This post was edited on 4/6/11 in order to remove a word deemed offense. A year on from writing this I feel I should add that whilst I still agree with most of what I wrote I do not like the tone I took. It is much too harsh and if I were to write this again I would seek to keep my writing gentlier and with more room given to the opinion of others. In other words I apologise if this rubs you up the wrong way; it rubs me up too. I leave it up as a reminder to myself of what I can write like.
On Friday the speaker at CU happened to mention in passing that he thought it would be a good idea if Christians didn’t go clubbing/only went clubbing with at least one Christian friend. What was interesting was that after the meeting a lot of people I spoke to were suddenly very defensive of their clubbing habits. And that can only mean one thing: a guilty conscience. So then, let’s apply some Biblical truth here and answer the question: should Christians go clubbing? To start off with let me share with you a true story. My friend, call him Peter, was telling me about a Christian girl he knew, call her Joe. Now Joe had told Peter that she couldn’t go a day without reading the Bible, she always had to read it before she went to bed. But then Peter asked me: “How can Joe say that when I see her at the weekends in a club grinding against some strange man.” In other words how can a Christian go clubbing? I pointed out to my friend that being a Christian didn’t mean not being a sinner. But what really got to me about the whole thing was that my friend now had another excuse for dismissing Christianity, his views on Christianity were now biased against it. Cause it can’t be that good if a girl can read the Bible and still grind against other guys. What also hit me was the number of times I’ve sinned in front of my friends and the bad example I’ve set for Christ. We must thank God that he can overcome our failure! The point of the story is to illustrate the simple fact that our unconverted friends are continually judging us on our behaviour, sins on our part become excuses on theirs. It also shows that even a non Christian found it strange that a Christian was clubbing. But is clubbing all about grinding against strange men? What is the purpose of a club? Well, let’s go through its mean features. 1) Low level lighting – Have you ever stood in front of a brightly lit mirror and been surprised at the number of blemishes you could suddenly see in your appearance (no, just me?) Low level lighting has the opposite effect, covers up blemishes and generally makes everyone appear more attractive than they really are. In addition low level lighting contributes to an atmosphere of sensuality and seduction. 2) Very loud music – this has a twofold influence. First is the fact that you can no longer hear people speak very well. This leads to a greater reliance on the superficial – you look at people rather than chat. Also you have to lean in close to people you want to talk to – basic human body behaviour for closeness and intimacy. The second effect is to provide everyone with a common emotional experience – that is providing the most shallow form of emotional intimacy ever devised. 3) Alcohol – lots of alcohol, mainly spirit based, high alcohol content – get people drunk, get them drunk quickly. 4) The dance floor – likely designed to be smaller than required to force people close together. In addition dance music is all about lust, love and emotion giving everyone unconscious stimulus towards getting real close with each other. The above ingredients all combine together to produce a recipe for a) drunkenness and b) getting laid. Because if you do achieve those two aims then you’re more likely to have a good time and so return for future business. In short clubbing is designed from top to bottom to get people drunk, laid and in the worst possible sense of the term: happy. Now let’s look at Galatians 5 v 19 – 21 and check off the sins clubbing involves, encourages or merely fuels. “The acts of a sinful nature are obvious: sexual immortality (check), impurity (check) and debauchery (check); idolatry (putting anything before God, check) and witchcraft; hatred (check), discord (She said what about me? check), jealousy (He/she is a much better dancer than me! check), fits of rage (check), selfish ambition (I will sleep with her! Check), dissensions (check), factions (check) and envy (check); drunkenness (check!), orgies (check) and the like. I warn you as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” All but one of the sins are encouraged, fuelled and stirred up by the act of clubbing and the influences on us in clubs. All but one! So then, a Christian entering into such an environment is unwise, possibly even stupid; it’s like going up to Satan and screamed “TEMPT ME!” But because you don’t like admitting sin you have an excuse, probably more than one. So let’s go through all the major excuses Christians use to justify what is obviously a sin. I’m not tempted by the sinful side of clubbing. Yeah right, get off your high and holy horse. Just because you’re a Christian doesn’t make you immune to temptation. Are you really saying you’ve never had one lustful thought? Stared at a low cut dress jus that bit too long? Danced just that bit too intimately? Drunk that little bit too much? Become envious of other people? The fact of the matter is this: we don’t like to admit how sinful we still are. But, to not admit so is placing confidence in ourselves rather than God. We are sinners! Sin still drags us down! It still deceives us as it deceives you now if you think clubbing is by any means ok. Matthew 18 v 8 “If your hand and foot causes you to sin cut if off and throw it away.” If clubbing is causing you to think wrong thoughts then cut if off! Stop going! But I really haven’t been tempted. Fine, just how long will this last? Going into a club means placing yourself directly in the path of temptation. It’s stupid. You’re putting too much trust in your ability to resist the Devil. Be wise, remember how pitiful you are, how prone to sin, how often you break God’s law. Don’t club. I’ll be a good witness to my friend. You’re standing on a table. Is it easier for your friends to pull you down or for you to pull them up? I hope you can see how the image works. The sad fact of the matter is that our friends are more likely to drag us into sin than we are to witness to them. Going into a sinful environment makes this a thousand times worse! Also, just what sort of witness are you setting? Ok, maybe you don’t get drunk or don’t dance that intimately. But so what? A lot of people might not drink or like dancing. And by appearing in a club you’re sending out the message that Christians are no different to everybody else. We can go to clubs as well! Dance, drink, sin. We are called to live in the world but not part of it. To be distinctive in our lives. Now imagine that when you’re friends invited you to a club you said no. And you explained it was because you rejected all the sexual and lustful sins that go on there. What an amazing witness! What a spectacular example of Christ like behaviour. But these people are lost – we need to go into the dark places This is a classic example of the Devil tempting us to sin through good intentions. Yes, we need to witness to people who go out on a Saturday night to clubs. But the way in which we witness needs to confirm to God’s commands for holiness. So, we could go as a team of Christians and talk to people queuing to get into clubs. They’re not that drunk, they can hear what we’re saying and we’re not going in! A perfect, temptation free, witness session. Or we could go into the club and dive into a sea of temptation where we are more likely to be dragged under than lift people out. Hang on; I’ve had a really good conversion with my friend when they were drunk. You’re not serious. They were drunk! Inebriated! Sure, they opened up to you on an emotional level but not on a spiritual level. And do we really have so little faith in God so as to rely on the drug of alcohol to help us speak to our friends? Are we really so lacking? After all, if drunkenness really did help let’s hand out beer in church and watch our conversions skyrocket. But I like clubbing! Now at last we come to the truth, we rip past all the excuses and see why Christians really do go clubbing. Because it’s fun. Because it’s really quite enjoyable. Because we’re living on the edge! Sin does that. It confuses us with its pleasures. We think that fun = good when it doesn’t. Final Thoughts We have every incentive to give up clubbing and none to keep going. Is living a holy Christian life compatible with going into a den of sin, temptation, lust and drunkenness? Imagine that Jesus followed you on a night out, would you feel guilty? I know I would. Above all: recognise how easily you are led astray. Be aware of how swiftly you fall into sin. Pray to God – ask him for the truth, ask God to tell you if clubbing is a sin! And if you agree that clubbing is a sin then repent! Turn away from it, stop going, yes, it could be hard, yes, you may be tempted to go again but by God’s grace you can overcome such desires. Personal Note I hate dancing and loud music and can take or leave drinking so clubbing is just not in my character as it were. This makes it easy for me not to go. But please don’t think that makes me a better Christian. I struggle with different temptations just as much and that’s just as obvious sin in my life that I’m ignoring as well. If you have found this post useful it would be great if you sent the link to your friends. If you have any questions email me as always. Email address in Contact section.
34 Comments
James Mildred
3/2/2010 03:22:25 pm
You know who I am! I agree with the basic prinicple of what your saying. I'm glad you pointed out the 'enjoyment' factor. But it sounded to me too much as if you were accepting that some individuals can go into a club and resist it, well, they are called boring. And more than likely will not remain in the club very long. Consider also the finacial implication, by forcing yourself to leave with less money (in my case, no forcing required) you cannot drink to your hearts content. What I am saying is this: it is too simple to dismiss it like this, its not impossible to be a witness just very difficult. You need to emphasise this. Oh, and clubbing is definitely not in your nature!! JM
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4/2/2010 07:54:17 am
Firstly, calling your brothers and sisters in Christ (infact, anyone really) "retarded" - not cool.
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Are you for real. The writer points out some very sound points. Yet, I think he failed to add this: look is your spiritual well so barren (dry) that you must try to find a substitute for being spirit-filled? You see the problem with Christian circles today is a lack of joy, laughter, dance and worship in the Christian experience. If you are high on Christ and all the Spirit has to offer then there's really no room for anything else like dark holes in he wall called clubs. I really wouldn't even start much of a sermon on this issue. Rather, encourage believers to be consumed with Christ so that they won't need to get high every week. Cheers!
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Ben
4/2/2010 11:30:07 am
Pubs are fine, they lack the sexual overtones of a club and are better suited to actually conversing with your friends.
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James Shrimpton
7/2/2010 02:43:02 pm
Excellent post, although I must confess to not being of the mind fo clubbing either so I may be slightly biased.
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Eric Murdoch
27/2/2010 06:18:10 am
I think you've been put off by one bad experience Ben. I've been recently and it was actually good fun. Although, unlike you, I do like to dance and don't mind the loud music that much.
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Claire
1/2/2014 08:23:59 am
I'm sorry to say but this is a ridiculous comment.
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leah
4/9/2014 09:23:13 pm
spot on!
Sabrina
17/4/2015 01:40:03 pm
To be honest, I HAVE prayed in a club: the guy in the cloakroom couldn't find my bag and I prayed so hard. Guess what? He found it!
Crystal
2/10/2017 08:54:37 pm
God is everywhere in the club or not.
Jane
4/3/2015 03:52:48 pm
Agree with you completely Eric. Added to this I really think that some christians have more issues with immoral sexual thoughts than non christians. All secular dancing is sinful and sexual is a joke - it is not like this for many people and to be honest when I was clubbing in my youth it was about burning up some energy, spending time with friends and listening to some great music. If lyrics were borderline I would refuse to dance to them. No wonder some christians can come off as superior and high and mighty and repulse people to even consider accepting God into their life.
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Rebecca Martin
28/2/2010 02:38:40 pm
I'm not a big fan of clubbing, but I do go sometimes because I don't want to be missing out on a chance to see friends, sometimes friends that I haven't seen for ages. And now and then it can be enjoyable. I don't think there is anything wrong with clubbing; it's perfectly possible to be a good strong Christian while in a club. God doesn't abandon you when you go inside. Here is my reasoning:
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Andrew
19/12/2015 10:53:00 am
Agreed. Only people who know they might be tempted to drink too much or stumble in some way need avoid clubs totally.
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God
28/2/2010 03:20:16 pm
I fully endorse clubbing as fun, social and non-sinful activity. Get a life.
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Follower
27/1/2015 02:14:41 am
Well said
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Andrew
19/12/2015 10:56:37 am
I have always found clubbing fun. But actually, your comment brings to mind that scripture:
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James
23/10/2010 10:32:51 am
I have heard you have put a second post on clubbing but I can't find it so I'll put a few thoughts down.
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Allyson
24/3/2011 07:05:57 pm
I wholeheartedly agree with this post! As a Christian, I have never actually gone clubbing, but I know quite a few people who do and who even get drunk (and I go to a Christian college). The other night my friends were trying to convince me to go with them, but I absolutely refused. Why? My simple answer was that it's something I don't think a Christian should be involved in. They replied with the typical "but you haven't experienced it before" response, which, in my case, is very true. I have not gone clubbing. However, I am very proud of that fact and never plan to go clubbing because I really don't see the point of purposely putting yourself in a situation that can cause you to act or think sinfully. While I struggle with many temptations, I just don't understand why Christians seem to like to add temptations to the mix for them (even if it is fun--but sin is fun, right?).
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Angie
3/6/2011 08:59:23 pm
Never ever use the word, "retarded" in this context ever again. You speak of being a light- No. This is pure ignorance to sensitive wording. This is not tough love, it is brutally disgusting and pathetically hurtful of you to say.
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Ben Mildred
4/6/2011 01:16:02 pm
Thank you for your comment Angie, the word has now been replaced with one which is less strong.
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Angie
7/6/2011 06:35:05 pm
I am confident your apology has been recognized with graciousness from your readers. I know that I for one, am thankful for your ability and willingness to present yourself as human-
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Bons
9/8/2012 08:41:28 am
Great article! I also don't go clubbing. I'd also like to share a few verses.
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Ruth
27/8/2012 06:44:14 am
Wow this is an answer to my prayers! Am having a debate with a Christian friend and this perfectly xpresses what I was trying to say!
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John
10/4/2013 06:13:15 am
Well, I think CLUBBING is stupid. Why entertain satan at the clubs on a saturday night and then wake up late to go entertain the LORD!
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Kelli
24/8/2013 06:14:02 pm
Thank you so much for this post! It clears up a lot of things for me.
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I think clubbing depends on how strong your walk with Christ is. If you dont get drunk, dance provactively, or have sex then you should be strong enough to avoid those temptations. However after clubbing for a long time it can cause your testimony to be tainted if your a christian. We are all sinners and we sin at times even.without going to a club. The best thing to do is not to go clubbing if it makes you weak to temptation. If you feel that you can avoid temptation and are strong enough to go to a club then go ahead and go.
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Jordan
29/8/2014 12:08:05 pm
One thing you probably could have talked about is the alternatives to clubbing. I being a dancer myself, host and attend many parties thrown by myself or fellow Christians where dancing occurs. No dirty dancing (ie bumping and grinding) or heavy drinking occurs.
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Mary
25/9/2014 07:07:22 am
I have had a constant battle with myself on this issue because the devil is constantly using ways to persuade me that clubbing is okay. I have come to the conclusion through God's guidance that it is not.
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Party man
28/9/2016 04:30:03 am
Again, you don't like the music, don't go. Personally, I would recommend any true Christians to avoid clubs that play especially a lot of rap music as rap is what I call the devil's music.
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Tony
4/9/2015 04:29:29 am
Hi all,
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Party man
28/9/2016 04:26:51 am
Nightclubs are also a popular first choice for singles looking to mingle and potentially meet a boyfriend or girlfriend. And as I like to put it, you don't need booze or cigarettes to have a great time at a nightclub. Instead of a beer, you can have a soda (Coca-Cola, Sprite, etc) or even a water at some clubs. Additionally, not all clubs play just rap as their mainstream; there are quite a few country nightclubs, too. You don't condone rap music, don't go to clubs that especially play a lot of rap.
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Ahone G
6/2/2020 01:06:54 am
Thanks for the wonderful message. It's a true inspiration. Many really get it wrong out there and always try to create justifications for their actions. Christians shouldn't be comfortable clubbing. I wonder who takes control at that time; the Holy Spirit or the devil?The answer is obvious. The devil!
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Grace
15/7/2022 05:26:39 pm
As someone who is still growing in my faith, i struggle with this topic as my Christian friends goes clubbing. Personally, I do not find joy in clubbing and however I've went to a club once. I do see the appeal of seeing the opposite sex in their most seductive clothes, trendy music and the possibility of meeting someone etc. However these appeals are all sinful.
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Sav
6/12/2022 09:47:43 pm
Why do some christians hate alcohol so much? Why do they ignore the scriptures prescribing it?
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