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Dr. Clyde M. Narramore, graduate of Columbia Uni versity, New York City, is a psychologist and Consultant in Research and Guidance with one of the largest school systems in America.
clothes with faculty supervision. I would give up the friendly exchange of ideas and the pleasure of moving in exact rhythm to the music if it is harmful to me as a Christian. A . I am very glad you have asked me about this problem. There was a time when I too had to squarely face this problem. In fact, nearly every born-again Christian has to face it. It is interesting to note that lately you have been bothered by the ques tion of dancing. If dancing were a Christ-centered activity, I am sure you would have no question about it being right or wrong. When each new Christian begins to grow in the faith, God speaks to him about full surrender. You see, God is looking for people who are marked by total dedication. Whether God w ill ever really use you in life, depends mostly on whether you are w illing to let the world go, and let God. This does not mean giving up hap p y times. Each Christian finds that the more he separates himself from worldly activities, the more Christian activities he takes part in and the happier he becomes. Don’t worry about not being able to witness. God w ill give you many opportunities. You won’t have to get on a dance floor to speak to others about Christ. I do not believe that your major problem is whether to dance. Your biggest problem is whether you are w illing for the Lord to have first place in your life. This I am sure of— as a Christian you should not do anything that is questionable. When God speaks to you about questionable activities, it is an indication that He is wanting to use you in a greater way. God says: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). If you w ill take 30 minutes each day to read your Bible and to earn estly pray about this problem, God w ill give you your answer within a few days.
New B o y Friend? Q. When you are tired of going steady how do you break off without hurting the other person’s feelings? A . The best solution is an honest talk about the way you both feel. From this talk you should attempt to reach a friendly understanding. If either the boy or the girl is tired of going steady it is important to break the steady agreement. You’ll find it easy once you start talking about it. Bright Child W ith a Problem Q. What would you do when a sev en-year-old child expresses a desire to be saved and to be baptized but the parents think the child is too young? This youngster has above average understanding. A. Since the child belongs to his parents, your responsibility is to talk with them about their child’s desires. I would suggest that you discuss three things with the child’s parents. First, what is the meaning of salva tion? Secondly, what is the meaning of baptism? And, thirdly, just how much understanding and maturity is involved in accepting Christ as one’s personal Saviour and follow ing Him in baptism? Very often when parents under stand what the child wants to do they are very cooperative. I suppose that in this case the parents them selves may not attend church and are not Christians. By talking to them about the above points, they w ill not only gain an understanding of what the child is doing but they w ill realize that there is a need in their own lives. It is also very effective to place brief, pointed materials on these sub jects in the hands of the parents. No doubt you w ill want to talk with them several times. Do not leave the child alone in this seeming misunderstanding between himself, his parents and his Sunday school teacher. Explain to him that his parents are seriously considering it and that no doubt in time they w ill be very happy for him to be baptized but that in the meantime he
can put his trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and can live a wonderful life for the Lord. Trouble Mahers Q. W h y is it that boys and girls from Christian homes, with outstand ing parents, give us so much trouble in our Sunday schools? A. They don’t. Youngsters who are raised in fine Christian homes, by outstanding parents, are the best adjusted children in the world. I realize, of course, that we are often misled by the fact that a child comes from a home which is sup posedly a Christian home and where there may be considerable financial means. This home may have the out side appearance of a Christian unit; however, if we were to know it inti mately, we would realize that it is far from a Christian home and the par ents may have very little understand ing of boys and girls. What About Danciug? Q. I am a girl, 14 years old, and I have a question I would like you to answer. Is social dancing wrong for a Christian to participate in? I have been a Christian for five years and am very active in the af fairs of my church. Lately I have been bothered by the question of dancing. I ’ve heard things and I’ve read articles that say a Christian shouldn’t dance. Dancing is part of our physical education program at school. I can see nothing wrong with it. W h ile dancing, I have asked five boys to visit m y church. Three came and two are now active members. I would have had no chance to in vite them if it were not for dancing. I have never done anything I would be ashamed to have my pastor or parents see. Our conversation is centered around school, last night’s algebra homework, the class play or the merits of our basketball team. Please answer me. Is there any thing wrong w ith dancing? P.S. W e dance in our regular school
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O CTO B ER , 1955
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