Why Do Some Religions Prohibit Dance?

In our society, various religions and denominations have beliefs regarding how people should dress, act and what is considered appropriate behavior. In some denominations, dancing is strictly prohibited; a concept many people don't understand. This is more prevalent in churches where the pastor or "preacher" determines what appropriate conduct is for their congregation.

Churches that prohibit or have prohibited dancing are:

• Methodist Church


• Church of Christ


• Strict Southern Baptists


• Independent Fundamental Baptists


• Muslims


• Church of the Nazarene


• Mennonites


• Oneness Pentecostals

Various reasons are given for prohibiting dancing, depending on the congregation. The strict fundamental churches feel that dancing is a tempestuous activity, and will ultimately lead to immorality. This teaching does not make sense, since they do not allow married couples, even those with children, to dance. 

This seems to be the main reason that some churches do not allow dancing. They believe any physical activity such as dancing, directly leads to lust and sin. Protestants, who blindly follow whatever the head of their congregation dictates what is and is not moral behavior, seem to fall into the category more than any other group. 

Oneness Pentecostals prohibit dancing, which they believe leads to sinful behavior, but don't seem to have a problem with people indiscriminately running around the church when they "get the spirit" which has been known to injure more than one person.  

Although most of these sects claim scriptural evidence to uphold their beliefs, the bible does make reference in a number of passages to people dancing to celebrate, and not being condemned by doing so. Most notable, in 2 Samuel 6: 12 - 16, King David celebrates by dancing when the Ark of the Covenant is returned to Jerusalem. Dancing is self-expression and one of the ways we celebrate the special events in our lives.