Ellen Gould White
What does Ellen White write about...
Ellen Gould White über: "What does Ellen G. White say about dancing and rhythmic music?"
Answer
Ellen G. White warns emphatically against modern dancing, which she describes as a tool of Satan to destroy morality and distract thoughts from God. She sharply distinguishes this from David's religious dance, which was an expression of reverent joy before God and bears no resemblance to the decadent pleasure‑seeking of today's dance events. Regarding music, she criticizes frivolous, “worldly” melodies suited to dance halls, and emphasizes that music used for self‑display or mere excitement hinders spiritual progress.
Dance as a School of Corruption
»Dance – a school of corruption – In many religious families, dancing and card playing are maintained as pastimes in the living room. It is claimed that these are quiet amusements in the home that can be safely enjoyed under parental supervision. But this cultivates a love for these exciting amusements, and what was considered harmless at home soon is no longer seen as dangerous outside. It has not yet been proven that any good can be derived from these amusements. They give the body no strength and the spirit no rest. They plant not a single virtuous or holy feeling in the soul.«
David's Dance in Contrast to Modern Dance
»David's dancing before God in reverent joy was cited by pleasure‑seekers to justify modern fashionable dancing, but there is no basis for such an argument. In our time, dancing is associated with folly and midnight revelry. Health and morality are sacrificed to pleasure. ... The music and dancing for the joyful praise of God during the transport of the Ark of the Covenant bore no resemblance at all to the debauchery of modern dance. One served to commemorate God and exalt His holy name. The other is a scheme of Satan to cause people to forget God and to dishonor Him.«
Dangers of False Music and “Enthusiasm”
»The angels withdraw from this scene. Sadness lies upon their faces. Behold, they weep. ... Music has taken the hours that should have been devoted to prayer. Music is the idol that many professing Sabbath‑keeping Christians worship. Satan has nothing against music if he can make it a channel through which he gains access to the spirit of youth. ... When it is abused, it leads the ungodly to pride, vanity, and folly. When it replaces the place of devotion and prayer, it is a terrible curse.«
Temptation Through Dance and Music in Biblical History
»Enthralled by music and dance and attracted by the beauty of pagan maidens, they cast away their loyalty to Jehovah. While they united in merriment and feasting, the enjoyment of wine clouded their senses and tore down the barriers of self‑control. Passion held complete sway; and after they had stained their conscience with immorality, they were persuaded to bow before idols.«
Satanic Influence in Entertainment
»The opera with its dazzling display and bewildering music, the masquerade, the dance, the card table – all of this is used by Satan to tear down the barriers of principle and open the doors to sensual debauchery. In every gathering for pleasure, where pride is promoted or desires satisfied, where one is enticed to forget God and lose sight of eternal interests, there Satan places his chains around the soul.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.
My hope is that this tool supports personal Bible study, strengthens trust in the original sources, and helps more people discover the message of these writings with clarity, depth, and joy.
