Article originally published in February 2005 and revised for The Worst Gospel in 2025, preserving its original theological content.
THE ORIGIN OF THE DEBATE
There are two fundamental texts for the plot of this analysis.
All the content from the first article, published as a definition for "Prophetic Worship," appeared on the old website of the Evangelical Congregational Church of Bento Ribeiro and was taken down, but I managed to recover it to present it here and, as I have done for many years, the texts in red always indicate dangerous words:
Prophetic Worship
Dancing is not simply performing movements to entertain a community, but rather the manifestation of the life that exists within us, a life transformed by the blood of Jesus, which leads us to movements of worship and true expression.
Dancing inside a church is not a spectacle…
When motivated by the Lord, It is a prophetic act and has an impact on spiritual realms. 1.
We must be channels through which the Holy Spirit fills us with new life.
It's time to dance with celestial depth. 2.
Why prophetic?
Dance is an expression of words and musical notes, with or without sound, but with the release of God's power through movements that call forth the virtue of God's presence. 3.
The dance ministry is not just a place where members learn to dance.
É something that is born in the heart of God ⁴ and where there needs to be holiness, unity and dedication.
We need to say no to sin and bad attitudes.
He cannot be a part of the life of a worshipper and minister of the Lord.
In the dance ministry there should be one heart and one goal: to worship and adore Almighty God… In this way, the group will grow.
Each member is responsible for their actions on this journey.
Each member of the ministry should:
Worship above all else.
— Pray
— Always repent, for with this attitude, all the chains that prevent God's blessings from being poured out upon the church are broken.
— Do not let circumstances prevent or hinder worship.
— To be sensitive to the voice of the Lord.
— To be submissive to your leader. ⁶.
— To forgive wholeheartedly.
Learning to apologize.
— To analyze the true motivation behind dancing. Not dancing with the goal of becoming famous or getting invited.
— Bitterness, arrogance, pride… They should not be part of the life of someone who He earnestly desires to dance for God, before God, and with God. ⁵.
— Be alert to the enemy's attacks: disunity, disobedience, rebellion, inferiority, and confusion.
— Being a servant: a servant doesn't point out flaws, doesn't criticize. ⁶… The servant bows and prays.
It is of utmost importance to have love, respecting each other's differences, seeking unity in spirit, so that the anointing that comes from God may become a reality.
When dancing, we should seek to convey the presence of God in our gestures, our expressions, and in the conviction of our ministerial calling.
We don't dance to receive praise; we dance out of a desire to feel and see the glory of God in the midst of the congregation.
Always transcribing“ipsis literis”"What's on the website, then we are presented with the 'justifications' for dancing the way I witnessed in that church during a 'Prophetic-Apostolic Congress':"
DANCE AND THE WORD OF GOD
The word of God shows us several texts that speak about dance: sometimes as social entertainment, sometimes as public rejoicing, and also as an act of worship.
Let's look at some references:
The parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15 Verse 25 shows us that there was music and dancing in celebration of the return of the lost son.
— Ecclesiastes 3:4 It speaks of God's permission to dance when it says that there is a time for everything.
Another passage is in Jeremiah 31 Verses 4 and 13, when the Lord says that Israel will be adorned with tambourines and will go out with the chorus of dancers, and that the virgin will rejoice in the dance.
— 1º Samuel 18:6, 21:11 e 29:5 This shows that dancing was a common part of celebrations in people's lives. A true expression of joy. Read also Judges 11:34 e 21:21…
— When Miriam danced, she simply expressed the most beautiful thing in her soul: the tremendous joy that sprang from within her like a river of living water overflowing, manifesting through dance a marvelous way of saying: "Thank you, Lord.".
Point-by-point biblical analysis
Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine in her hand,
And all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing.
And Miriam answered them:
Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; horse and rider he has hurled into the sea.
Having said that, I will now record the observations pertinent to what, strictly based on the word of God itself, I call "contradictory":
1. (DANCE)... IS A PROPHETIC ACT AND HAS AN IMPACT ON SPIRITUAL REALMS
If even the texts cited by the website don't justify such a claim, then in the 22 times the word "dance" is mentioned in the ENTIRE Bible, there is NO REFERENCE WHATSOEVER to this "type" of dance!
However, only if we consider the practices of African and Eastern religions will we find some justification for this utterly misleading statement.
2. IT'S TIME TO DANCE WITH CELESTIAL DEPTH
Another statement that is beautiful on human terms, but completely devoid of both biblical support and a sense of timing: we are in a time of battle… in full preparation for the arduous time that necessarily precedes the arrival of the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior!
Let us hope in Jesus Christ that soon... very soon, the time will truly come when we can dance in this way.
3. (…) RELEASE OF GOD'S POWER THROUGH MOVEMENTS THAT CALL UPON THE VIRTUE OF GOD'S PRESENCE
Another blatant absurdity!!!
The power of God is released through acts such as proclaiming the word, prayer, and even praise and worship… and the biblical Greek meaning of “worship” and “prostrate” is the same: “proskuneo” (read more about this in item 5).
In God's Word we learn:
For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing,
For I have the desire to do what is good, but not the ability to carry it out.
Let's add to that the passage from 1ˢᵗ Timothy 4:8, where exercise is mentioned and it is established that ANY PHYSICAL EXPRESSION IS VAIN!
I'll warn you again:
The assumption that bodily movements have the ability to release some mystical or esoteric power does not come from God nor is it supported by Scripture.
On the contrary, it is based on magic and witchcraft: those who force its inclusion in rational worship, despite ignorance or any alleged good intentions, lend themselves to worshipping Satan himself.
4. It is something that is born in the heart of God.
Another invention without biblical proof:
According to biblical research, dance is simply a manifestation of human joy, something that (contrary to the text on the website) originates in the heart of man and is offered to God.
Moreover, this is an EMOTIONAL FALLACY: any absurd novelty they are trying to force into the ecclesiastical structure with the aim of its degradation is either a "vision" or "comes from the heart of God," but this directly contradicts what is written:
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights,
In whom there is no change nor shadow of variation.
5. He earnestly desires to dance for God, before God, and with God.
Allow me to quote a passage from Mac Dominick's study on pragmatism in the Modern Church:
WORSHIP
This is a term that has been redefined by modern culture.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word translated as "worship" is "shachah". In the New Testament, the Greek word that was translated as "worship" is "proskuneo".
In both cases, the definition of these words is "to prostrate oneself in humble homage," and this simply conveys the concept that true worship of a Holy God involves total submission and humility.
In contrast, it seems today that charismatic influence in what is perceived as worship is looking up and raising one's hands to God while swaying the body to the sound of "Christian" rock music.
Dan Lucarni, in his book "Why I Left The Contemporary Christian Music Movement," recounts the following testimony of his personal experience:
“I remember when I first changed my personal style of worship from bowing my head to looking up. I was influenced by the charismatics who were praying at one of our citywide prayer meetings.
I remember the good feeling it gave me, that I was for the first time a participant in worship with God, not a despicable worm that had to prostrate itself.
"I felt better about myself.".
The conclusion is this:
Worshiping God has nothing to do with the worshipper, but with God.
The goal of worshiping God is not to make the worshipper feel better about themselves, but true worship of a Holy God will allow the worshipper to see themselves as they truly are in the face of God's magnificent and incomprehensible holiness.
True worship is not accompanied by rock music that appeals to the flesh.
True worship involves submission to the truth of God's Word.
“The true heart of worship is the heart that bows before God and submits to His Word, nothing more, nothing less.”.
Worship in the new paradigm is the complete opposite of what has just been described.
It involves carnal music, charismatic influence, looking up to God, and making the worshipper feel good about themselves.
Those who promote results-oriented religion believe that the lost don't have problems with God—they have problems with the local church.
They want to leave church service “feeling better about themselves, instead of being called to self-examination, sincere repentance, and faith in a holy God.”.
Therefore, the service needs to be exactly as described by Dan Lucarni—they want to participate in worship with God and elevate themselves in a pseudo-carnal worship instead of humbling themselves in the presence of God's holiness.
But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags.;
We all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, sweep us away.
Answer this after a careful and reflective reading of this passage from Isaiah: isn't it quite presumptuous for any unclean human being to want to dance WITH God?!?
6. BE SUBMISSIVE TO YOUR LEADER: A SERVANT DOES NOT POINT OUT FAULTS, DOES NOT CRITICIZE
The Holy Spirit of God dwells within each and every genuine believer, therefore His presence will result in the manifestation of the “fruit of the Spirit” in their lives.Galatians 5:22-23).
This fruit is the only visible evidence by which we can discern whether someone is saved or not!
Therefore, when a person's walk is not consistent with what they say, we should be very cautious about them.
Let's look at the basis for this analogy:
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
By their fruits you will know them.
Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Thus, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Therefore, by their fruits you will know them.
In 1ˢᵗ Corinthians 5, Here we find what the apostle Paul taught the believers in Corinth about judging individuals within the church, but the "highlight," which we must never forget, lies in the clear exhortation for the brethren to exercise spiritual judgment not only in that matter, but in any other matter as well:
But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. Do not even eat with such people.
For what business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?
Do not judge those who are inside.?
But God judges those who are outside the church.
Remove, therefore, that wicked man from among you.
Another interesting passage can be found in 2ⁿᵈ Thessalonians 3, where it appears that false teachers had convinced some of the believers in Thessalonica that the Lord was about to return on a certain date.
So they quit their jobs, sold their possessions, and eagerly awaited Christ's return.
However, while they waited, they had to live off the generosity of their brothers and, among other things, were guilty of vagrancy and meddling in other people's affairs.
To correct the problem, Paul's words in verses 6, 14, and 15 once again encourage proper judgment:
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who is walking disorderly and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us…
But if anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed.
However, do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
Are these extremely important warnings being taught and followed by the majority of pastors and churches today?
NO!!!
Why?
Because they are not "politically correct" and could offend someone!
Unity at all costs is being strongly promoted, and every effort is being made to attract those who might make a profession of faith and help fill the church pews—regardless of a person's actual standing before God.
Instead of acting in accordance with this trend, we should follow Paul's exhortation:
Examine everything.
Hold onto the property.
Spiritual discernment should serve as our "radar antenna" and be exercised in ALL THINGS of our daily lives, aiming to avoid being deceived by the Devil.
I insist on the topic of deception because the Word of God urges us to do so!
Simply using Christian terminology and attending church every time the doors are open—or, particularly, standing in the pulpit when you enter—doesn't necessarily mean someone is a believer in Christ and born again!
Listen to the inner witness of the Holy Spirit concerning those who claim the title of "Christian," and if your spiritual antenna begins to vibrate, pay attention to this: God knows their hearts and knows whether or not they belong to Him.John 10:27).
Observe them carefully: if their actions don't align with your profession of faith, avoid them!
One of the MAIN DUTIES OF A CHRISTIAN (and, paradoxically, one of the most avoided) IS EXACTLY THIS: TO JUDGE!!
In 2ⁿᵈ Timothy 4:2 Pastors are urged to rebuke, reprove, and exhort "with all longsuffering and doctrine.".
The Greek word translated as “to argue” is frequently used in the sense of “to expose,” and we find this exposed in the following passage:
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather CONDEMN THEM…
But all these things are made manifest by the light, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light.
Pointing out doctrinal errors is an essential part of the ministry of any genuine pastor and should be done for the benefit of God's people: when we find it necessary to criticize the tactics and teachings of others, this should be done using God's Word as the standard and not our own ideas!
When someone is shown to be in error, that person's recognized piety and popularity should not overshadow or overshadow the facts:
Judging is not wrong when it means the EXERCISE OF SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT: no matter how great and good the reputation of anything or anyone may be, WRONG IS WRONG!
May God grant us much more of this discernment!
At the time I wrote it, it was painful, and I still am not happy, to conclude that these so-called "Prophetic Dances" were never anything more than "Pathetic Dances," but, as a servant of the Lord, I am obliged to point out such discrepancies that contaminate ecclesiastical enterprises.
Unfortunately, this is the type of post that can leave readers feeling uneasy, especially if... hood It may have served its purpose, but... I write based on the Word of God, and whoever has ears to hear, let them hear!
Another heresy that had not yet sprouted at the time this text was written was the so-called "inclusive churches," an absurd and unspeakable thing whose embryonic phase also took place through the dancing men who leaped like gazelles during the services of any church that used this strategy as an excuse to "attract young people"...
Today I am absolutely certain that Satan is dancing beautifully through almost all ecclesiastical enterprises of almost all existing denominations... in Brazil and in the world!
What's it called?
APOSTASY!
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