In the overall scheme of things, I don't think God minds the dance. I also don't think He minds if I were to wear shorts and a t-shirt to Mass (well, He may mind jorts). Personally, however, I just think some things show a lack of respect to the occasion, the event and the venue.
We know for a fact that Jesus himself found the so-called religious leaders who valued outward sanctimoniousness and strict observance of tradition the most highly despicable, and was most attracted to people who despite their faults were open and sincere. The people who are busy criticizing this have obviously not read the Bible -- instead, their entire idea of "Christianity" and holiness is based on stereotypes of socio-cultural norms.
wow, i had no idea there was actually a debate going on over this! for the record, i think it's great.
But its not your venue to decide what is respectful, unless you happen to be a member of that church. Personally I think it was rather silly but not being a member of that church, or part of that religion, its not for me to say what they should consider respectful.
Of course I can determine what I think is respectful and disrespectful. I think it is disrespectful to that Lutheran church. I asked a friend who is an elder (and has been in various Lutheran churches for a long time) and he said there is no way their church (or any church he has been affiliated with) would have allowed that. By the way, did you know that occurred in St. Paul?
Who cares if they would have allowed it to occur at his church? They allowed it to occur at this church. That's all that matters here.
The pastor disagrees and in that church the pastor has the say. Not you or your friend anymore than I have the say what is respectful in your church. Yep. I heard about this first on KARE11 news.
Have you guys seen this one: <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XClUAPwE4Z0&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XClUAPwE4Z0&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
I can't believe all the sniping and criticism that this generated. Actually I expected it. That thing was nothing but fun. How well they danced is totally unimportant. It is their zest and enthusiasm and good spirit that counts... and so many of you missed it.
Regardless of what the Pastor has to say, they don't determine what may or may not be respectful based on what I was brought up to believe was respectful. Obviously they have control over what can or cannot be done in their church, but doing so doesn't automatically make it respectful. I think it is a sign of disrespect to show up to Mass in a pair of shorts or a sports jersey or similar attire, but most Priests don't say anything about it. Just because they allow it, doesn't mean it's respectful. There is a difference in what is allowed and what is respectful and we (people) have different definitions of such.
Brobek, you must be a huge hit at parties. "THIS SEVEN-LAYER DIP IS NOT RESPECTFUL TO THE OCCASION, GUYS."
Uh-oh guys, it looks like they got divorced... <object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zbr2ao86ww0&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zbr2ao86ww0&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>
