WOULD JESUS ATTEND THE PROM? he dictionary defines a prom as “a when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth formal dance given by a high school sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth Tor college class.” Dancing is defined forth death” (James 1:14-15). as “to perform a rhythmic...succession of Any activity that promotes lustful or bodily movements usually to music, to sensual thoughts and actions is sinful. move quickly up and down or about.” Dancing does that. John the Baptist was What does the Bible say? Does it allow beheaded because of a rash vow made by or condemn dancing? It condemns it as Herod whose passion was aroused by sinful, not innocent. watching a dancing young maiden (Mark Lasciviousness is the Bible word 6:16-29). Dancing is not innocent! which condemns dancing as sensual and Lasciviousness and wantonness are sinful. It is defined as: “unbridled lust, condemned in Mark 7:22, 2 Cor. 12:21, excess, licentiousness, wantonness, outra- Gal. 5:19-21, Eph. 4:19, 1 Peter 4:3, Jude geousness, shamelessness, insolence, inde- 1:4, Rom. 13:13, 2 Peter 2:7,18. Those who cent bodily movements, unchaste knowingly and purposefully involve them- handling of males and females” selves in lasciviousness have no hope of (Thayer, p.79). Dancing certainly involves heaven unless they repent and stop the “indecent bodily movements” and the activity. The Lord says, “...they which do “unchaste handling of males and such things shall not inherit the kingdom females.” That is its design and appeal. of God” (Gal. 5:21). Arthur Murray, a noted dancing The question is asked, “is it alright to instructor is quoted as saying: “The go to a dance if I don’t dance?” The difference between wrestling and dancing answer is still NO. Is it alright to go to is that, in wrestling, some holds are bars as long as you don’t drink? No! Our barred!” A former owner of a large dance influence and example must be kept hall said, “You can picture the effect on a upright and pure. We are to be an boy or girl...at one of these dances which example before others (1 Tim. 4:12; con- calls for close abdominal contact and sider Eph. 5:3-5). frequently brings the cheeks together and Would you consider praying with your entwines the limbs. There is...but one dance partner (in front of everyone when reason for its popularity. That reason is you step out on the dance floor) that both sex appeal.” your minds would be kept pure? I don’t Dancing involves activities that excite think so! Then why put yourself in that lust, passion and eroticism. Jesus said, compromising situation? “whosoever looketh on a woman to lust By the way, would you expect to see after her hath committed adultery with Jesus there? Would you expect to see him her already in his heart” (Matt. 5:28). out on the dance floor? If not, then why “Every man is tempted, when he is drawn are you there? away of his own lust, and enticed. Then —Garland M. Robinson