wasn’t until I had picked up my old Bible and started once more to look through some of my underlined verses that I came upon Isaiah 59:2 :

“Your sins are the roadblock
between you and your God.
That’s why he doesn’t answer
your prayers
or let you see his face”

God was my desire but there was a rule that was keeping us apart
For the first time in my life, the relationship that I had taken for granted, was not there for me to enjoy. And it was killing me. I got down on my knees and sobbed out a confession like I never had before. I was like the man who was willing to sell everything he owned so that he could have that Pearl of Great Price. I had realized that nothing meant anything if I couldn’t have God!

Suddenly I looked up to find God waiting
hand outstreched
smiling
and without another word
I lost myself in His arms
no sin now left between us
the wall was gone
and to my utter delight
I was once again
waltzing with God

Make sure you read the rest of her post, I really like the way she tells the story. I am sure she will appreciate it if you leave a comment either here or on her site.

A couple of final thoughts about Dancing imagery: I really like the way Bruce Cockburn imagines Christ dancing as he calls the world into being. Here is a homemade video (not by me) accompanied by the song.

I also like the image that “We will dance on the streets that are golden” as sung in this Vineyard video.

Dancing from creation to culmination. I kind of like the thought of that.

And my final note on dancing based upon my own limited experience: If you are ever invited to a Halloween Square Dance, do not go dressed as a Giant Pumpkin. Trust me, I was not graceful, and it was not pretty. I will leave the rest up to your vivid imaginations.