Let me say quickly, first of all, this is not a gateway to "stripping." She is not teaching women how to be strippers and if they want to go on to do so that is their prerogative. Second, I am not opposed to fitness or even most types of dancing. Third, I believe there are a number of activities that certainly reveal the glorious character of our majestic God. Fourth, I don't even think I have an issue with the pole dancing since apparently, the women remained clothed, no guys are present to be tempted to oogle and lust, and it is not performed in the sanctuary.
You say, why then do you even bring it up and draw out attention to it? It is indicative of the loss of true Christianity and a perversion of deep heart felt motives which are longing to worship. My heart is broken for this young lady because she obviously has no idea what true Christianity is really all about. Listen to her as she "defends" her activity to a Fox News correspondent:
After three years of being a pole dancer she left because, "She didn't feel very rewarded." Is that the real or only reason she quit? And she goes to state however, concerning her decision to leave lest anyone remaining feels judged, "...to each his own." She states there is no "prayer before beginning, no crosses." Why? She answers, "to get past the stigma of the whole thing...I am very Christian." "I go to church every Sunday." "I pray, I talk to God, things like that" "There is nothing wrong with what I do." "I teach women to feel good about themselves...I teach them to be empowered." "God is the only person that judges." "Anybody who wants to judge me feel free to do it." "I am good with God, so that is what is important to me." "I really don't care what people think."
One member who attends said that it is just a way to get past the stigma and that there are many types of work outs and this is just one of them. I don't take issue with this. There are many types of fitness work outs and pole dancing sure looked to be very demanding and physical. Even the reporter who tried a few moves attested to the physical workout involved.
What breaks my heart is the expression of Dean's heart. Does she truly understand who God is and what real worship is? Is Christianity simply going to church each Sunday, talking to God and feeling good about one's self? It breaks my heart and it grieves the Holy Spirit to hear someone who may in fact be a Christian say that they don't care what people think about them or that they are impervious to questions.
Ephesians tells us how important we are to one another, we are to be about "...building up the body of Christ until we attain the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, ...we are to speak the truth in love...when each part is working properly makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." (Ephesians 4:9-16, ESV)
I agree with Dean that we are not to be about judging the motives of others. However, there are times when we may need to be discerning about character, doctrine, fruit, or a person's maturity level. You see, Proverbs 23:7 warns us, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." My issue is more about what I hear coming from her heart than about her toning muscles and getting fit on a pole.
What justification do we have to do as we want
regardless of what anyone may say?
Can we add pole-dancing as an
extension of worship?
How does "I talk to God, I go to church
every Sunday, I am OK with what I do
therefore God and I are OK work with
real or biblical Christianity?
12 comments:
I prefer running, biking, swimming, and lifting weights, but hey! I digress.
While I can't judge her heart or her motives, I know human nature pretty well (being human, after all). So I wonder if she would feel more rewarded if she had earned more money??? If someone were to promise her more, would she compromise her values and return to pole stripping? or would she remain steadfast?
I have learned since being a widow that people think one has to do things with is acceptable to them whether it's family, friends or anyone else who think they know me better than me. I do what I like within reason, go where I like and treat people as I wish to be treated myself. But and it is a big but people think they can tell me what is acceptable of me , well I have a mind of my own and as long as I am n ot breaking the law I live the life I love.
As for the lady teaching pole dancing, good for her, she was helping others feel good about themselves and if one feel good about themself then that rubs off on the people they come in contact with, There were no men watching so what was the problem,
I say live and let live,
Yvonne,
"She considers this to be an extension of worship." That statement is the key.
Does God... the actual God of scripture... have anything to say about what worship is like? Or do we get to just do what ever WE like and sling it in front of Him? Does Cain come to mind? Do Aaron's sons come to mind? Do the Pharisees come to mind?
Other questions that come to mind:
What does it mean to be a Christian?
Is it self-defined or culturally-defined or based on what God says in the Word?
Just because one is a believer, does not mean that one can do whatever one wants in the name of Christian "liberty". If that's the case, go back to the first question.
My husband told me about this. It truly is sad.
I wrote a post a few months back on two local churches that have "Skate Church" and "Cowboy Church." Very similar concept I think...come as you...be yourself...love yourself...God will just mold himself around you.
I have to remind myself of God's sovereignty in all things...even how worldly the "church" is becoming. It is just plain upsetting sometimes.
Gregg, just when I thought I'd heard it all.....
I would ask her if her pastor was aware of and approved of her excercise class. If so then I would say shame on both of them, but mostly on him for not instructing and correcting her. Nevertheless, she will also be held accountable, as will we all for our foolish behavior.
I'm not surprised to see another self-carved image or idol of a god that does no more than fill the head with vain imaginings. But I am very sad! Blessings!
Good fodder for Fox News but I am in agreement with you about how heartbreaking the story is.
I have personally known this family for a few years now. I had made the choice after she started this business not to be a part of their lives any longer.
I have a problem with this story because I do know them personally, Her husband as been a strip club DJ for over 20 years, The girl in the video with the arm tattoo is also an old friend of mine whos husband is also a dj at a strip club. You can go to her website and see her lovely new tattoo of Madusa NUDE on the side of her ribs in a very sexual manner, Yes its new. You can also go to her web page and see that she allows kids in the classes as well. My problem with this is that her classes are of a sexual nature. The way you move on a POLE is very different then doing a normal work out class. She offers couch and floor work lessons. Yes these are stripper moves. (teaching people to be strippers)
Yes she has 3 beautiful children who I feel sorry for the most. They are not getting the attention they need from their parents. Her husband is working all the time at the club and Crystal is working at the studio. The oldest child was so good at cheer and they took her out because of the time and money. Last I spoke to this child she was struggling in school. Someone should check on her so she isnt held back again. yes again.
Also if you spend enough time with this family you will hear Crystal yell, scream and even drop the F* bomb at her own children. Another reason I can not be around or bring my child around her.
Do I judge? you can say I do, but then again everyone does. we are not suposed to but we do, everyone has something to say about everything. Its a judgment. Crystal Judges also, Dont let her fool you with her Jesus talk. She is using the name Jesus to promote and its working.
I was listening to the "Bob and Tom" show today on a local radio station (comic duo). They are not believers, per se, but they commented on this.
"Something just isn't right about this...these are two things that just don't seem to go together. It's like hosting a dog-fight for orphas. Pole dancing for Jesus?"
Just thought I'd share what the world thinks of it. They seem to sense the disconnect. Why don't we?
People are always saying that we shouldn’t judge, but is that really Biblical?
Luke 12:57
“Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right?
John 7:24
Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.”
1 Corinthians 11:31
But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment.
Romans 2:5
But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.
2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
C'mon. Look at this and make a judgment. Is it really "un-stigmatizing" a "good thing" or is it attempting to justify sin? Look at those last two verses again and use your judgment. Does this glorify the Lord?
@Al -I concur with your thoughts concerning judging. The judging issue gets a bit tenuous though when we try to judge another's heart motives and intents. The parable of the wheat and the tares seems to indicate that we are not equipped to make those kinds of judgments.
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