dance 359 panel research paper

7/30/2019 Dance 359 Panel Research Paper

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The people of this world possess so many characteristics that every societal unit is full of

diversity and interest. Perhaps one of the most beautiful elements of humanity is that we are each

so different, yet there is much that we can identify and acknowledge as similarities. Religious

affiliations and practices create some of the strongest differences among people. Through careful

examination and consideration, surely at least some small similarities could be found.

For example, a weekly congregational gathering in a Pentecostal church is undoubtedly

contrastable from a weekly sacrament meeting in an LDS church. Are those differences in

Pentecostalism and Mormonism heavily influenced by the belief systems or are they in the

individual manifestations and reactions to those beliefs? And certainly there must be some

similarities to be found, for these are both Christian faiths after all. Conclusions to these

questions may develop while exploring the elements of historical formation, baptism, and

presence of the Holy Ghost in each religion, while taking into consideration the role of physical

movement and dance.

The nineteenth century brought significant religious alterations to the United States.

These were the times that spurred the creation of both Mormonism and Pentecostalism. In the

LDS faith, it is believed that, a boy named Joseph Smith, Jr. received direct revelation to restore

Christs church. The year was 1820 and religious fervor was practically contagious in the New

England area. This revelation helped young Joseph to understand that none of the previously

existing churches contained the fullness of the truth, which was why he was called to do a great

work for the Lord. He would eventually translate the Book of Mormon, restore the Priesthood,

and organize this new church. With the presence of the Priesthood, ordinances such as baptism

and special blessings by the laying on of hands could be implemented into practice.


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Later in the century the Holiness movement arose. John Wesley, the founder of

Methodism, once expressed the need for Christian perfection. The discontent of the Holiness

movement came from members of lower and middle-class groups who began to be displeased

with the mainline denominations and the worldly elaborateness they held. They believed they

were experiencing a renewed outpouring of revelation and formed Pentecostalism. Pentecostals

would celebrate Spirit Baptism and receive gifts like those of the New Testament.

These are merely the basic facts of the historical formations of Mormonism and

Pentecostalism. In order to fully appreciate the current existence of something, one must

understand the history. Both religions developed as a reaction to dissatisfaction with the

popular denominations, and within only one hundred years of each other. With Mormonism,

there was a sense of longing for the Lord and a rejuvenating feeling of finding truth and faith in

this new church. Pentecostals likely had a sense of excitement at having freedom from the

churches they happily left. Perhaps these emotions run parallel to the doctrinal beliefs and even

play a role in the outward movement expressions which can be seen today.

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, baptism is regarded as a sacred

ordinance. Speaking in General Conference in October of 2000, Elder Robert D. Hales stated

that baptism takes us out of this world and into the kingdom of God.

Because Christs kingdom is not of this world, those who have been baptized should strive to be

worthy of one day dwelling there. Latter-day Saints refer to this as a baptismal covenant. Elder

Hales added, When we understand our baptismal covenant and the gift of the Holy Ghost, it will

change our lives and will establish our total allegiance to the kingdom of God. When temptations

come our way, if we will listen, the Holy Ghost will remind us that we have promised to


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remember our Savior and obey the commandments of God. Through this type of baptism, one

takes upon his or herself the name of Christ.

Members of the LDS church might not consider dance to be a part of the baptismal

ceremony. However, there are very precise physical gestures and movements which are

absolutely essential. The individual baptizing and the one being baptized stand in a body of water

and position themselves according to the doctrine of how baptism should be done. After

vocalizing the specific prayer, the person being baptized is lowered backwards into the water just

long enough to be completely submerged. Baptism in the Mormon religion is not merely a prayer

recitation; these somatic actions which must be performed for the baptism to be valid. Later on

after the submersion, a blessing is offered over the head of the newly baptized individual where

again, there are definitive physical gestures. Hands are placed on the head of that person by those

involved in the blessing. Participants typically circle the individual being blessed. Again, such

physical actions must be performed. Having attended many of these baptismal services, I can

report that there is an ambience of reverence and peace among any or all who may be present.

Baptism is regarded as a central rite in Pentecostalism. Professor Arlena Sanchez Walsh

of Azuza Pacific University in California explains, Spirit baptism is the gift of the Spirit that

serves as the entryway for all the other gifts to become operational. Prior to baptism, someone

has a spiritual experience and gradually decides through prayer to be baptized. I have never been

present during a baptismal ceremony for a Pentecostal, but after watching several videos I

believe I can make some general observations. It seems that they are held in a body of water,

such as a large indoor font or even in a river. There could be one or two men baptizing an

individual. A short prayer often has some personalized variations at the beginning then

transitions to the scriptural recitation: Of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and finally


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the submersion. This portion of the baptism is sometimes, but not always, followed by a prayer

over the individual with the laying on of hands so they might fully have spirit baptism.

Throughout this ceremony people watching might cheer, pray out loud, hum, or nod their heads.

Ritualized movements exist in both Mormon and Pentecostal baptismal ceremonies.

Interestingly enough, they both seem to incorporate highly similar gestures and movements. The

physical stances once in the water and the backwards body motion which allows one to be

submerged appear similar. Obviously doctrinal beliefs on the importance of baptism and the use

of water are shared. And yet the tone of the room or location where the baptism takes place is

different in each of these religions. What is the cause of this? Both groups of people are

participating in a joyful event which allows them to feel spiritually filled. Perhaps the verbal

components that accompany the movements correlate to the different reactions. In an LDS

baptism, the talks and baptismal prayer are vocalized with calmness. Pentecostal talks and the

baptismal prayer can be spoken with more excited fluctuations, and in turn some gestures use

more kinesphere and grander shapes. With this type of behavior occurring in front of them, it

makes sense that Pentecostals would feel comfortable with responding enthusiastically.

As stated previously, both religions experience powerful feelings of spirituality. These

feelings are often interpreted in both faiths as having the presence of the Holy Ghost, or Holy

Spirit. Such experiences are quite normal to have during baptismal ceremonies due to the

doctrinal importance therein. Feeling the Spirit is also prevalent in congregational meetings for

both the LDS and Pentecostal faith. To members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day

Saints, Elder Craig C. Christensen explained the mission of the Holy Ghost as to bear witness

of God the Father and of His son, Jesus Christ teach us the truth of all thingslift our spirits

(as comfort) serve as teacher and revelator inspire us to reach out to others in service As


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spiritual feelings enter the heart, people respond physically in different ways. Some have

described a warming sensation in the bosom; others feel goose bumps. Many people feel so

overcome with the Spirit that they react emotionally and weep. Whether it is from ones seat in

the congregation or from behind the pulpit as a speaker, a large number of Latter-day Saints

become teary-eyed. The reactions normally do not extend to vocal exclamations. Because LDS

Sacrament Meetings are designed to have utmost reverence, physical reactions would be

considered more contained and internalized.

Members of a Pentecostal congregation certainly experience feeling the Spirit as well.

Mary Fairchild, full-time ministry worker, explained Pentecostals firmly believe that

manifestations are alive, available, and experienced by modern-day Christians. They appear to

share common beliefs about the purpose of the Holy Spirit with Latter-day Saints, but the

differences are blatantly manifested in their reactions. Remember that Pentecostals have been an

excitable group since the formation of the church in the nineteenth century. It seems that this

sense of excitement is heavily existent in congregational meetings. When many Pentecostals feel

influenced by the Spirit, their reactions are infused with outward energy. They are free to cheer,

shout praises, and even rise from their seats. At this point they may clap, sway, and begin to

dance. The joyful dancing is not limited to the proximity of ones seat- there are isles and

walkways available for use. Dancing can also be choreographed for performances in these

meetings. The intent of the movements can be to describe how people have already felt the Spirit

in their lives. In Celebrating Pentecost Through Dance, Joan Huff has listed that movement

qualities such as open, free, spreadingassuredwhirling, building into explosive gestures,

releaseenergetic leaps, jumps, hops and runs. Although choreographed for performance, these

reactions parallel the spontaneous reactions of members of the congregation.


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It appears that the doctrinal beliefs at the foundation of feeling the Holy Ghost are similar

between Mormonism and Pentecostalism. People of both faiths feel blessed and uplifted when

they experience this incredible phenomenon. The apparent differences between the two seem to

become evident when people respond to how they are feeling. Latter-day Saints are more serene

in their experiences with feeling the influence of the Spirit, whereas some Pentecostals literally

cannot contain themselves and express their elation outwardly with verbal and especially

physical movements.

With consideration of the historical formations, baptismal ceremonies, and reactions to

feeling the presence of the Holy Ghost, I personally believe that the differences between

Mormonism and Pentecostalism are more connected to the individual manifestations of the

people rather than the doctrinal beliefs. It appears that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-day Saints as a whole behave with more reserved energy, reverence, and only ritualistic

movements. Members of the Pentecostal faith seem to enjoy spontaneity, openly expressive

praise and feelings, and often dancing is involved whether it is choreographed or totally

improvisational and driven by the Spirit. However, without participating in a Pentecostal

function first hand, I would not go so far as to say they are always extremely expressive about

everything. Given the opportunity, I would love to attend any sort of Pentecostal gathering. Only

then could I really understand the energy and emotion that exists in those groups and that

initiates the actions of the people. Seeing a choreographed dance performance as an observer in

the congregation would be enlightening as I, too, am I dancer and performer who loves to dance

with the Spirit in mind. I am sure that my insights as to the similarities and differences between

the two religions would be enhanced. Until then, I will stand by my opinion that the two do hold

many historical and doctrinal similarities, the people just exercise their faith in different ways.

dance 359 panel research paper

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