February 28, 1882 Should Christians Dance?
By Mrs. E. G. White.
[The following expression of my views on the subject of dancing, was written
in answer to a letter asking counsel upon this point. As the principles stated
are of general application, I here give my reply, for the benefit of other inquirers.]
{RH, February 28, 1882 par. 1}
Dear Sister in Christ,--
You inform me in your letter that you have been recently converted from error
to truth. You now see and acknowledge the claims of God's law. You see the true
Sabbath plainly brought to view in the fourth commandment, and have begun to
keep it. You feel a joy that you never experienced before. In all this I rejoice
with you. Then you ask if it is sinful to attend dancing parties. You say that
this amusement possesses great attractions for you, but if sinful you will relinquish
it. {RH, February 28, 1882 par. 2}
Before answering this question directly, I ask you to consider briefly the position
and work of God's people at the present day. John the Revelator, looking down
the stream of time, beheld the third angel flying in the midst of heaven, crying,
"Here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus."
From the prophecies we learn that this heavenly messenger represents a class
of religious teachers who are instructing the people to obey the law of God
and to look for his Son from Heaven. The solemn message of the third angel must
be given by those who see and feel its truthfulness. The world are going on
careless and Godless in the way of error. Ministers are saying from their pulpits,
"Be not troubled. Christ will not come for thousands of years. All things
continue as they were from the beginning." Others pour contempt upon the
law of God, declaring that it is a yoke of bondage. But while professed Christians
are asleep, Satan is manifesting intense earnestness and persevering zeal. His
hellish work will soon be ended, his power be chained; therefore he has come
down in great wrath, to "deceive, if possible, even the very elect."
Is this a time for us to unite with the ungodly in levity and worldly pleasure?
Will they be more inclined to accept the solemn truths we hold, when they see
us in the theater or the ball-room? {RH, February 28, 1882 par. 3}
Infidelity runs riot. Professed Christians not only disclaim all faith in the
warnings of future judgments upon the world, but they deny the record of past
judgments. There are not wanting those who declare that the flood is a myth
and the book of Genesis a fable. But not so did our Saviour. He refers to Noah
as a real person, to the flood as a fact, to the characteristics of that generation
as prefiguring the characteristics of ours. In the days before the flood, it
is written that "the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and every
imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." "The
earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence."
Here is a picture drawn by one inspired of God; and such, it is declared, will
be the state of the world prior to Christ's second coming. In the days of Noah,
men found their highest enjoyment in the gratification of sensual desires. This
world was their all. "Eat, drink, and be merry," was the cry echoed
from lip to lip. The same insane love of pleasure, the same all-absorbing spirit
of worldliness, characterize the people of this age. How little do they consider
that their deeds and words are passing into judgment, and that every sin must
have its retribution in the future! {RH, February 28, 1882 par. 4}
There was a God to call to account the inhabitants of the antediluvian world.
There is a God to try the deeds of the men of this generation, and to give every
man according to his works. The faithful sentinels for God have a work to do,
to keep these things vividly before the people. Every lay member of the church
has also a duty, to show that there is a reality in the truth, that we are indeed
living in the last days, and the Lord is at the door. The words of the great
apostle are addressed directly to us: "But ye, brethren, are not in darkness,
that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light,
and the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore
let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober." The great
question for us to settle is, What part are we to act in this fearfully important
period? Shall we yield to the indulgence of worldliness and pride, or engage
in mirth and revelry? {RH, February 28, 1882 par. 5}
The true Christian will not desire to enter any place of amusement or engage
in any diversion upon which he cannot ask the blessing of God. He will not be
found at the theater, the billiard hall, or the bowling saloon. He will not
unite with the gay waltzers, or indulge in any other bewitching pleasure that
will banish Christ from the mind. To those who plead for these diversions, we
answer, We cannot indulge in them in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. The blessing
of God would not be invoked upon the hour spent at the theater or in the dance.
No Christian would wish to meet death in such a place. No one would wish to
be found there when Christ shall come. When we come to the final hour, and stand
face to face with the record of our lives, shall we regret that we have attended
so few parties of pleasure? that we have participated in so few scenes of thoughtless
mirth? Shall we not, rather, bitterly regret that so many precious hours have
been wasted in self-gratification,--so many opportunities neglected, which,
rightly improved, would have secured for us immortal treasures? {RH, February
28, 1882 par. 6}
It has become customary for professors of religion to excuse almost any pernicious
indulgence to which the heart is wedded. By familiarity with sin, they become
blinded to its enormity. Many who claim to be children of God, gloss over sins
which his word condemns, by linking some purpose of church charity with their
Godless carousals. Thus they borrow the livery of Heaven to serve the devil
in. Souls are deceived, led astray, and lost to virtue and integrity by these
fashionable dissipations. {RH, February 28, 1882 par. 7}
In many religious families, dancing and card-playing are made a parlor pastime.
It is urged that these are quiet home amusements, which may be safely enjoyed
under the parental eye. But a love for these exciting pleasures is thus cultivated,
and that which was considered harmless at home will not long be regarded dangerous
abroad. It is yet to be ascertained that there is any good to be obtained from
these amusements. They do not give vigor to the body nor rest to the mind. They
do not implant in the soul one virtuous or holy sentiment. On the contrary,
they destroy all relish for serious thought and for religious services. It is
true that there is a wide contrast between the better class of select parties
and the promiscuous and degraded assemblies of the low dance-house. Yet all
are steps in the path of dissipation. {RH, February 28, 1882 par. 8}
The amusement of dancing, as conducted at the present day, is a school of depravity,
a fearful curse to society. If all in our great cities who are yearly ruined
by this means could be brought together, what histories of wrecked lives would
be revealed. How many who now stand ready to apologize for this practice, would
be filled with anguish and amazement at the result. How can professedly Christian
parents consent to place their children in the way of temptation, by attending
with them such scenes of festivity? How can young men and young women barter
their souls for this infatuating pleasure? {RH, February 28, 1882 par. 9}
The great mass of mankind are engrossed in the things of this life, and divine
truth can find no abiding-place in their hearts. And yet all the blessings which
the world can give fail to satisfy the wants of the soul. There is a nameless
longing for something which they have not, a peace and rest that is not born
of earth. It was thus with the worshipers in the temple of old; amid the imposing
ceremonies, the dazzling display, the music and rejoicing, they were still unsatisfied.
Then how welcome the call that fell upon their ears, "If any man thirst,
let him come unto me and drink." It was the same message that had gladdened
the heart of the Samaritan woman, at Jacob's well, --"Whosoever drinketh
of the water that I shall give him, shall never thirst; but the water that I
shall give him, shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting
life." Christ alone can satisfy that sense of want in the human soul. His
gracious invitation reaches down even to our time. From the Fountain of life
the cry still goes forth to a lost world, "Come unto me and drink."
{RH, February 28, 1882 par. 10}
Thousands of our race would compass sea and land to gain possessions which at
best must soon perish, and yet they turn away with indifference from the proffer
of eternal riches. The Saviour's loving invitations, his earnest pleadings and
faithful instruction, fall upon dull ears and hard hearts. To many who have
time and opportunity to gain a knowledge of the truth and of its Author, Christ
will say, "Ye would not come to me, that ye might have life." {RH,
February 28, 1882 par. 11}
My sister, when you carefully study the life of Christ as recorded in Bible
history, and when he is revealed to you as he is, by the Holy Spirit, then you
will be convinced for yourself that dancing has no place in the Christian's
life. When you feel a desire to engage in this amusement, go in imagination
to Gethsemane, and behold the anguish which Christ endured for us. See the world's
Redeemer wrestling in superhuman agony, the sins of the whole world upon his
soul. Hear his prayer, borne upon the sympathizing breeze, "O my Father,
if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not my will, but
thine be done." The hour of darkness has come. Christ has entered the shadow
of his cross. Alone he must drink the bitter cup. Of all earth's children whom
he has blessed and comforted, there is not one to console him in this dreadful
hour. He is betrayed into the hands of a murderous mob. Faint and weary, he
is dragged from one tribunal to another. His own nation are his accusers, the
Romans his executioners. And thus He who knew not the taint of sin, pours out
his life as a malefactor upon Calvary. {RH, February 28, 1882 par. 12}
This history should stir every soul to its depths. It was to save us that the
Son of God became a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. He was wounded
for our transgressions, and with his stripes we are healed. God holds us each
responsible for the soul estimated of such value. Let a sense of the infinite
sacrifice made for our redemption be ever with you, and the ball-room will lose
its attractions. {RH, February 28, 1882 par. 13}
Not only did Christ die as our sacrifice, but he lived as our example. In his
human nature he stands, complete, perfect, spotless. To be a Christian is to
be Christlike. Our entire being, soul, body, and spirit, must be purified, ennobled,
sanctified, until we shall reflect his image and imitate his example. My sister,
such is the work before us as Christians. We need not fear to engage in any
pursuit or pleasure that will aid us in this work. But it is our duty to shun
everything that would divert our attention or lessen our zeal. In this light,
is it hard to decide on which side dancing should be placed?
{RH, February 28, 1882 par. 14}
The things you have described as taking place in Indiana, [NOTE: REFERENCE IS HERE MADE TO THE "HOLY FLESH" MOVEMENT OF 1900-1901. SEE SELECTED MESSAGES, BOOK 2, PAGES 31-39.--WHITE TRUSTEES.] the Lord has shown me would take place just before the close of probation. Every uncouth thing will be demonstrated. There will be shouting, with drums, music, and dancing. The senses of rational beings will become so confused that they cannot be trusted to make right decisions. And this is called the moving of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit never reveals itself in such methods, in such a bedlam of noise. This is an invention of Satan to cover up his ingenious methods for making of none effect the pure, sincere, elevating, ennobling, sanctifying truth for this time. . . . A bedlam of noise shocks the senses and perverts that which if conducted aright might be a blessing. The powers of Satanic agencies blend with the din and noise, to have a carnival, and this is termed the Holy Spirit's working. . . . Those participating in the supposed revival receive impressions which lead them adrift. They cannot tell what they formerly knew regarding Bible principles. {NL 51.1}
David's Dancing Not a Precedent.--David's dancing in reverent
joy before God has been cited by pleasure lovers in justification of the fashionable
modern dance, but there is no ground for such an argument. In our day dancing
is associated with folly and midnight reveling. Health and morals are sacrificed
to pleasure. By the frequenters of the ballroom God is not an object of thought
and reverence; prayer or the song of praise would be felt to be out of place
in their assemblies. This test should be decisive. Amusements that have a tendency
to weaken the love for sacred things and lessen our joy in the service of God
are not to be sought by Christians. The music and dancing in joyful praise to
God at the removal of the ark had not the faintest resemblance to the dissipation
of modern dancing. The one tended to the remembrance of God and exalted His
holy name. The other is a device of Satan to cause men to forget God and to
dishonor Him. {AH 517.1}
The true Christian will not desire to enter any place of amusement or engage
in any diversion upon which he cannot ask the blessing of God. He will not be
found at the theater, the billiard hall, or the bowling saloon. He will not
unite with the gay waltzers, or indulge in any other bewitching pleasure that
will banish Christ from the mind. {MYP 398.1}
To those who plead for these diversions, we answer, We cannot indulge in them
in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. The blessing of God would not be invoked upon
the hour spent at the theater or in the dance. No Christian would wish to meet
death in such a place. No one would wish to be found there when Christ shall
come. {MYP 398.2}
When we come to the final hour, and stand face to face with the record of our
lives, shall we regret that we have attended so few parties of pleasure? that
we have participated in so few scenes of thoughtless mirth? Shall we not, rather,
bitterly regret that so many precious hours have been wasted in self-gratification,--so
many opportunities neglected, which, rightly improved, would have secured for
us immortal treasures? {MYP 398.3}
It has become customary for professors of religion to excuse almost any pernicious
indulgence to which the heart is wedded. By familiarity with sin, they become
blinded to its enormity. Many who claim to be children of God gloss over sins
which His word condemns, by linking some purpose of church charity with their
godless carousals. Thus they borrow the livery of heaven to serve the devil
in. Souls are deceived, led astray, and lost to virtue and integrity by these
fashionable dissipations. {MYP 398.4}
A sore trial has been brought upon the little company here, by the course of
their leader. Since he was chosen elder of the church he has repeatedly attended
dancing parties with his wife and daughter. This is the first instance of the
kind that I have ever met among our churches. I was greatly surprised that one
who had a knowledge of our faith could thus unite with the ungodly. Even if
he has so little spiritual discernment as to see no wrong in this fascinating
pleasure, he can but know that he is placing a stone of stumbling in the way
of others. He knows that he is wounding his brethren. What say the Scriptures
concerning these things? "If meat make my brother to offend, I will eat
no flesh while the world standeth." And again, "Let us not therefore
judge one another any more, but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling-block
or an occasion to fall, in his brother's way." {ST, February 23, 1882 par.
4}
But dancing, as practiced at the present day, is detrimental to the health of
soul and body. Theater-going, dancing, card-playing, gambling, inebriety, are
all steps in the path of vice and dissipation. He who, having received the light
of present truth, will yet persist in venturing into this path, is unworthy
of the name of Christian. What attractions can this elder of the church find
in the dance-hall? Is he in this godless company fitting himself to exert a
proper influence over the flock of God? The so-called little things of life,
the little acts of faith or sacrifice, go to make up the sum of Christian character
and influence. It is the spirit of Christ manifested at home, in the field,
in the workshop, in the church, that makes men living epistles, known and read
of all. {ST, February 23, 1882 par. 5}
Dr. Jackson carried the idea that it was the duty of all who were at the institution
to pay the fiddler whether they favored dancing or not, and those who would
not do this might as well pick up their things and leave. A committee was appointed
to solicit donations for this purpose. There were conscientious members of different
churches as patients at the health cure, who could not unite in this exercise,
for they could not harmonize such amusements as card playing and dancing, with
Christian principles. These decided they would have to leave. {5MR 391.1}
In the bathroom I was solicited to donate to the fiddler, although Dr. Jackson
had told them to pass us by, for our principles were well known. Yet this missionary
upon the dancing question had not understood the matter, as the doctor designed
it. Without any desire to offend the doctor, and determined not to offend God,
I told the lady frankly I could not use my money for any such purposes, neither
would I sanction this dancing exercise, by my influence. "I am a follower
of Jesus."--Manuscript 1, 1867. ("Reminiscent Account of the Experience
of James White's Sickness and Recovery," written in 1880's.) {5MR 391.2}
The mind of Herod was in a whirl. His faculties were confused, judgment and
reverence were dethroned. He saw only the hall of pleasure, with his reveling
guests, the banquet table, sparkling wine and flashing lights, and the young
girl in her voluptuous beauty dancing before him. In the recklessness of the
moment he was desirous to make some display which would exalt him still higher
before the great men of his kingdom; and he rashly promised, and confirmed his
promise with an oath, to give the daughter of Herodias whatever she might ask.
{2SP 78.1}
... The life of God's prophet was in the hands of a company of drunken revelers.
These men occupied high positions of trust in the nation, and grave responsibilities
rested upon them, yet they had gorged themselves with dainty food, and added
drunkenness to surfeiting, until their mental powers were enervated by the pleasure
of sense, their brains turned with the giddy scene of music and dancing, and
conscience lay dormant. By their silence they pronounced the sentence of death
upon the anointed of the Lord, to gratify the horrible caprice of a wicked woman.
{2SP 79.3}
In the period of disappointment after the passing of the time in 1844, fanaticism
in various forms arose. Some held that the resurrection of the righteous dead
had already taken place. I was sent to bear a message to those believing this,
as I am now bearing a message to you. They declared that they were perfected,
that body, soul, and spirit were holy. They made demonstrations similar to those
you have made, and confused their own minds and the minds of others by their
wonderful suppositions. Yet these persons were our beloved brethren, and we
were longing to help them. I went into their meetings. There was much excitement,
with noise and confusion. One could not tell what was piped or what was harped.
Some appeared to be in vision, and fell to the floor. Others were jumping, dancing,
and shouting. They declared that as their flesh was purified, they were ready
for translation. This they repeated again and again. I bore my testimony in
the name of the Lord, placing His rebuke upon these manifestations. {2SM 34.1}
Let us strive to help those connected with us. To this work let us devote our
tact and ingenuity. Let us reach higher and still higher for purity and devotion,
our hearts filled with a desire to know the will of God. Let us consecrate our
all to the service of humanity. We shall receive our reward in the future life.
Reveal the living charm of the Saviour's love. Represent Christ by revealing
faith and hope and love. In short, copy the Pattern. Let your light shine forth
in good works. Christians have no need or desire for the billiard table, the
theater, the dancing hall, or the many other forms of worldly diversion. A Christian
does nothing which he can not do to the glory of God, upon which he can not
ask the Lord's blessing. {ST, June 21, 1905 par. 7}
The religion of the Bible is not detrimental to the health of the body or of
the mind. The influence of the Spirit of God is the very best medicine that
can be received by a sick man or woman. Heaven is all health, and the more deeply
the heavenly influences are realized, the more sure will be the recovery of
the believing invalid. At some Health Institutions, amusements, plays, and dancing,
are recommended by the physicians to get up an excitement, to keep the patients
from becoming gloomy, while they express many fears for the result of religious
interest. Their theory in this respect is not only erroneous, but dangerous.
Yet they talk this in such a manner that patients would be led to think that
their recovery depended upon their having as few thoughts of God and Heaven
as possible. {HR, October 1, 1872 par. 7}
Washing clothes upon the old-fashioned rubbing board, sweeping, dusting, and
a variety of duties in the kitchen and in the garden will be an excellent gymnasium
for young ladies. This kind of useful labor will take the place of the croquet
ground, of dancing, and other amusements which benefit no one. {HR, September
1, 1873 par. 13}
Let us stand clear of all these church corruptions, dissipations, and festivals,
which have a demoralizing influence upon young and old. We have no right to
throw over them the cloak of sanctity because the means is to be used for church
purposes. Such offerings are lame and diseased, and bear the curse of God. They
are the price of souls. The pulpit may defend festivals, dancing, lotteries,
fairs, and luxurious feasts, to obtain means for church purposes; but let us
participate in none of these things; for if we do, God's displeasure will be
upon us. We do not propose to appeal to the lust of appetite or resort to carnal
amusements as an inducement to Christ's professed followers to give of the means
which God has intrusted to them. If they do not give willingly, for the love
of Christ, the offering will in no case be acceptable to God. {RH, November
21, 1878 par. 15}
The world, who act as though there were no God, absorbed in selfish pursuits,
will soon experience sudden destruction, and shall not escape. Many continue
in the careless gratification of self until they become so disgusted with life
that they kill themselves. Dancing and carousing, drinking and smoking, indulging
their animal passions, they go as an ox to the slaughter. Satan is working with
all his art and enchantments to keep men marching blindly onward, until the
Lord arises out of His place to punish the inhabitants of earth for their iniquities,
when the earth "shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain."
The whole world appears to be in the march to death. {18MR 41.2}
The false enchantment of the dizzy scene seemed to take away reason and dignity
from Herod and his guests, who were flushed with wine. The music and wine and
dancing had removed the fear and reverence of God from them. Nothing seemed
sacred to Herod's perverted senses. He was desirous to make some display which
would exalt him still higher before the great men of his kingdom. And he rashly
promised, and confirmed his promise with an oath, to give the daughter of Herodias
whatever she might ask. . . . {Te 50.3}
Compiled by John Paul Castro