Many have been opposed to the thoughts that Edwards has brought forth. It boggles my mind that Edwards is facing criticism because of his concern that 14 to 18 year old girls are throwing their bodies around in a sexually suggestive manner. I do not necessary think a law is the best way to fix the problem, but I agree with his concerns 110%.

The Bible warns us, in many places, about the sin of sexual immorality. “Do not be deceived,” Paul said, “neither fornicators…nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites…will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor. 6:9-10). “But the sexually immoral…shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8).

We try to teach young men and women to stay away from sexual temptations. The Bible says things like, “flee youthful lusts…” (2 Tim. 2:22), and “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). How are we helping our young men when they are allowed to watch girls shake their half-naked bodies in the name of “school spirit?” Explain to me how ladies are fulfilling Paul’s instruction to “be an example…in conduct…in purity” when they are performing sexually suggestive dances before all who wish to see them?

Katie and I went to a football game last year. It was embarrassing to see how some of those girls dressed and moved their bodies. Some of what is done on gym floors and football fields should be reserved for the eyes of these ladies’ future husbands, and we “wonder” why we have difficulties with pre-marital sex and teen pregnancies?

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness…those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Lewdness means that which is crude and offensive in a sexual way. It has to do with vulgarity. I have heard adults say for years, “kissing leads to sex.” Well, what about young ladies shaking their scantily clothed bodies for men to drool over? Does that not, at least in the minds of men, have negative implications?

Although some of these dance teams are not, Edwards is definitely moving the right way by showing concern over such issues. I hope these groups are not training young ladies to fit the mold of the immoral seductress (Prov. 5 & Prov. 7). “And there a women met him, with the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart” (Prov. 7:10). Yes, there is such a thing as provocative dress. “Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, Nor let her allure you with her eyelids” (Prov. 6:25). Yes, lewd movements are wrong. If a women can allure a man with her eyelids, do the sexually suggestive movements found in many dance routines not accomplish the same end? The Bible tells us that Herodias’ daughter “pleased Herod” when she danced for him. He said, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you” (Mark 6:22). Do we want our young men to react this way?

Like I said earlier, a state law may not be the answer to the problem; however, I know one way the problem could be solved. Parents need to start telling their children they cannot participate in such sexually suggestive activities—watching or performing. It is lewd behavior, and the Bible condemns it. When people in the world question the morality of an activity, Christians should consider their points, even if it is for no other reason than this: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16).