In reference to a section of John Frame’s Worship in Spirit and Truth (P&R, 1996):
…If we are exhorted to raise hands (Neh 2:8; Ps 28:2; 1 Tim 2:8), clap hands (Ps 47:1), and fall down (1 Cor 14:25), is it not expected and natural that we accompany words with actions? (p.131). We can’t preach, surely, without using our bodies to express our thoughts and words, so how can we arbitrarily “draw the line” to exclude dance? Frame points out that the real way to make decisions about these issues (such as dance) is wisdom and love–namely, what will edify? In other words, if you think that dancers in leotards will be too distracting and sexually provocative for your congregation, just say so–don’t try to prove that the Bible forbids it. It is a bad habit of mind to seek to label “forbidden” what is really just unwise.
— Tim Keller, in Chap. 4 “Reformed Worship in the Global City” of Worship by the Book, ed. D.A. Carson: Zondervan 2002.
My two cents:
There are two groups for whom this quote is instructive, the first being those who seek to make their practical applications (let’s say, on structure and style in corporate worship, or even clothing styles) normative by proving them from Scripture. The second group consists of those who, out of fear of overstepping their bounds and violating sola scriptura, have stripped themselves of any means by which to mark boundaries or make “common sense” decisions in the above applications. We all have to use our brains to apply Scripture, even if my “common sense” looks a little different from the next guy’s.
Quoth the Westminster Confession of Faith:
“…there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the church, common to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered by the light of nature, and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed.” (1.6)
Very interesting. I was thinking this over and re-reading and thought to myself, “I always notice that when topics such as these come up, the argumentation generally leans toward the “judging of others” or “don’t judge me mentality.”. What I have noticed, recently more than ever, is an attack upon those who have either been forced into or have stuck there neck out to try to give wisdom in a well known format (books, DVDs, teaching opportunities, etc.) I was just recently asked to speak to some young people about music choices. It went very well. However, I still remember thinking that I could not teach them my standards. This is correct; however, I also came to realize that I would be a fool not to warn them of some dangerous signs of music that could be harmful to their relationship with God. I think that the true battle for us and especially with those in leadership positions is the fear of man rather than that of God. I had a college friend who was always quick answer any seemingly conservative discussion with how he did not have to essentially abide by any of the applications of the discussion. He really was a fool. And I think that you are right in saying that we need to think, and use our brains. All of this to say, “Is it wrong to “publish” what one thinks?” It is amazing to me the ridicule that comes flying out from those who have no standard.