Baptist News Global
Sections
  • News
  • Analysis
  • Opinion
  • Curated
  • Storytelling
    • Faith & Justice >
      • Charleston: Metanoia with Bill Stanfield
      • Charlotte: QC Family Tree with Greg and Helms Jarrell
      • Little Rock: Judge Wendell Griffen
      • North Carolina: Conetoe
    • Welcoming the Stranger >
      • Lost Boys of Sudan: St. John’s Baptist Charlotte
      • Awakening to Immigrant Justice: Myers Park Baptist Church
      • Hospitality on the corner: Gaston Christian Center
    • Signature Ministries >
      • Jake Hall: Gospel Gothic, Music and Radio
    • Singing Our Faith >
      • Hymns for a Lifetime: Ken Wilson and Knollwood Baptist Church
      • Norfolk Street Choir
    • Resilient Rural America >
      • Alabama: Perry County
      • Texas: Hidalgo County
      • Arkansas Delta
      • Southeast Kentucky
  • More
    • Contact
    • About
    • Donate
    • Planned Giving
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Advertising
    • Ministry Jobs and More
    • Transitions
    • Subscribe
    • Submissions and Permissions
Donate Subscribe
Search Search this site

Dancing Baptists?

OpinionNora Lozano  |  August 5, 2015

Lozano Nora New ColumnBy Nora O. Lozano

Two weeks ago, during the celebrations of the BWA World Congress and the Women’s Department Leadership Conference, many Baptists from around the world worshipped together with our Baptist sisters and brothers from South Africa. Some had the privilege of physically attending these events, while others, like me, were online participants as the congress worship services were streamed live, and videos of the women’s conference were posted on Facebook.

I am sure there were many things that caught the eye of the attendees (physical and online). For me, one of them was the worship style full of festive colors, music and dancing. During the transmission of the services, the cameras were not only focused toward the stage, but also to the audience. I found it fascinating how different brothers and sisters reacted to this kind of worship style. Some were comfortably dancing, while others were as stiff as they could be.

In my corner of the world, many Baptists struggle with dancing. Some of them do not see any problem with social dancing at parties and weddings but may struggle with dancing in the church, perhaps not with an occasional special piece, but with generalized dancing during the worship service. Some other Baptists, like many Latinos/as, struggle with the whole idea of dancing (liturgically or socially).

This struggle was present as I was growing up. I was taught in my conservative Mexican Baptist church that Baptists do not dance. In fact, dancing was considered a sin. In my child and teenage mind, this restriction applied to social dancing; liturgical dance was not even a part of the picture, but if it were, it would be considered sinful, too.

Lozano African dancersEven though the Bible mentions different references about dancing (Exodus 15:20; 2 Samuel 6:14; Ecclesiastes 3:4; Psalm 150:4; Matthew 11:17; Luke 15:25), I believe there are historical reasons that led to the adoption of this restriction: 1) the teachings from foreign Baptist missionaries, mainly from the United States; 2) an anti-Catholic sentiment that motivated Baptists to attempt to differentiate themselves by not doing what Catholics were doing (social dancing); 3) An additional effort of differentiation, but this time from Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions, by avoiding any strident music or physical movement during worship time.

As I moved to new places due to studies or ministry opportunities, I continued to be surrounded with Baptists who in general were uncomfortable with dancing, and lately, with some others who are attempting to challenge this uneasiness. For instance, in the recent CBF General Assembly there was a workshop titled, “Baptists Learning to Dance.”

While this is the reality for some Baptists, it is not for many others around the world who feel very comfortable dancing. Through the years and different experiences, I have learned to see dancing as part of culture. Two events helped reinforce this idea. I had the privilege of attending both the 2005 BWA World Congress and the Women’s Leadership Conference in Birmingham, England. During the latter event, the attendees enjoyed presentations from the different regional fellowships. When it was time for the Caribbean Baptist Fellowship women to present, they burst into the meeting hall dancing. Once they stopped, the group’s leader explained that Caribbean people do everything in dance, so it was natural for them to dance during their presentation and worship time.

Later that year, I spoke in a Women’s Leadership Conference in Hyderabad, India. While there were women from different denominations, most of the attendees were Baptists. The event lasted five days, and by the second day some of them asked me: “How do they dance in your church?” I laughed on the inside. I just could not imagine the people of my San Antonio Baptist church, nor the people from my church in Monterrey, México, dancing during their worship services. So I replied: “We do not dance.” They were astonished! From that moment on, it seemed that they were trying to find an opportunity to get me to dance during the worship services, and they did! Perhaps they were trying to fix my worship practices.

The issue of culture is fascinating and perplexing. For some reason, God, in spite of the challenging complexities, made us cultural human beings. Perhaps it was to keep us humble as no human being can know all cultures. Maybe it was to keep us intrigued so that we could learn from each other. Unfortunately, instead of learning, often we feel threatened, and tend to lessen/devalue/dismiss the other’s perspective, worldview, and practices, in summary, his/her culture.

As I/we continue to attempt to understand and appreciate the rich cultural and liturgical diversity of the Baptist family worldwide, I hope that the practice of dancing by some will not become an issue of judgment and division, nor an occasion to devalue others’ cultural practices.

For some Baptists, the issue of “no dancing” has been a defining feature. Years ago, I had a conversation with a college classmate about our religious traditions. When I shared that I was a Baptist, he told me: “So you belong to the group who do not dance, drink or smoke” (of course, I do not see these three in the same cluster, but space limitations forbid me to write about the other two). His categorization saddened me. I wished he had said: “So you belong to the group who are compassionate, loving, respectful, peaceful, supporting and helping of each other and the community.”

At this point in my life Baptists who dance or do not dance is not a major issue for me. What I want to see is Baptists who indeed act like Jesus. Did Jesus dance? Who knows, but if he did or did not, this was not one of his defining features; otherwise it would have appeared in the Gospels. What I know is that he was kind, loving, merciful, compassionate, honest, trustworthy and a courageous seeker of peace and justice for all persons.

The theme of the Baptist World Congress was: “Jesus Christ the door.” He is the door to light, liberty, love and life. As the daily preachers alluded, we Baptists are called to be Jesus’ agents of transformation. Dancing or not dancing is not the issue, the real issue is: Are we like Jesus?


OPINION: Views expressed in Baptist News Global columns and commentaries are solely those of the authors.
Tags:columns
More by
Nora Lozano
  • Get BNG headlines in your inbox

  • BNG dinner will bring together Anthea Butler and Beth Allison Barr for a conversation on race and gender

    Two of the most prominent voices speaking to the American church about race and gender will appear together at the Baptist News Global dinner during the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s General Assembly in Dallas this June. Get your tickets now!

  • Featured

    • White supremacy and firearm idolatry: America’s Baal

      Opinion

    • SBC establishes hotline to receive reports of sexual abuse in churches

      News

    • After the Guidepost report: Dwelling with evil while living into hope

      Opinion

    • SBC presidential candidate says Executive Committee’s waiver of attorney-client privilege was ‘not wise’

      News


    Curated

    • Buffalo and Uvalde both appear to have involved the AR-15, the rifle revered by the Christian right

      Buffalo and Uvalde both appear to have involved the AR-15, the rifle revered by the Christian right

      May 27, 2022
    • Ukrainians Count The Days As They Pray

      Ukrainians Count The Days As They Pray

      May 27, 2022
    • Texans plan interfaith protest at Friday’s NRA convention in Houston

      Texans plan interfaith protest at Friday’s NRA convention in Houston

      May 27, 2022
    • Buffalo’s Black Christians Grieve the ‘Evil Among Us’

      Buffalo’s Black Christians Grieve the ‘Evil Among Us’

      May 27, 2022
    Read Next:

    Mass murder and the soundtrack of our lives

    OpinionJustin Cox

    More Articles

    • All
    • News
    • Opinion
    • Curated
    • Former SBC President Johnny Hunt admits improper conduct but denies abuse claims

      NewsDavid Bumgardner

    • America, blood is on your hands

      OpinionJamar A. Boyd II

    • Guns, the elders and the children

      OpinionSusan K. Smith

    • They were attending a conference on Scripture and violence when the Uvalde massacre happened

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • On another classroom full of murdered children

      OpinionDavid Gushee, Senior Columnist

    • Now is the time when we need to hear white evangelical leaders refute white supremacy

      OpinionJoel Bowman Sr.

    • Does the SBC have enough sackcloth?

      OpinionTerry Austin

    • SBC Executive Committee releases previously secret list of convicted and credibly accused church sexual abusers

      NewsDavid Bumgardner

    • Calvinist Baptist pastor says Guidepost recommendations in sexual abuse report are ‘harmful’ and threaten ‘the sufficiency of Scripture’

      NewsDavid Bumgardner

    • Title 42 is expelling the good people, not the bad people, border advocate explains

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • What happens when the good news of therapy and the good news of Scripture conflict?

      OpinionRebecca Hewitt-Newson

    • Sick of war, church leaders in South Sudan recommit to finding peace

      NewsAnthony Akaeze

    • White supremacy and firearm idolatry: America’s Baal

      OpinionBill Leonard, Senior Columnist

    • The European option: Why we need a third way on abortion

      AnalysisAlan Bean

    • After the Guidepost report: Dwelling with evil while living into hope

      OpinionKathy Manis Findley

    • SBC establishes hotline to receive reports of sexual abuse in churches

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Becoming UNSTOPPABLE Christians

      Paid Promoted Content

    • SBC presidential candidate says Executive Committee’s waiver of attorney-client privilege was ‘not wise’

      NewsDavid Bumgardner

    • Rights, responsibilities and the two-fold commandment of love: A reflection on gun violence in America

      OpinionGreg Garrett, Senior Columnist

    • Mass murder and the soundtrack of our lives

      OpinionJustin Cox

    • Letter to the Editor: Where are the repentant SBC leaders?

      OpinionLetters to the Editor

    • What I learned listening to others who have left the faith

      AnalysisRick Pidcock

    • United Methodist model could help Southern Baptists recover from sexual abuse scandal

      AnalysisCynthia Astle

    • Who is Augie Boto, the central figure in the SBC sexual abuse cover up?

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • This is more than just sin

      OpinionMeredith Stone

    • Former SBC President Johnny Hunt admits improper conduct but denies abuse claims

      NewsDavid Bumgardner

    • They were attending a conference on Scripture and violence when the Uvalde massacre happened

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • SBC Executive Committee releases previously secret list of convicted and credibly accused church sexual abusers

      NewsDavid Bumgardner

    • Calvinist Baptist pastor says Guidepost recommendations in sexual abuse report are ‘harmful’ and threaten ‘the sufficiency of Scripture’

      NewsDavid Bumgardner

    • Title 42 is expelling the good people, not the bad people, border advocate explains

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Sick of war, church leaders in South Sudan recommit to finding peace

      NewsAnthony Akaeze

    • SBC establishes hotline to receive reports of sexual abuse in churches

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • SBC presidential candidate says Executive Committee’s waiver of attorney-client privilege was ‘not wise’

      NewsDavid Bumgardner

    • Who is Augie Boto, the central figure in the SBC sexual abuse cover up?

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • SBC plans to release list of known sexual abusers in churches, refutes its own former general counsel

      NewsDavid Bumgardner, Jeff Brumley, Mark Wingfield and Maina Mwaura

    • On three-month anniversary of Russian invasion, Ukrainian Baptists and neighbors keep helping everyone they can

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • While SBC weeps over sexual abuse allegations, the TheoBros take on Beth Allison Barr one more time

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • SBC’s former law firm sharply disagrees with Sexual Abuse Task Force report

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Ministry jobs and more

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • Hearing from victims’ families changed the death penalty debate in Connecticut

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • What’s next for recommendations and reforms in SBC sexual abuse study?

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Guidepost report documents pattern of ignoring, denying and deflecting on sexual abuse claims in SBC

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Author considers how to mourn what’s lost when the faithful leave church

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • As joblessness rocks South Africa, fake pastor diplomas are in demand

      NewsRay Mwareya and Nyasha Bhobo

    • Why breaking up is so hard to do for United Methodists: Connectionalism

      NewsCynthia Astle

    • Oklahoma legislators say life begins at ‘fertilization’

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Baptists in Ukraine continue their humanitarian work amid devastation

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Louisville police training quoted Bible verse to say officers are God’s agents of wrath

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Transitions for the week of 5-20-22

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • ‘It’s still the economy, stupid’

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • America, blood is on your hands

      OpinionJamar A. Boyd II

    • Guns, the elders and the children

      OpinionSusan K. Smith

    • On another classroom full of murdered children

      OpinionDavid Gushee, Senior Columnist

    • Now is the time when we need to hear white evangelical leaders refute white supremacy

      OpinionJoel Bowman Sr.

    • Does the SBC have enough sackcloth?

      OpinionTerry Austin

    • What happens when the good news of therapy and the good news of Scripture conflict?

      OpinionRebecca Hewitt-Newson

    • White supremacy and firearm idolatry: America’s Baal

      OpinionBill Leonard, Senior Columnist

    • After the Guidepost report: Dwelling with evil while living into hope

      OpinionKathy Manis Findley

    • Rights, responsibilities and the two-fold commandment of love: A reflection on gun violence in America

      OpinionGreg Garrett, Senior Columnist

    • Mass murder and the soundtrack of our lives

      OpinionJustin Cox

    • Letter to the Editor: Where are the repentant SBC leaders?

      OpinionLetters to the Editor

    • This is more than just sin

      OpinionMeredith Stone

    • Remember the women: The Southern Baptist cover up of sexual abuse

      OpinionPam Durso

    • Don’t overlook the depth of the disease in the SBC

      OpinionPaula Garrett

    • Tear down the SBC Executive Committee and replace it

      OpinionLayne Wallace

    • It’s time to stop giving Christianity a pass on white supremacy and violence

      OpinionRobert P. Jones

    • SBC report shows how five words turn abuse victim from ‘survivor’ to ‘whore’

      OpinionMarv Knox

    • Former foster youth need to know they are not abandoned

      OpinionAlbert L. Reyes

    • What I learned about Polish hospitality toward Ukrainians: There but for the grace of God

      OpinionPatrick Wilson

    • Stop using Jesus to disguise your predatory patriarchy

      OpinionJessica Abell and Stephany Rose Spaulding

    • Sadly, I agree that a complementarian seminary shouldn’t offer women degrees in pastoral theology

      OpinionAnna Sieges

    • Intolerable cruelty is killing us

      OpinionKris Aaron

    • Another racist mass shooting and our failure to tend Jesus’ sheep

      OpinionEmily Holladay

    • Learning about change from Henry Ford

      OpinionBob Newell

    • Hymn stories: ‘Christ is alive! Let Christians sing’

      OpinionBeverly A. Howard

    • Buffalo and Uvalde both appear to have involved the AR-15, the rifle revered by the Christian right

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Ukrainians Count The Days As They Pray

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Texans plan interfaith protest at Friday’s NRA convention in Houston

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Buffalo’s Black Christians Grieve the ‘Evil Among Us’

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Senate GOP blocks domestic terrorism bill, gun policy debate

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Supreme Court declines to hear 2 different attempts to stop longtime Ann Arbor synagogue protesters

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Dispute over mosque becomes religious flashpoint in India

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Texas shooting live updates: Officials reveal more details about how the Uvalde school shooting unfolded

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • ‘He’s Just A Salesman’: Former Morningside Band Director Talks Bakker’s Ministry Tactics

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • After 2,000 UK Church Buildings Close, New Church Plants Get Creative

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Many Jewish World War II Soldiers Had Christian Burials. That’s Changing.

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Questions Archbishop’s Decision Regarding Communion Ban

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Burka Enforcement and Burka Bans: Where Extremist Policies Meet

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Climate Change Indicators Reach Record Levels

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • The Catholic Church’s views on exorcism have changed – a religious studies scholar explains why

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Indiana pastor admits ‘adultery’; woman says she was a teen

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Church of Scotland Approves Same-Sex Marriage

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBob Allen and Jeff Brumley

    • Banned from Communion in San Francisco, Pelosi receives Eucharist in Washington

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Senior Israeli lawmaker warns of “religious war” over Jerusalem moves

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Minnesota GOP apologizes for Soros puppetmaster video

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • If the media are reluctant to properly label the GOP’s racist, Christian nationalist ideologies, we’ll have trouble hanging on to democracy

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Pope voices hope church in China can operate in freedom

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Telehealth abortion demand is soaring. But access may come down to where you live

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • With AIPAC funding primary campaigns, young Jewish progressives move further left

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Welsh First Minister ‘regrets’ that Franklin Graham is coming to Wales

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    Conversations that Matter.

    © 2022 Baptist News Global. All rights reserved.

    Want to share a story? We hope you will! Read our republishing, terms of use and privacy policies here.

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • RSS