Nicklas Johnson · morons.org - Everyday Questions Teen-agers Ask

21. Is dancing wrong? Can one do it just for exercise?

Dancing is always wrong—if it were done for exercise, people would dance with their own sex. Dancing has been call “A hugging match set to music”—which agrees with the explanation that “Dancing is hugging someone else's wife in public and a little loud music makes it legal.” Dancing is the step downward that has caused scores of high school girls to exchange graduation gowns for maternity dresses. It is the instrument of the Devil in the guise of recreation which can lead you down the lane of disgrace and can ruin your reputation. It destroys the finer sensibilities of life and corrupts the mind. It drives young men into going beyond the limits of reason and good sense. It is appeals to those whose hearts are “jazz-minded,” sensual, interested only in satisfying the carnal appetites . . . definitely not elevating the mind and heart of a young person endeavoring to serve Christ.

27. What's wrong with petting?

Petting whets the appetites of passion and impure desires. Petting makes vulgar that which God intends to be sweet, noble and pure. It robs both the boy and girl of the ability to enjoy true love. It is the Devil's tool and can lead you into the cesspool of disgrace. When the price of an evening out for both boy and girl is a heavy petting session, it is high time for Christian kids to read Psalm 51 and apply it. Promiscuous kissing, fondling, etc. is not the earmark of a Christian. It is decidedly wrong and out of bounds to every guy and gal who wants to please the Lord.

30. I like rock and roll music—where is it wrong?

Rock and Roll is a king sized version of jazz, crooning, swing and be-bop. It is born in the corruption of evil minds and has its appeal to the base element in man's complexity. Even worldly critics of music admit it lacks artistic composition and is the mark of insanity It moves in bad company and its bosom companions are an infamous trio known as the dance, liquor and movies. Rock and Roll certainly don't elevate the human emotions to a higher level — we are told to “Love not the world, nor the things in the world” — and rock and roll music certainly appeals to the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. Any music which does not honor the Lord Jesus cannot be considered proper for Christians — it cannot be said that Rock and Roll music is in harmony with Christian growth.

33. I am a senior in high school and I have been going steady with a boy for one year. However, he annoys me at times. Could it be that I am not in love with him?

Yes, it could be that you are not in love with him, or it could be there is something wrong with you. True love is harmony. However, it may be that you are too young as a senior to be going steady. Possibly, it may be that you are so jealous of him that you think that he annoys you. Lovers do not annoy each other, especially in those happy teens. Finally, and most important, both of you should consult the Lord for He has a plan and pattern for every life and this includes your love life.

35. Should a girl or a fellow be president of the young people's society?

Let's not take away from the aggressiveness and ability of our girls. However, if you have a young man capable it is best to have a young man as president. Many groups have found a great deal of success in having a girl vice-president when the president is a young man. Both can complement each other in the young people's program and perhaps can make up what the other may lack in leadership. From the standpoint of experience as well as from the opinion of outsiders it is better to place the responsibility of leadership in young people's on the shoulders of a man.

48. My mind runs too often to impure things. I've got to stop it, but how?

Saturate your mind with the Word of God. You're the kind of fellow who needs to spend lots of time in the reading of God's Word. You need to spend lots of time on your knees before the Lord. Let your mind refuse to dwell on the uncleanness of the world system about you. Cultivate Christian thoughts. Let your mind be constantly saturated and cleansed with the Word of God. It will mean in your life some real exercising of discipline. You can do it and you will find that God will honor this discipline. Just keep in mind, fellow, that secret thinking is openly known before God. Unless you have constant cleansing and constant victory over this it is going to show up in your walk among others.

51. I am a Protestant engaged to a Catholic girl. Should I go through with it?

Personally, I think you are asking for trouble. Naturally, we have no right to believe any Catholic or Protestant is a Christian until they have been truly born again. Catholics do not hold to our beliefs of being “born again.” Therefore, I do not feel that you could expect the Lord's blessing upon any union of a Protestant Christian and one that is a Catholic. When the Lord blesses your home with children you are going to have more problems in relation to their religious instruction.

From Johnson, Mel, "Everyday Questions Teenagers Ask", pub by Zondervan Publishing House, 1957