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How Can I Have a Good Time?Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work, Volume 2
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● Any sort of dancing is condemned.
False. When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea and escaped the Egyptian army, Miriam led the women in a celebratory dance. (Exodus 15:20) Also, in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son, the rejoicing that occurred over the son’s return included “a music concert and dancing.”—Luke 15:25.
The same is true today. In many cultures dancing is enjoyed by both young and old when family and friends gather together. However, there’s a need for caution. While the Bible doesn’t condemn modest social gatherings, it does warn against “revelries,” or “wild parties.” (Galatians 5:19-21; Byington) The prophet Isaiah wrote: “Woe to those who are getting up early in the morning that they may seek just intoxicating liquor, who are lingering till late in the evening darkness so that wine itself inflames them! And there must prove to be harp and stringed instrument, tambourine and flute, and wine at their feasts; but the activity of Jehovah they do not look at.”—Isaiah 5:11, 12.
Those gatherings featured the use of “intoxicating liquor” and wild music. They started early and lasted well into the evening. Note, too, the attitudes of the revelers—they behaved as if God did not exist! Little wonder, then, that God condemned such gatherings.
If you’re invited to attend a party where there will be dancing, ask yourself such questions as: ‘Who will be going? What kind of reputation do they have? Who is taking responsibility for the event? What supervision will there be? Do my parents approve of my attending the party? What type of dancing will be featured?’ Many dance styles are designed solely to arouse sexual desire. Would engaging in or just watching such dancing help you to “flee from fornication”?—1 Corinthians 6:18.
What if you’re invited to go dancing at a nightclub? Consider the comments of a youth named Shawn who before becoming a Christian would often hang out at dance clubs. He recalls: “The music is usually debasing, the dancing is usually highly immoral, and a great majority of the people who go there have a motive.” That motive, says Shawn, is to leave the club with someone to have sex. After studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses, Shawn had a change of heart. His opinion? “Those clubs are not the place for Christians.”
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How Can I Have a Good Time?Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work, Volume 2
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[Blurb on page 269]
“I love to dance, but I’ve learned the value of listening to my parents’ advice. I don’t let dancing become the big thing in my life.”—Tina
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