Response:
I believe Baptists, as a general rule, tend to be fairly strict in their
standards of conduct. Not all Baptists believe the same way on some of
these issues, but normally the Baptist church in town is one of the more
conservative ones.
As far as music is concerned, we do want to glorify God. I Corinthians
10:31 states, "do all to the glory of God". This would certainly
include our music. Anyone who has studied rock music knows that the
rhythms are rooted in sexuality. Singer John Oates said in Rolling
Stone Magazine that rock and roll is "99% sex". In fact, the name "rock
and roll" was given to this new style of music by a Cleveland disc
jockey, Alan Freed, because the term "rock and roll" was a slang term
used for sex, and this style of music was good for sex! By the way, he
did this back in 1954, when the music was much tamer than some of the
stuff that is played and sung in some churches today! In light of these
facts, can music that is by nature designed for fornication EVER be
glorifying to God? The answer, clearly, is NO. I'm not going to go so
far as to say that a person can only listen to church music. I believe
there has been much music that has been written down through the
centuries that is not necessarily "religious", but is not offensive to
God either in lyric or musical style. However, I also know that the
Bible teaches that people who are spirit filled, and who allow the Word
of God to dwell in them, speak to themselves, and others, in "psalms,
hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in (their) heart
to the Lord" (Eph 5:19, Col 3:16).
As far as dancing is concerned, one of the main problems with the modern
dance is the music! After all, if the music doesn't honor God, can
motions that come as a result of the music honor God? Of course,
because the music is about sex, many of the gyrations and bodily
movements that take place on the dance floor are at best suggestive, and
at worst obscene! If my body belongs to God (I Corinthians 6:19-20),
and I am to glorify God in all I do, can I flaunt my body in a
suggestive, sensual way? Again, the answer must be No. In addition,
when it comes to "slow dancing", that involves close, physical contact
with my partner. If my partner is not already my wife, then this is
also a violation of Scripture, for I Cor 7:1 states that it is "good for
a man not to touch a woman". The context of verse two shows that this
type of touching leads to fornication, so it should be abstained from
until a person has a spouse. Paul told the Corinthians to "Flee
Fornication" (I Cor 6:18). Thus, I should not involve myself in any
activity that might cause me to think improperly (as a man thinketh in
his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7)), or act improperly.
As far as being alone with a girl, the same principles apply. I am to
flee from things that might lead to fornication. I am to "flee youthful
lusts" (II Tim 2:22). I am not to make any "provision for the flesh, to
fulfill the lusts thereof" (Romans 13:14). Therefore, while it is not
necessarily sin to be alone with a girl, it probably isn't very wise.
The Devil desires to ruin our lives, and will use whatever means he can
to accomplish this. Let's put it this way: outside of a rape-like
situation, no girl ever got pregnant without kissing, hugging, and
touching first. More than likely, the sexual activity took place at a
time and in a spot where the couple was alone. Perhaps they didn't mean
to fornicate. It "just happened". It didn't just happen: the path to
sexual sin was trod on the stepping stones of improper thoughts,
improper physical contact, and inadequate accountability, which led to a
mind and body that desired the wrong thing, and an opportunity to
satisfy these lusts in an unguarded and unchaperoned moment.
I hope this gives you some things to think about. May the Lord bless
you.
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By Dr Mark Montgomery
Ambassador Baptist Church
1926 Babcock Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15209
(412)477-3210
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