Was Watchtower Elder Correct To Say This Dance Style was Unchristian?.

by Scott77 25 Replies latest social humour

• 

  Jim_TX

  For some 'elders' ANY dance is unchristian.

  I remember as a teen, my older sisters and mom rented a recreation hall, and invited JW friends to come for a night of dancing.

  What dances? Old dances like The Virginia Reel, Polkas, and other early american dances - arm-length - and rigorous.

  The folks that came all had fun. Unfortunately, one or two of the people who were there were elders, and reported to the 'big' elder who called my mom and sisters on the carpet - after they scheduled another dance night.

  It seems that they read to her all sorts of 'rules' about being responsible for people who were there - afterwards. Or - perhaps they were outside - up to no good. Etc. They made her feel really bad, so she rented an off-duty sheriff to make sure that there was no one outside. No one was. The poor fella had nothing to do, so he came inside where everyone was - and pretty much had fun watching - and eating cookies - drinking sodas.

  The 'elders' were not happy with this. They called her - and my sisters again. Had another meeting. Pretty much the same thing.

  So - my mom and sisters did research in the WT publications - and sent a letter to Brooklyn asking if it was allowed - based upon 'insert quoted articles here'. Well, Brooklyn actually responded and pretty much affirmed that it was okay.

  My mom called a meeting - inviting the 'elders' over to our house - where she presented them with this letter.

  Ummm... 'elders' don't like it when you go over their heads, and they're called on the carpet... especially when it counters what they are saying. Needless to say, this 'big' elder wasn't happy with this.

  Long story short - flashforward about 17 years. There is a 'wedding anniversary' for some older JW couple - and my JW wifey was invited (along with just about everyone else). I too was invited - even though I had already quit going to meetings - and was pretty much out by then.

  At the party - it was nice, and there was a band ready to play music for dancing on the main floor. I saw this 'big' elder there - which kinda surprised me that he would have gone to something like this - since it clearly was going to have dancing.

  I turned to my wife and said - "Look! See that fella?" She said, 'Yes...?" I said, "You watch him. When the music starts - he'll get up and leave."

  Sure enough, later - when the music started - he - very stiffly - got up and mechanically headed for the door - leaving for the night.

  Astonished, my wife turns to me and sez, "How did you know?" I shrugged, "Some people never change."

  So... for some JWs - NO dance style is 'christian'.

  Regards,

  Jim TX
• 

  Gayle

  I love to watch all cultural dancing! I do the "Twist" every chance I get now (and I'm a grandma now), because too many years ago it also was an unforgiveable sin. "Dance like no one is watching!"

  When I was at Bethel in early '70s, a single Puerto Rican Gilead student, Maria, told me with a big broad approving smile that the Society won't ever be able to take the swing out of the hips of a Puerto Rican woman, that that was always a part of her. I appreciated her free expression as she was a beautiful gal with much heartful expression. Most unfortunately, she died in her assignment with some omoeba thing. Still breaks my heart!
• 

  Wasanelder Once

  Jim_Tex, I don't know when that was but now the Society sends a letter to the elders of the congregation and includes a copy of their response to individuals wo they may know the appearance of their flock. Its just low down and crappy. "Everybody Dance Now!" W.Once
• 

  Scott77

  	I do the "Twist" every chance I get now (and I'm a grandma now), because too many years ago it also was an unforgiveable sin. "Dance like no one is watching!"...Most unfortunately, she died in her assignment with some omoeba thing. Still breaks my heart!
  	Gayle

  Hi Gayle ,

  Although you are now a grand mom, are you able to enjoy twisting without difficulties? I think that is amazing. Thanks for sharing. Its sad that she died. Could she have lived had she not been working at Bethel? Did she died single and unmarried? What is that 'omoeba thing'?
• 

  sacolton

  Dancing like this is what made John The Baptist lose his head.
• 

  Jim_TX

  "Jim_Tex, I don't know when that was but now the Society sends a letter to the elders of the congregation and includes a copy of their response to individuals wo they may know the appearance of their flock."

  My mom may have been the reason for that edict. This happened around 1970-ish.
• 

  Scott77

  Scott77 - That dancing probably made him sin, so he had to mark it as un-christian. And on a side note, that hurt my back just watching them. How do they do that?
  dissed

  I think how those african women do it is through practice over the years of conditioning. Compare that to watchtower mind control conditioning through Cool Aid drinks right from childhood. I believe, intricate dancing is perfected through cultural practices that starts right from childhood through adulthood. There are numerous social events that do a lot to provide a conducive environment of young girls to learn from experienced adults. Think of a grooming process. That is why people like you (Westerners), if they attempt to do demostrate it for the first time, it can be a little hurting in the back.
• 

  neverendingjourney

  An elder at my old hall confidently declared from the platform that ALL forms of dance involving unmarried persons were prohibited.

  He was disfellowshipped about a month later...he had secretly been having an affair.
• 

  Scott77

  	An elder at my old hall confidently declared from the platform that ALL forms of dance involving unmarried persons were prohibited. He was disfellowshipped about a month later...he had secretly been having an affair.
  	neverendingjourney

  Wow, this is interesting. I believe this action on the part of the elder, qualifies it to be the highest example of hypocrisy.
• 

  XPeterX

  I'm sure that some jws would say:"Would Jesus dance like that?" or "Would you dance like that if Jesus was there?"