The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Holy Hip-Hop?

Evangelist,

1) There is no "command" to dance in the worship of God. The one verse you quoted, Ps 150:4 was in reference to "praising" God, the context of which does not apply to corporate worship.

2) The matter must be settled on the basis of sound hermeneutics, i.e., interpreting Scripture. One of the fundamental rules of such is determined by Scripture itself and which is "The Old Testament is interpreted by the New Testament". Therefore, what was commanded to the nation of Israel or that which they practiced is not necessarily applicable to the N.T. Church.

3) See this article here: Dance and Drama in Worship and Evangelism - A Contemporary Problem.

4) On the matter of what "type" of music is appropriate as determined by Scripture for both worship and casual use, see the following articles:

* A Reason to Sing - Dr. P.J. Janson
* Congregational Singing and the Ministry of the Word - Leonard Payton
* Is it a Prelude or a Quaalude - Leonard Payton
* Glossary of Church Growth & Contemporary Christian Music - Leonard Payton
* Evangelicals on the Durham Trail - Darryl Hart
* Evaluating Music for Christian Worship and Enjoyment - Leonard J. Seidel
* Rock 'n' Roll, the Bible, and the Mind - Tom Allen

6) The use of contemporary music, particularly those which are based upon a syncopated beat is diametrically opposed to the N.T. principle to worship God and live before Him with "reverence and awe". (Titus 2:11, 12; Heb. 12:28, 29)

7) The salvation of sinners is only accomplished through the Word of God which is either preached or read. (cf. Rom 1:16; 10:14-17; 1Cor 1:18-24; 2:4; Col 1:5, 6; 1Thess 1:5; 2:13; Heb 4:12-14; Jh 8:31, 32; 17:17; 1Tim 4:16; 2Tim 3:14-17)

8) There is no record in the N.T. of the Apostles or disciples using either music or dance as an evangelistic "tool".

In His grace,