Daring to Dance With God

by Jeff Walling

This book uses biblical insight, fascinating stories, and cutting-edge wisdom to move you into a celebration of life's surprises and a richer relationship with the God of the unexpected.

Hardcover

First published September 1, 2000

Reviews

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeff Walling was a guest speaker at the church I attended as a teenager (around 2017). His sermon was one of the best I had heard, making great use of humor and metaphors. He's such an effective speaker that I even rewatched it online a couple of times, which I had never done before.

I must've googled his name at some point and found out he had a book. It's been sitting around my TBR for a while now and I decided it was past time to dive in. (I had suggested reading this in a college bible study group, but that never happened).

Walling starts the book by recalling his childhood years, when he was prohibited by his parents to dance in school. I was never specifically told not to dance, but this is exactly the type of legalism I can relate to having grown up in a strict private Christian elementary school. It was a place where dress code rules were endless, where we were warned that secular music is evil (especially rock music!), and where the teacher pulled the TV cart around to fast forward through "inappropriate" scenes of a G-rated movie. I'm thankful I went there, because those same teachers led me to Jesus. But I can absolutely relate to the freeing feeling of opening the Bible for yourself and realizing that some of those rules imposed upon you as a child were unfounded.

And then Jeff takes that feeling and turns it into a book. That's my kind of guy.

The book envisions God as the reader's dance partner. Walling uses Biblical stories to highlight potential pitfalls in our relationship with God, things that could keep us from "dancing" with Him. I appreciate the variety: some I've heard over and over in church (such as Martha and Mary), and others I was less familiar with (David's wife Michal, for example). Examples and anecdotes are as effective as ever, with the same dash of humor that won me over in the first place. Keeping up an extended metaphor for the length of a book is no small feat (I've read other books that start strong but sort of fall apart trying to do the same thing), but Walling absolutely pulls it off.

[Judy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read for Christians who want to find or renew their joy in Jesus. Through the use of multiple scriptural references, Walling shows readers that God really does want us to have joy; however, our religious upbringings deter us from enjoying our experience as Christians. We find it difficult to express our joy because much of our tradition requires us to maintain solemn countenances and to refrain from verbal or physical expressions of our faith. Walling doesn't prescribe a particular number of amens and hallelujahs to overcome our lack of joy; I sense he is more concerned with our judgmental attitudes toward those who may express their joy in the Lord in ways that differ from ours. He invites us to "dance" with God just as David danced before the Lord in total abandon and with unchained joy. I highly recommend reading this book especially to readers whose faith is depressed.

[Chuck · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read--especially for those who have an ultra-conservative background. Walling helps us see God as a loving God who would embrace us and care for us. Easily read--three simple sections: Invitation, Excuses, Dancing when it Hurts. My personal favorite is the final 3 chapters because it deals with such substantive issues.

The invitation to celebrate our relationship with God drives the idea of the book and makes the time spent reading completely worthwhile.

[Rob O'Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book while I was in college, not long after it was released. It radically reshaped my understanding of Christianity, breaking many of the bonds of rigid thinking and opening me up to a freer version of my faith.

It is a "great book," like Lewis' Mere Christianity or Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship? Simply, no. However, it did mean something to me, and it was a formative text in my journey of faith.

And, for that reason alone, I would recommend it.

[Jerry Killen · Rating 2 out of 5]

After getting into the book, I realize that the purpose of the book is to encourage each of us to allow God to lead us. We need to put our hand in His and He will lead us and guide us. Walling encourages us to submit to God to experience unspeakable joy and happiness.

[Mac]

I loved this book when I was in junior high. I'm not sure what I'd think of it now, but it met a need I had at that time in my life.