An argument for dance

For the past 20 years or so, I've generally gone to churches that did not, to say the least, promote dancing--this despite the admonitions of Psalms 149 and 150.   And yet.....yet.....well, doesn't the Scripture tell us, or at least ancient Israel, to praise the Lord in dance?

Now we can quibble over whether the form was couples or line dancing (the latter is probably more historical for Bible times), or crack awful wonderful jokes ("Why don't Baptists make love standing up?  Because it might lead to dancing!"), but then.....maybe we ought to consider the idea (thanks Pentacostals and Charismatics) that our love for and worship of God ought to have a physical expression?  That even "feet glued to the floor" Minnesotans like myself can move a little bit while singing or (shudder!) listening to a sermon?  (don't worry; it's not a gimme that it'll lead to "holy vomiting")

And for that matter, let's think about couples dancing--say a waltz, two step, three step or polka, or maybe even a tango--and let's consider the picture that's being drawn.  The man leads, and with his right hand on the waist of his partner, gently draws her to him.  She follows, using her left hand to gently press against his shoulder to give adequate space for them both to move.  He joins his left hand to her right hand, and they move....together....gracefully if they can.....in harmony....around the floor.

To be honest, it's not a bad picture of the relationship between the Church and her Lord.  Does not Christ lead us and gently draw us to Him?  Do we (shouldn't we at least?) follow?  If we (Ephesians 5 and elsewhere) view Christ as the Bridegroom in Heaven--hence our betrothed at this time--isn't that hand on His shoulder a picture of our current status? 

Now don't get me wrong--there is abundant evidence that dancing can go very wrong, such as "Dancing with the Stars" and the "Macarena," or worse yet, the Lollipop Guild.  Even so, I've got to think that there are worse things Christians can do than learn to dance.  Even if my feet are still glued to the floor at church.

Maybe I'll start by moving my little finger.  Nobody will see......