I was asked a great question by a sister in Christ while in Costa Rica. The English equivalent of her name is Iris. She is married to one of our pastors in San Jose. In three different worship services, she noticed that her brothers and sister from the US did not dance during worship. It also happens that she speaks reasonably good English. She asked me why we don't dance. Now, please understand, she was not being at all critical. She was confused, and simply desired clarification.
I began explaining some of the differences between Anglo and Hispanic cultures. So she asked if Americans dance before the world. My response of "Yes" really confused her. So she asked why we would dance before the world, but not before God. I had no good answer for her.
So she asked if it wasn't true that the Bible talks about people clapping, shouting, and dancing in worship. I agreed it did. She asked why Americans don't. Again I had no good answer.
She asked if we sang songs that talk about dancing, clapping & shouting. I said we did. And that really caused her confusion. She could not imagine singing about these things whithout doing them. And it got me thinking. Why do we?
Isn't it a bit fake to sing, "Come, we that love the Lord, and let our joys be known" (We're Marching to Zion), with somber faces? Isn't it a bit inconsistent to sing, "when the world has seen the light, they will dance with joy like we're dancing now" (I Could Sing of Your Love Forever), while standing perfectly still?
Please don't misunderstand me. I'm not being critical. I've been asked a great question. And I'm having difficulty in giving a good answer.
Any thoughts?
2 comments:
The Bible also says that women shouldn't teach men, although we do that. It's a cultural difference.
I always did think it was weird that we sang "like we're dancing now" while not dancing...
Although some Americans DO dance during worship. Although most of the ones I've heard of are either Hispanic or Pentecostal. Or both. :)
Liturgical dance is also getting popular, although that's a performance dance sort of thing rather than the congregation participating.
Ashley,
I'm sorry it's taken so long to post your comment. I just found it today. It was waiting for my action. I'm not sure why I didn't get notification of your comment. I'll try to do better in the future.
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