Posted on 06/12/2003 6:57:13 AM PDT by NYer
Now if she knew it was wrong, but instead of fighting it rolled over and joined the new Liturgical Dance Costume Creation Ministry Subcommittee of the Lady's Altar Guild Society, then it might qualify.
I think one of the important points in a discussion like this is to examine the different types of worship among Christians. Trying to superficially compare the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass with a typical pentecostal or fundamentalist worship service, for example, is trying to compare apples with oranges. The purposes and goals are quite different.
From a Catholic perspective, our Lord offers Himself in our time and space in an unbloody manner, in His one time and eternal Sacrifice of Calvary, on our behalf. The fruits of that Sacrifice are made present to us. To participate in the Mass, is to be present spiritually at these events. It is hard to see how dancing can enhance our participation, rather, it would help detract from the reality that we believe is occuring.
Most Protestants in America reject the whole idea of the Mass, and therefore talk about Church services. For some, reading and preaching from the Bible and singing songs to the Lord form the basis of their "central" worship. It is easy to see how dancing could be incorporated in this type of service without much of a problem.
While the Mass is the heart and core of Liturgy in the Church, the liturgical worship extends to additional forms. Perhaps, in dignified forms, the question of liturgical dance could occur outside of the Mass proper. Additionally, there are extra-liturgical worship forms used by some Catholics, some of which parallel what other Churches and ecclesial communions do for worship. Charismatic Catholics come to mind, as does some of the services done by the Neo-Catechumenate Way. "Dancing" is not necessarily out of the question in these forms.
And even then, I believe the Hebrew points to a specific type of dance understood in that culture. A type that we Westerners would not necessarily recognize or understand. (Sort of a 'spur of the moment' non-choreographed 'whirling' dance in ecstasy done alone).
And remember, in the larger picture, it was the second attempt to move the Ark of the Covenant, which was, how shall we say, much more solemn than the first attempt?
For people who like to use this Scriptural passage for their liturgy-lite purposes, I would think reading the full context would go a long way in explaining why liturgy-lite is not a good idea! The first attempt seemed so much more fun - until an unfortunate non-Levite innocently touched the Ark (second no-no) which was carried on a cart (first no-no. The Ark was to be carried on the backs of the Levites with the poles commanded by God).
David and the rest of Israel had to go back and study up on the Law - a Law that pointed to the solemn Holiness of God and how to approach Him in worship - that God gave them concerning the Ark for their second attempt. Sound familiar? Maybe the Bishops need to review the Torah and Kings when making their decision.
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola have inspired and formed Christians for centuries. The Exercises have taken on a variety of forms, perhaps none as unique as this one. Rev. Robert VerEecke, S.J. has created a multimedia experience of music, dance, and performance which makes the Exercises come alive with renewed imagination and spiritual impact.
Well Surprahse, surprahse, surprahse! For the most part, they are democrats.
[2] 
Match the picture with the identification...
[a] The Wizard of Oz Christmas Show (Youngstars2.com of Melbourne)
[b] A Dancer's Christmas (Boston Liturgical Dance Ensemble)
Agreed.
I've already spent much more time on this thread than I ever intended.
LOL!
I deliberately left off any personal commentary from that picture and why it was in black and white (had the same thought you did, especially when I saw no discernable body hair).
Don't it figure he's a Jebbie.
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