Truth Magazine

By Dick Blackford

A Fresh Look At A Troublesome Topic

Every man deserves the right to be heard at least once. And one should not draw a conclusion about his message before considering all that he has to say on the subject. So hear me out. I’m not going to give you all those quotes from dancing instructors and ballroom operators about the effects of dancing. For one reason, I cannot document them. And I’m not going to make the old argument that “if dancing is good exercise, then why don’t boys dance with boys?” They are now doing that. I suspect, though, that you might find it profitable to ask some homosexuals why they like that kind of dancing. They won’t give you that old “it’s good exercise” routine. We need to examine this defense as well as some others that are frequently offered for dancing.

1. “It’s good exercise.

This is one of few arguments that has ever been advanced in favor of dancing. But the fact that the “slow dance” has always remained popular pretty well defeats that. And I have the audacity to say that those who attend dances are not looking for exercise. Other methods of exercise are far superior. Why not get together and do pushups? Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? Yes, but that’s the fault of the argument, not the parallel. The truth is, it is easy to develop an unhealthy interest in the “physical fitness” of others either consciously or subconsciously (and I think you know what I mean). Bodily exercise at its best is profitable for only “a little.” Try exercising yourself unto godliness. It “is profitable for all things, having promise of the life which now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Tim. 4:7,8).

2. “It’s fun.”

I would be ashamed to admit that the only criteria considered for a particular practice is whether or not it entertains me, for the Bible says sin is “fun” (temporarily, Heb. 11:25). While the homosexuals don’t use the “good exercise” argument, they do use this one. Many of them are honest to a fault. Ask them why it’s fun. I dare you. “It’s fun” is a poor argument when one’s soul is in jeopardy. And it is.

3. “It’s the social thing to do.”

The person who uses this argument will always be a follower and never a leader. He (or she) will be a pawn in the hands of the majority. There happens to be a higher authority and criteria for deciding such matters. The majority was wrong in Noah’s day. The majority crucified Christ. The majority thought the earth was flat. The majority will be lost (Mt. 7:13,14). And here’s a paradox: The majority of the time, the majority is wrong. People whose primary interest is in “the social thing” usually make poor Christians. They possess a short-sighted “this world” view. But life on earth is not an end in itself.

4. “Dancing helps me develop poise.”

We must learn the difference between poise and poison. The end does not justify the means of obtaining it (Rom. 3:8). Physical poise is not a requirement to enter heaven. Spiritual poise (balance) is. Man looks on the outward appearance but Jehovah looks on the heart (1 Sam. 16:7). Inspiration condemns those who “glory in appearance, and not in heart” (2 Cor. 5:12). A person who is that concerned about poise has his eyes on the wrong goal. He (or she) may be viewing himself through the wrong end of the telescope (Rom. 12:3). We are trying to go to heaven. Remember?

I personally find this argument a difficult one to believe, especially when considering the kinds of dances that are popular. For example, the “bump” was the current rage. In this dance the partners seem to receive a thrill from a collision of their posteriors in time to the music (that’s as polite as I know how to express it). My, what skill! What co-ordination! What poise! What exercise!

5. “I can dance without having evil thoughts.”

Maybe you can, but I suggest you see a doctor. Medically speaking, normal males are several times more easily “turned on” than females. Syndicated columnist Lindsay R. Curtis, M.D., says, “For the most part, men are in a constant state of sexual readiness, even when it is the farthest thing from their minds . . . this desire in a woman is slow in awakening. . . ” (“Sensible Sex.` A Guide For Newlyweds, p. 41,42). “Male arousal occurs in a matter of seconds, and very few seconds, at that. It begins almost instantly . . . in wives, arousal normally requires much more time” (God Speaks Out On “The New Morality, ” A Production of The Graduate School Of Theology Ambassador College, pp. 235,236). See also The Stork Is Dead by Dr. Charlie W. Shedd (chapter titled “Boys Turn On Easier But They Turn Off Harder,” p. 111).

Consider this, however. Can you control the thoughts of your partner(s)? Can you control the thoughts of the spectators? Jesus said, “Woe unto the world because of occasions of stumbling! For it must needs be that the occasions come; but woe to that man through whom the occasion cometh (Mt. 18:7).

6. “The Bible doesn’t say ‘thou shalt not. . .'”

This argument has been spread to cover a multitude of sins. But it is wearing thin. How do you know the Bible does not say, “Thou shalt not dance”? Have you read the Bible through? Before taking someone’s word for it, I challenge you to read the Bible through. It will give you something to do with all of the spare time you have on your hands and will be time well spent. I have never known a dancer who was an avid student of the Word. They rarely have their Bible class lessons or seem interested in “the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever” (1 Pet. 1:22-25).

If it was necessary to have a “thou shalt not” for every prohibition, the Bible would be so big that one person could not carry it. Why are we unable to see that the Bible deals with some things generally? We need to stop requiring itemization. The Bible contains principles and instructions that may include a whole category of things. Such is the case with dancing, gambling, social drinking, etc.

7. “The Bible condones dancing in Luke 15:25 and other passages.”

No it doesn’t. First, even if this did have reference to modern dancing it must be observed that to mention a thing does not necessarily imply endorsement. Jesus did not uphold every minor event mentioned in His illustrations. He certainly did not endorse the dishonesty and deceit in the parables of the unrighteous steward and the hidden treasure (Lk. 16:1-3; Mt. 13:44). Second, “Social dancing, as we now understand it, was almost, if not altogether, unknown in ancient times. . . . Of dancing for its own sake, of its practice as an art, there is no trace” (Hastings Bible Dictionary, p. 550). Hastings goes ahead to mention that the only known exception to this was the case of Salome which caused Herod to become so ecstatic that he made a rash promise which he later regretted. It cost John his lead, a case clearly not endorsed in Scripture. “Women seemed generally to have danced by themselves. . . . Of the social dancing of couples in the modern fashion there is no trace” (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, p. 1170).

Three categories of dances are mentioned in Scripture. (1) Religious dances of the Old Testament (Ex. 15:20; 32:19; 1 Chron. 15:29). (2) Expressions of rejoicing (Judg. 11:34; 1 Sam. 18:6; Psa. 30:11; Lk. 15:25, etc.). (3) The passionate dance of Salome before Herod (Mk. 6:22). However, the dancing upon the prodigal son’s return is obviously parallel to and representative of the holy joy among the angels over the repentance of a sinner, as mentioned in two previous parables (Lk. 15:7, 10). The burden of proof that this incident is parallel to modern dancing is upon those who are pro-dancing today.

8. “Look at all the people who have danced and nothing happened to them.”

So far as you know, nothing happened. But one person cannot read the mind of another (1 Cor. 2:11). Really though, is this the way we determine the goodness or badness of a thing – by the number who escape unharmed? Would you judge war that way? Several came home from the recent war without a scratch on them. Does that make war a good and wholesome practice? I know a mother who does not think so. Her son returned home in a box which contained his remains. He was my childhood playmate. War has many effects. So does fire. People have escaped from burning homes, but do we conclude that such things are good because of the number who seemingly escape unharmed? Think about it.

Lasciviousness

Take a good look at that word. If you don’t know what it means, you need to learn. It can keep you out of heaven (that’s how serious it is). It is placed in a category of some of the most vile sins imaginable. The word appears in the following passages (read them): Mark 7:22; 2 Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 4:19; 1 Peter 4:3; Jude 4. Lasciviousness (Gk. aselgia, also translated “wantonness,” Rom. 13:13) means “wanton (acts or) manners, as filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females. . . ” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, pp. 79,80). Though some words have changed in meaning since the first century, this one has not. It is still defined as “tending to excite lustful desires” (Webster’s New World Dictionary, p. 824). Lasciviousness can be reflected in the way you walk, the way you talk, the way you sit, and the way you dress. I have never known a dancer who had taken the time to study the word, lasciviousness.

The Bible says a man can become guilty of “adultery in his heart” by looking on a woman to lust after her (Mt. 5:28). He is certainly responsible for his thoughts (Prov. 4:23; Mt. 15:19). But it may also have been that the female was guilty of lasciviousness. Reread Thayer’s definition. If dancing does not qualify, then what would? Don’t evade that question. Dancing is like playing with a candle in a room full of dynamite. One cannot put out a fire by pouring on gasoline.

What About Your Parents?

Some of you who are reading this are dancing, in open rebellion against your parents. God looks at that far more seriously than you do. “Rebellion is as witchcraft and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. . . ” (1 Sam. 15:23). All disobedience makes self-will, the human I, into a god. The sins of pride and haughtiness lead to disregard for parents. In the Old Testament a rebellious son was to be stoned to death (Deut. 21:18-21). Paul said even the heathen nations of the past knew that disobedience to parents was a thing worthy of death (Rom. 1:28-32). “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Eph. 6: 1). That’s the best reason in the world for doing a thing – because it’s right (God said so!). Your attitude in this matter will be determined by the degree of love you have for your parents – even if you don’t agree with them.

Others of you may be thinking of taking up dancing and have plans to try to hide your involvement. As sincerely as I know how to say it, I truly feel sorry for you. “It is an awful hour when the first necessity of hiding anything comes. The whole life is different thenceforth. When there are questions to be feared and eyes to be avoided and subjects which must not be touched, then the bloom of life is gone. Put off that day as long as possible. Put it off forever if you can” (Philip Brooks).

Conclusion

Elders, preachers, parents, are you shirking your responsibility to declare “the whole counsel of God” concerning lasciviousness? Are you pure from the blood of all men (Acts 20:26,27; Ezek. 3:18-21)? Parents, are you helping your children with this problem by providing a wholesome alternative in entertainment?

Generally speaking, I am encouraged by the quality of young people I see growing up in the kingdom of God. I appreciate the manner in which you are facing life’s problems and I feel fortunate to be associated with many of you. Young friends, you may not like my direct approach in dealing with this matter. I was a little sarcastic at times, but that was to help you see the point (Jesus used sarcasm for the same reason). However, I desire that we be friends and not enemies. “Am I become your enemy because I tell you the truth?” (Gal. 4:16) I am trying to do for you the biggest favor that one person can do for another. I hope you appreciate it and receive it in the manner intended.

If you have a further defense for dancing which you feel outweighs all other considerations mentioned herein, I would be glad to hear it. If not, let’s plan on seeing each other in heaven. Until then, may God receive the glory for any good done by this treatise.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 8, pp. 240-241, 246
April 17, 1986

By Steve Wolfgang

I had been to the cemetery many times before – too many to count. The Lexington Cemetery, one of the most beautiful in the country, is the resting place of the bodies of at least fifteen preachers well-known to students of Restoration History. We followed the familiar path past the towering monument over the tomb of Henry Clay Speaker of the House, Senator, Secretary of State, Presidential candidate, moderator in Alexander Campbell’s 1843 Lexington debate with Nathan L. Rice. One section removed lies the body of J.W. McGarvey.

Today was different, however. This was no enjoyable tour of interesting Restoration History sites. On this warm, windy, Wednesday, March 12, 1986, we had come to lay to rest the body of our fallen brother, Robert B. Crawley.

Bob Crawley was born May 29, 1928, into a family of Christians in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Attending David Lipscomb College as a 16-year-old high school student, he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1949. After one semester as a teaching assistant at the University of Florida, he moved to Indianapolis to preach at the 40th and Capitol church. While there, he married Leta Crosslin on May 7, 1950. Thus began more than thirty-five years of preaching the gospel of Christ.

As the procession wound past the grave of John T. Johnson (Congressman and gospel preacher; brother of Richard Johnson, Martin Van Buren’s Vice-President) and, just across the road, the marker commemorating the life of “Raccoon” John Smith, I found myself ‘thinking what many would express that day – how fitting, indeed, for Bob Crawley’s remains to await the resurrection in this location. Though where a person is buried matters little in the larger scheme of things, there was a sense of fitting conclusion to the choice of this location.

Bob had long had an interest in history, particularly the history of the Restoration, but in other aspects of the subject as well. This led him to earn a second baccalaureate degree at Birmingham-Southern College, and a graduate degree in ancient history and classical languages at the University of Kentucky during the 23 years he lived in Lexington. Several years ago, while he was hospitalized fighting the leukemia which afflicted him, I offered to obtain a new book pertaining to Restoration history for him. When he declined, saying, “I’m just not interested,” it dawned on me how deathly ill he was.

I watched with interest as we passed by the graves of those who have gone before, wondering where Bob’s body would

be laid to rest. On we drove, past the grave of L.L. Pinkerton, who introduced the melodeon into the worship of the church at Midway, Kentucky (ironically, not far from the monument for Robert J. Breckinridge, a Presbyterian who wrote a book opposing the use of the instrument in that denomination). Still further we drove, past the grave of Henry Halley, compiler of the widely-circulated Bible Handbook.

Careful study and exposition of the Bible became the hallmark of Bob Crawley’s preaching. Always able to maintain a calm demeanor even when others were visibly disturbed, Bob’s exposition of the Word was clear, direct, and logical.

How fitting it was, then, that the procession should stop between the graves of Isaiah Boone Grubbs and Robert Milligan. As we bore the casket to the place designated, contrasts and similarities filled my mind. Though Bob was every bit the equal of those two, he was perhaps not as widely known, for the simple reason that he was not a “writing” preacher, and they were. Their books, Exegetical Analysis and Scheme of Redemption, among others, live on nearly a century after their departure. Unfortunately for those of us who remain, it was impossible to convince Bob (though several of us tried) that he should write down the results of some of his careful investigations of the Scripture so that others who could not hear him in person might profit from them.

But that does not make his worth any less in the sight of those who knew him, nor, we trust, in the eyes of Jehovah. Bob had come to Lexington in 1962, after 6 1/2 years at Belview Heights in Birmingham, and spent nearly a quarter of a century with the University Heights church. While many other churches were spending the Lord’s money moving preachers from place to place every few years, University Heights enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with an outstanding student and expositor of the Word of God. During the time Bob was in Lexington, new churches were formed in nearly every county adjacent to Lexington/Fayette County.

Even though beset with leukemia, he attempted to preach as his strength would allow – in fact, he was active in teaching up to the very end. He had been teaching a home study each Tuesday in January and February, and preached at Nicholasville, KY, on February 23. He was able to attend several services during Bob Owen’s meeting at Nicholasville March 2-7, and attended the morning services on March 9. Experiencing increased pain, he was taken to the hospital and died Monday morning, March 10.

Ably conducted by James Hahn and Julian Snell, the simple grave side service was appropriate for one who did not stand on ceremony. Though many friends were present, having some from as far as Canada and Florida, there were many more prevented by time, distance, and circumstance from attending. As is the case in battle, upon hearing of the death of a fellow soldier, one can often simply murmur a prayer, pausing only later to reflect on past days, and mutual ventures undertaken together.

Bob Crawley is survived by his wife, Leta; 2 sons, Bruce and Bryan; a daughter, Laura (all of Lexington); and by his father, A. Bruce Crawley of Birmingham, AL. Thanks to the generosity of fellow Christians across the nation, Bob’s medical and funeral expenses have been taken care of, and Leta does not presently face any pressing need, though her future is uncertain at the moment. Her address is 734 Seattle Drive, Lexington, KY 40503. I am sure she would appreciate hearing from fellow Christians.

We do not want to “think of men above that which is written” (1 Corinthians 4:6), nor enlarge our brother in death beyond what he was in life. Like many other preachers buried in Lexington and elsewhere, Bob was not perfect a fact he freely acknowledged. But he was an exceptional person in many ways. Like others who knew him, I shall miss him greatly.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 8, pp. 233, 243
April 17, 1986

By Irven Lee

Older preachers who live now can well remember the decades of the depression years and the war years when with some effort several could be baptized in one gospel meeting. That was not a period of perfection that deserved a halo because many churches were weak and small. Circumstances were such that rapid growth was possible. Many new churches were established, and older ones grew. Hope could be found in many hearts. It was a good time to preach if one were content to live without much money. Then this day ended when the innovations began to come.

Zeal went way ahead of knowledge as men set out to help the Lord make better plans for His church. Big institutions were set up to collect and spend money. These big central agencies were not like anything found in the New Testament, but they were very much like the arrangements that were common among the denominations. It seems that many of our brethren wanted to be like the nations about us. They wanted the Lord’s church to be as well planned and as well organized as the denominations!

Family life buildings were established in some places to provide “Christ centered recreation for all ages,” whatever that is. They could offer basketball, arts and crafts, sewing, volley ball, exercise classes, ceramics, painting, and table games and thus be a “friendly church that fills your spiritual needs”! These plans are from the minds of people who are not so hungry for Bible study and for gospel preaching.

The sun went down on the happier period of growth. Division, bitterness, and worldliness came in as apparently welcome guests. There is cancerous growth in some places brought on by food, fun, frolic, and more efforts to be acceptable to the world they have copied. This requires more compromise of principles of conviction and less concern for a “thus saith the Lord.”

The most digressive element is now finding wonderful harmony with their “brethren” of the Christian Church. They may soon add the instrument and be in fall fellowship. The other things have already been added. The Christian Church will not have to change one thing. It will only have to notice that those who had been in the narrow way are now in the broad way with it.

That must be a pleasant surprise to these people of the Christian Church.

During the time of the Old Testament there were periods of apostasy, and then occasions of repentance and restoration. Since Christ there have been periods of unbelief followed by periods of awakening faith. This is a dark period of frustration, friction, and factions. The first quarter of this century was such a period for our brethren, but the next twenty-five years was a period of growth.

Truth crushed to earth shall rise again,

The eternal years of God are hers;

But error, wounded, writhes with pain,

And dies among his worshipers. (William Cullen Bryant)

Truth is and always has been powerful and able to make one free from the bondage of sin (John 8:32; Heb. 4:12; James 1:21). The word of God is truth in spiritual matters (John 17:17). No group of “great preachers” now living will be able to come forth with something more powerful or enduring than the living Word. We need not apologize for the sword of the Spirit or the parts of the Christian’s defensive armor (Eph. 6:10-20).

God is, and He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6). His precious promises are not empty words (Heb. 13:5,6; 1 Peter 5:6,7; Matt. 28:20). “If God be for us, who can be against us? ” (Rom. 8:31) Let the devout young saints come forth and speak boldly as they ought to speak (Eph. 6:20). Time, patience, effort, and boldness can again prepare the soil for planting and harvesting by God’s help. He will give the increase.

Modernism, humanism, liberalism, and hedonism have captured America’s fancy. The promoters have presented themselves as being the intelligentsia and the elite among society. They are without God and without hope in the world (Eph. 2:12). They have no more to offer than the philosophers of the sin-sick Roman world into which the apostles went to preach the good news. One of the best known facts of history is that the apostles and their brethren did not preach in vain. Our addicts of alcohol and other chemicals, with all their fornication and greed for money, are not showing America a beautiful picture. A beautiful dawn is ready to erase some dark shadows. Show the world the beauty of holiness, walk by faith, walk humbly with your God and see that godliness has the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come (1 Tim. 4:8). Please read and follow the advice our Lord gave in Matthew 10:24-42.

All the prophets, apostles, and other great servants of God were bold from courage prompted by great faith. The gospel is God’s great power. You have it, along with His promise to be with you, as you take it to all nations. Cowards have no place in God’s army.

More athletes, politicians, and business men are speaking up in recognition of God and the Bible. There is a stirring of interest in a return to truth. The effects brought on by humanism, hedonism, modernism, and greed are horrible, and millions are beginning to notice and to desire a return to honesty, stability of marriage, respect for property rights, and for law and order. The gospel of salvation can be preached in a world like this. The fields are ready to be prepared for planting, but the laborers are few. Pray about it (Matt. 9:35-38).

Preachers who want to preach to have a second salary, and preachers who will only pick up and repeat the words of psychologists and popular writers will not be able to stop the tide and turn it in another direction. These men will only go along with the tide. It takes strong men who arc well prepared to stand against the popular wiles of the devil. Having done all to stand, stand therefore! Fight a good fight! War a good warfare! God bless you, every one!

My generation lost many battles in the last thirty years, but the war between truth and error is not over and it will never be. There are some worthy new recruits enlisting and training to be loyal soldiers of Christ. Watch the tide fall back as the frightening effects of humanism become more and more apparent. Make a bold counter attack and have your names written in the Lamb’s book of life rather than among the ungodly entertainers and other promoters of carnal pleasures. Make whatever sacrifice it takes to get the job done. Let us pray that the beautiful dawn of a new day will soon be seen in which men will speak as the oracles of God.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 8, pp. 242, 246
April 17, 1986

By Donald Willis

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign as king over Judah. Josiah was blessed by having a good mother and capable advisers. Josiah attempted to bring Judah back to God, whom they had forsaken. He first destroyed the evil worship, and set up divine worship, restoring the religious days that God had ordained.

Josiah did not establish a new religion, he simply found the rejected religion of God and restored God’s people to faithful keeping of the commandments. This type of restoration is yet needed in the late twentieth century.

Josiah’s high priest said, “I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord. . . ” (2 Kings 22:8). Who would have thought that God’s law book could be lost in the Lord’s house? People elevate human laws, creed book, personal opinions, denominational rulers. . . and it has become difficult for one to find the Law of the Lord. Yet, it must be found, for it reveals the righteousness of God (Rom. 1:16-17); and it is the revelation of God whereby the child of God is completely furnished unto all good works (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Reject the laws of men, and require the keeping of the Bible. Demand the preacher give book, chapter, and verse for every teaching that comes from his mouth.

Many lose the law of God in their own homes. The home should be responsible toward God and His law. The Bible should be cherished by the family. Bible reading is important (2 Tim. 2:15; Acts 17:11-12). Our young people need to see the parents reading the Bible. Devotion around the table or in the living room can enrich the child’s life. But, the Bible is hidden beneath the TV, or under a stack of magazines, or newspapers. Restore the Bible to the home!

Many lose the Bible in their own personal character. The Bible is the best book of books! Agreed! Yet, the benefit of the Bible is not in possessing a Bible; but in the reading of it, making application thereof in one’s heart. Until the Bible has changed our character, it has been of little benefit to us. When one reads the Bible, either the life will be changed, or one will quit reading the Bible! How does it affect you?

Yes, the Bible was lost! And, today the Bible is lost! No, we have our personal copies of the Bible. Yet, when a people cease to follow the Bible in the churches, appreciate the Bible in their homes, and apply the Bible to their lives, in reality the Bible has been lost. The only way that I can change this is with me. You can change with you by respecting the Bible and teaching it to your family and neighbors. Really, that’s what Christianity is all about anyway!

Guardian of Truth XXX: 8, p. 239
April 17, 1986