Our culture continues its steady march away from traditional stances on morality and ethics. Things go on today, with barely a commotion, which only a few years ago would have had entire communities in an uproar. I don't know about you, but I sometimes find myself in an emotional tug-of-war. Partly, I am filled with great hope and optimism: "Surely there is a silent majority of people out there who have strong moral principles and are in possession of godly values." The other part of me is not so optimistic: "As the generations pass, people seem to question all that is right and embrace all that is wrong." It does not help my optimism when I hear that those who play significant roles in the development of our future leaders and members of society embrace ungodly practices and chalk them up to "teens will be teens."

Disturbing reports have surfaced about this year's Brownsburg Homecoming Dance. Reports of "bumping and grinding" and other provocative dancing have been widely circulated. "Bumping and grinding" is described as back-to-front dancing, where the girl gyrates against the pelvis of the boy standing behind her. Some have described the dance as "sex with your clothes on."

This spring, a controversy over this type of dancing erupted in Fort Wayne. One student who defended this kind of dancing said, "I've grown up with it. That's the way dance is. You have to grow with the times." Across the country, some schools have banned dirty dancing. One school administrator in California says, "It is like pornography...there are instances when a girl will be on the floor and there will be guys on top of her, gyrating in sync to the song." The San Jose Mercury News describes the dancing in this way: "There are times when a student's head is nuzzled in another's crotch. Or legs are hung around hips as pelvises thrust against each other. Basically, it's anything that looks like sex." (www.renewamerica.us/columns/zeiger/0404 24)

At this year's Homecoming dance, Brownsburg school administrators had the DJ make an announcement about "appropriate behavior," but they took no action to stop the dirty dancing, because there were just too many people to control and no way to stop it. The behavior itself is disturbing and clearly beyond the lines of morality.

But perhaps even more appalling than the dirty dancing, was the reaction of school administrators who were fearful that if students were sent home for inappropriate conduct, the administrators would have to endure their parents' complaints. Two "chaperones" at the social event were told that "teens will be teens, and they (the chaperones) were out of touch because they were not educators." It is a sad day when school officials do not have the backbone to stand up to parents who allow their children to engage in such offensive behavior. Yes...my more pessimistic side is winning out. When it comes to moral issues, the ones we entrust to be positive role models for our children seem to be questioning all that is right and embracing all that is wrong.

Dirty dancing falls into a category of behavior that is clearly condemned in Scripture. Romans 13:13 says, Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality. "Sensuality" refers to "wanton (acts or) manners, as filthy words, indecent physical movements, unchaste handling of males and females, etc." Those who serve God must cease this kind of behavior in order to be pleasing to Him. In fact, those who engage in such behavior will not inherit the kingdom of God. This is not based on one man's opinion, but on God's inspired word. Galatians 5:19-21 says, "Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

But...children will be children, and they're going to do it anyway. Really? Who says? How many teenagers demonstrate great courage in withstanding peer pressure? How many more would withstand peer pressure if they had the proper guidance at home and school? When parents and a school corporation operate under the "they're going to do it anyway" mentality, despite weak-kneed objections to the contrary, they are, in effect, giving their stamp of approval to the immoral behavior. Unfortunately, a number of parents and school administrators have caved into the spirit of moral compromise that pushes "black and white" issues into "gray areas." We need community leaders who have enough courage to stand up to indecent and ungodly behavior! We need parents who teach their children how to be confident, how to stand on their convictions, and how to know right from wrong.

Principles of morality and godly values do not change with the times! There are some behaviors that will always be wrong, no matter what entire generations of people say. Let's get away from living in flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. (1 Peter 4:2)

Brother Allen's article caught my eye the other day. During the past ten years (maybe a little longer), I've had several conversations with Christians who sought to defend allowing their children (many of them Christians) to go to the prom and other dances. What are they thinking? The answer is-they are not thinking! How can we expect our children to keep their hormones and sensual desires in check, when we send them into such types of temptations?

One Christian said, "My child would never participate in that kind of dancing." My next question was, "Does that means it's all right for them to watch others participate in such activity?" No answer. It doesn't have to be the type of dancing Brother Allen described to be sinful. What about "slow dancing cheek to cheek?" Husbands, would it offend you for another man to slow dance with your wife, to soft music, their bodies swaying slowly together, lights dimmed, her body close to his? I honestly believe it would bother every husband, if he loves his wife. Then why in heaven's name doesn't it bother you to send your sons and daughters into that situation? Sadly, many brethren are more worried about their children's popularity than their souls! May God help parents to get their priorities straight-the soul first, and everything else second. (KMG)