The Word in the Wings
The Word in the Wings > Embodied Faith
Embodied Faith
By: Jessica Noonan
On October 19th, we are excited to kick off the season with our Dance & Dialogue event. If you haven’t yet experienced one of these thought- provoking evenings, the essence of the program is to enrich the audience’s understanding of dance as an art form and its connection to our faith. It’s a fantastic chance to witness professional dance in an intimate atmosphere, where we will foster discussions that will open your hearts and minds to the significance of Christian dance.
The theme for this upcoming event is “Embodied Faith.” When Melody first shared this theme with me, I wasn’t confident I knew the full meaning of “embodied faith”. I had to consider what it meant to me personally and how it relates to the world of dance. To embody something is to “give a tangible, visible form to an idea, quality, or feeling” (Oxford Languages). When I think of “embodied FAITH,” I envision a deep faith that integrates every aspect of our being: mind, body, and spirit. In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to become sidetracked. Many Christians attend church on Sundays but then go about their week without further contemplation. However, I believe God desires more from us than a mere Sunday commitment. He asks us to offer our entire selves, just as Jesus did for us, withholding nothing.
"Faith transcends mere words or emotions..."
So, how do dance, movement, or actions relate to our faith in Jesus? Faith transcends mere words or emotions; it’s not limited to holding beliefs without action. It’s a vibrant, dynamic force that manifests through our actions, engaging our entire selves. When we express our beliefs through our actions, we inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple of kindness and compassion. Embodied Faith signifies “the integration of mind, body, soul, and community in relation to God” (InterVarsity Ministries). This journey requires time and dedication; it doesn’t happen overnight.
Dance possesses an ability to convey our beliefs without uttering a single word. It unites the mind, body, and soul, allowing us to express our faith in a profound manner. This can lead the audience to reflect on their own relationship with Jesus, ideally culminating in a deeper understanding of their faith. Furthermore, dance serves as a living and sacred offering to God. By sharing our physical selves through this art, we demonstrate human vulnerability and discipline. Many dancers encounter the Holy Spirit’s presence while performing, but to do so, their bodies must be adequately prepared for the choreography. Mastery of technique and sufficient rehearsal time grant dancers the liberty to concentrate on worshiping the Lord.
This preparation mirrors our spiritual disciplines—prayer, meditation, studying scripture, and fellowship. Just as a dancer practices diligently to refine their skills and convey their artistry effectively, we must also nurture our faith through consistent spiritual practices. When we dedicate time and energy to our relationship with God, we become more sensitive to His presence in our lives, allowing our actions to radiate His love and grace.
Incorporating movement into our faith journey reinforces the notion that our relationship with God is meant to be active, not passive. Just as dancers must engage fully with their bodies, we are called to immerse ourselves in our faith. This entails stepping outside of our comfort zones, embracing vulnerability, and actively living out our beliefs in meaningful ways that influence those around us. Whether through acts of service, kindness, or even the art of dance, we can embody the love of Jesus and motivate others to do the same.
"whether through acts of service, kindness, or even the art of dance, we can embody the love of jesus and motivate others to do the same."
Romans 12:1-3
A Living Sacrifice to God
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.
