Romans 8:13 and dancing

Romans 8:13 states that, "..when god is for us, who can be against us?"

In many churches, this functions as a reminder "god is on my side." This suggests that any trouble one has is only temporary and god is just waiting to resolve it with a positive outcome.

Of course, this cry falls on deaf ears when made by mothers in war zones, children with cancer, rape and torture victims. But for "believers," who TRULY believ, he deserves the extra credit  when you get that job, or have a positive medical outcome that doctors were pessimistic about.

There is also another function this serves, and the message is more subtle. The most fervent believers are *absolutely convinced* that they have God on their side in the positions they hold. This is dangerous. This enables believers to believe that any outcome is possible, if they believe and fight hard enough for it. This also means that any act is excusable, even the inexcusabl, because they performed it with "god/bible supported intentions."

This is dangerous, and let me provide one, initially seeming benign, but consequential example.

I have a close personal friend who is getting married. She desired to have, a very special "first dance" with her to be husband. Howeber, DESPITE the fact that the Bible, especially the OT repearedly ackmowledge and prescrise dancinv as a form of worship, and certaintly not a 'sin', her parents are adamant about blocking this. As part of their church upbringing, dancing is a 'sin', and furthermore great shame to family that partakes in it.

This has caused great sadness, and distress to the to be bride, and confusion and frustration to the fiancée.

These cries fall on deaf ears because the parents are not only absolutely convinced it's Biblical,  they are convinced because they have God on their side - and with God, anything is possible, and anything is excusable, even the inexcusable.

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