Too Easily Distracted

I recently stumbled across a tract published in 1935 and titled "What's Wrong with the Dance?" In it, the author makes claims that are entertaining (if not downright absurd). What's hard to admit, however, is that many of the mistakes he makes in his attack on an ostensibly anti-Christian practice are the same kinds of foibles for which Christians are known today. What follows are a few gems I've gleaned from this booklet with some newfangled queries serious Christians should consider regarding the messages we send within our culture.

When David danced, he leaped and praised God. But there wasn't any embracing of the opposite sex.

How do I use scripture to engage culture?

If there ever was in a community some low down, dirty rake who would seduce any girl and lead her to hell, he went to a dance. Nobody will deny that.

Am I every guilty of using suggestive language to manipulate others' behavior?

You are not with the crowd that is going to heaven when you go to the dance.

Is my life one that condemns or inspires?

What is there about the dance that makes people want to pull off their clothes? What is there about the dance that changed the habits of dress of women? Women don't wear corsets any more to dances. Corset manufacturers agree that they have been practically put out of business by the influence of the rotten dance.

Do I represent Jesus or a political party? a particular business? an economic system? an ideology? Whom do I serve?

Sisters, you bunch of hens, you who have been carrying on these dances in your homes, don't open your chops. You have paved the way for lewdness, trained boys and girls in it. You put the dance on in the public school. You are guilty in God Almighty's sight. The lewdness will curse Dallas in the Texas Centennial. You are partners in it. You are as guilty as hell!

Am I aware of the seductive temptation to play God within culture?

I am going to drive the dance out of the schools in two or three or four years or five. I give you fair warning, you bunch of hens, who would make prostitutes out of my daughters.

When I claim to represent Christ, am I careful to think about how my words affect His reputation and that of my fellow believers?

Murder goes with the modern dance. Why? Because a man that kills his wife is a man who doesn't trust her, despises her, believes her untrue. Remember, now, the breakdown of every instinct of morality and righteousness goes on when the modern dance goes on, and murder follows.

Am I careful to speak only the truth and nothing more?