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‘Pole Dancing For Jesus’ class somehow causes controversy

Mar 23, 2011, 2:14 PM EST

23 Comments
poledancingjesus02

And the Lord saw the pole dancing, and knew that it was good. Jesus did not, however, have any singles. And so They summoned a cab.

I think that’s from Corinthians, though I could be wrong. Anyway, in Old Town Spring, TX, near Houston, there’s a class called Pole Fitness For Jesus (video below), which the organizers claim is a way for women to stay physically fit while at the same time coming closer to God. You’re preaching to the choir, my friends.

Set to Christian music, church-going women spin and slither around poles. But the instructor and the students say it’s not about sex.

Getting classes off the ground hasn’t been easy for Dean. “Some guy came up with his Bible and we were in class and he thumped on the door and was waving his Bible,” Dean said. “People who want to sit there and judge it, you know, like well that is sacrilegious or you know. That doesn’t make you a good Christian when you judge other people.”

Amen.

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Christian pole dancing class creating controversy [ABC.com]

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  1. polefitnessforjesus - Mar 23, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    Experience what Pole Fitness For Jesus has to offer. Practice in the comfort of your own home by purchasing your own removable dance pole. http://PoleFitnessForJesus.com

    • grah30 - Oct 30, 2011 at 5:35 PM

      Does it come with your own personal wore for Jesus to!! Really… you take one of the most immoral cultures/industries where men pay women to dance for them and you try to incorporate Jesus into it… You people are pathetic, if you want to act like a whore fine just leave Jesus out of it!!

  2. recreative - Mar 23, 2011 at 10:57 PM

    Only in Houston, TX! Thanks for reporting on this obscure, and fascinating, little pole-dancing movement in Spring. I wonder if they’ve had anyone condemn them using stories from the OT referring to Asherah poles yet?

    I linked to this content on my blog at http://ubuntuspirit.wordpress.com

  3. lhoneychurch - Mar 23, 2011 at 11:47 PM

    As someone who came to pole fitness through the very-tame environment of a women’s fitness studio, it heartens me to hear about a religious institution being so open-minded. Pole fitness is not the stuff you see in strip clubs. There is a whole underground world of amazing performers, aerial acrobats. And, trust me, I’ve seen pole dancing transform women’s “temples.” Remarkable workout, and anyone who purely associates pole fitness with shame and sordidness has clearly never tried it. Most pro competitive polers are former gymnasts and ballerinas. Those who condemn pole dance as a burgeoning art-form because of its strip club origins should also ban jazz and tango from their consumption, or risk hypocrisy.

    (Check it out; this is a “pole tango”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWxcVyBRecE&feature=player_embedded )

  4. pough42 - Mar 24, 2011 at 1:22 AM

    This is an absolute insult to everyone who claims Jesus as their personal saviour. What will they think of next. Homosexual take away the sanctity of marriage by claiming that they have a right to what God himself set apart for the man and the woman..now these people defile the holy name of the Jesus with this stupid mess. Its okay though cause this is just a sign of the times. God Himself will make the judgement and at this rate it will be very soon.

    • cur68 - Mar 24, 2011 at 1:34 AM

      Calm down there. I’m sure your god and saviour has room in his heart for all; that’s a central tenant in your mythology I think. These nice religious folks are just getting some exercise is all. Seems pretty harmless and is likely no worse than getting on the internet and proclaiming you know what a deity wants and does not want. I’m sure the nice gay folks are not interested in you (not even sure how you got on them in the first place) and just want to live in peace like any other group, so give them a break; they are not the ones pole dancing for Jesus. Speaking of the putative son of your deity; wasn’t he a chap who was famous for his tolerance? You should try it. I hope you have a better day.

  5. incacfull - Mar 24, 2011 at 5:26 AM

    It seems that anybody can call themself a Christan. But please let’s think about this for a second. When a person identifies with any affilliation, he or she usually likes to follow certain tenets of that group. When a man or woman identifies with Christianity, we usually use The Bible as our, “instuction book.”
    To be honest, the 10 Commandments are like a mirror to us. We see our shortcomings as we test ourselves according to each Commandment.
    I wonder: When we use The Bible to guage our behavior, is it Christ-like behavior to wear skimpy clothes and publicly perform an activity that has its roots in strip clubs?

    • jimguida - Mar 24, 2011 at 1:02 PM

      It does my heart good to see so many loving Christian responses to this story. And it’s good to hear from you too, incacfull.

  6. acas01 - Mar 24, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    Anyone else out there wear high heels when they exercise? One of the biggest problems a christian has is being consistent with what they believe and biblically that problem is understood by both GOD and the people of GOD. Im not sure if Jesus is who he said he was but i have recently stepped into the faith to see if GOD will reveal himself. My point being i am worldly still, My hope in heaven has to do with a microscopic faith not with my ability to do whats right (though sin should decrease as i grow). I dont have any hate for these women but it is clear that they are more concerned with doing what they want and they feel people just better accept it. I was suprised to hear a christian women use the word thumping in refering to the man who came with a bible. She had the same attitude as a non believer with her clear distain for this “bible thumper”. This is my understanding of the problem. 1. we are told not to judge like the world judges but instead to judge correctly Matthew 7.So a fellow brother in the lord who is not involved in a sin and has “the plank removed from his eye” is not only allowed to judge other christians but obligated to say something out of love. If you are a christian you should know that the “word of GOD” is said to be used for teaching but also correcting and rebuking. 2.I think the position of doing this to follow GODs law to take care of their temples is a dishonest one. If her real concern really was to obey GOD she should consider that apart from loving GOD the whole of the law is to put others before your self and shes clearly not doing that. Its like what paul said about eating food sacrificed to idols.. if in your heart you are giving thanks to GOD there is no problem doing it BUT if its causing others to stumble then the loving thing to do is be more concerned with bringing peace and if that means self sacrifice well then consider what jesus says “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” I hope she at some point considers this because if you cant find a different way to take care of your body then by doing something that has a stigma and brings such a rift in the church then how can you be prepared to really give of yourself in more demanding situations? She is wrong not because pole dancing is wrong but because she is putting herself first. I know to non Christians this may all sound strange and even foolish but its actually the same request that non christians make all the time, be consistent with what you profess. And i pray i do the same.

    • cocainesamurai1 - May 2, 2011 at 8:18 AM

      “And the Lord saw the pole dancing, and knew that it was good. Jesus did not, however, have any singles. And so They summoned a cab.” I think it’s in corinthians somewhere. Dear Dio man read closely. It’s obviously written down, it has to be true…:)

  7. jimguida - Mar 24, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    Old Testament, meet acas01. acas01, meet Old Testament.

    (How many times are you people going to make me come back?*)

    *also said by Jesus but in a completely different context

    • acas01 - Mar 24, 2011 at 9:55 PM

      Not sure what that means about the old testament everything i mentioned i pulled from the new testament. Maybe Jesus likes pole dancing i dont know, its just my opinion but if the bible is true which im not sure about either God is so righteous your body couldnt even stand before him that i just really cant see women actually poll dancing before his throne.

      • cur68 - Mar 24, 2011 at 10:44 PM

        acas01; That entire 1st passage you wrote and now this one was an affront to grammar and a crime to the common comma. Spend more time in school and less in bible study. Those pole dancing exercise ladies are not harming you so stop predicting ill upon them. You do not have knowledge of the mind of a higher entity. The only life you have is this one. Make the most of it. Your god will help you as much as you help yourself. Shalom. Or something.

  8. acas01 - Mar 25, 2011 at 2:25 PM

    Cur68, lol, ya my Art history teacher told me the same thing. What can i say to that? You’re right I am not good at grammer. My spelling isnt great either. Its a little better when i use a pen and paper but not much. You are also correct they are not harming me, but i just thought this was an open forum to discuss the topic. I just left a comment I thought was relevant. I actually did buy a book recently to help my writing for school, its just something i really struggle with sometimes. I study art so i just figured maybe if i could do good art, it would make up for my academic weakness. School has always been hard for me. As for predicting ill upon them, I really didnt mean to come off that way. I was simply speaking within the context of a world view they themselves profess. Im not really trying to be a higher entity but perhaps just a better person. Intellectualism is a real gift, but its limited and apparently in my case really limited, and then thier are people even more simple then myself. Its sad to think people who are’nt overly smart are thought of as lesser people. I know you dislike the bible, at least it comes off that way, but consider what it says about what a higher being looks like, love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I know these things wont help me type better or help me make more money but they are things even the least of us can put into practice. So i really tried with my punctuation this time cur68 and im guessing you are good at it, are there any tips or corrections you can help me with so i can improve? Thanks in advance.

    • cur68 - Mar 25, 2011 at 5:12 PM

      Well now, what do I say? I’ll try it this way; It isn’t a matter of smarts. It is a matter of tolerance. I’m afraid I took your comments to be intolerant. Clearly you are not, so I apologize and, may I say, good for you. As for all the rest; sounds like you’re on the right track to me. Keep being involved and being aware of events, especially global happenings and causes. Religion is a comfort, not an answer and there are very few answers, sadly. Just some things that are correct in some instances and the same thing is not correct in another. I’ve always thought its best to put people ahead of ideas; so if the idea conflicts with the life of the person, let the idea drop. In my opinion anyone who says a religious idea is worth the life of a person is a monster.
      I don’t dislike the bible. It’s like a lot of religious books I’ve read; lots of good sound advice but interpreted by occasionally not so good sound people and changed and added to over centuries such that meanings are twisted or out of context. If you want to improve your grammar, spelling etc; read, read read. Doesn’t matter what but the more wide ranging the better. I got started when in my early teens I stumbled on Louis L’Amour novels. Never looked back and now I spend most of my time reading research papers. I’d rather read westerns! Oh, and whoever told you weren’t smart is a fool. Only the smart know when they don’t know and have the guts to admit it. Good luck.

  9. acas01 - Mar 25, 2011 at 8:06 PM

    It’s ok Cur. I understand the need for tolerance. And sometimes there needs to be some criticism too in order that we can be accountable to one another. To come along side those we care about and give them sound advice even if it stings a little. But also be open to the same treatment. There are things my parents told me and I thought they were being tyrants but now as an adult I wish I would have listened, now I see that their interfering was really for good and not harm. I heard it said.”Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man’s growth without destroying his roots.” There’s a balance somewhere between the two. I guess it has more to do with intentions then the advice itself. As for the grammar ironically I read all the time! Perhaps if I read more fiction it would improve my grammar. I read but it’s for subject matter. I read a lot of books that deal more with information, there really isn’t a narrative taking place other then what I’m applying by creating imagery out of the text. I like to read Books on media theory and physics and social commentary, and I think that kind of material allows for a freedom to skip about and weave thoughts together apart from what the author intended. It’s like using the web where you can grab any hyper link that sparks your interest and rabbit trail. Where when you read a work of fiction your informational trail is set by the front and back covers .I think narrative probably allows for a better look at the subtle rhythms of grammar and better understanding of structure. My writing probably reflects a lot of how I interact with the English language. Where content is my objective and structure doesn’t play a huge role, except when my poor teachers ask me to write a paper lol. They like the drawing though.

  10. mfb22 - Mar 26, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    lol.. no the instructor doesn’t want to make a profit, just the propaganda.
    I happened to come across this article and honestly …its just sad.The media thrives off this kind of thing, the more outlandish the story the better, and its the same type of story that atheist and non-believers (being quite amused) will happily pass around on all the social networks. Especially to try and provoke anyone that outspokenly considers themselves to be Christians.
    This is not a matter of “judging” anyone. The point here is that its just in “bad taste”.
    I cant help but wonder what the Christian music artists would say knowing their music is used for it.
    I’m pretty sure when they were recording the albums they did not envision people pole dancing to their songs. Honestly, hey its great if your Christian, but why not use instrumental music to do your exercise class with and have a prayer group or bible study either before or after if you want to include a religious aspect? or better yet, why not dress in EXERCISE clothes instead of shorts, muscle tees and heels? lol.
    I cant help but feel this is some publicity stunt the instructor is pulling and just done out of spite against the local shop owners for whatever reason. Who knows.
    People like train wrecks and this is one of them. I feel sorry for the town, its just bad press.

  11. goforthanddie - Mar 26, 2011 at 9:28 PM

    All this self-righteous babble is amusing. If God is pissed, I’m sure He’ll spike their poles w/ barbed wire in the Hereafter. The rest of you quit bitching about how it’s upsetting Him.

  12. pizzon - Mar 28, 2011 at 11:07 AM

    if this story is so upsetting to the holier than thou than stop reading and go somewhere else. better yet maybe those who are outraged should maybe be more concerned about being so rigid and learn to have a little fun. personally I think they should be wearing bikini’s that is of course if this wont permantly damage someone.

  13. LJ - Apr 2, 2011 at 4:23 PM

    Maybe this is the only place these women can exercise without men around. Perhaps they don’t want to be seen with their “skimpy outfits” by anyone other than their husbands. And maybe they are doing their best to stay attractive to their husbands so the men aren’t tempted to stray. Or maybe this is their only time away from the kids so they are listening to Christian music while they get a little exercise. We read one short article about the “practice”. Don’t read too much into it. Don’t suppose you know what they are doing with the rest of their lives, don’t suppose it has a huge group of skanky regulars, and don’t suppose it’s their only moment “with God”. And don’t forget the grace and mercy, while you’re at it.

    • truthuntamed - May 5, 2011 at 6:15 PM

      Grace and Mercy are awesome but not to the point where we are promoting sin.

  14. technusgirl - Apr 19, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    for Jesus?…. right.. more like for the guys. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this turn into a cult. Let’s not forget about Flirty Fishy, from the cult Children of God.. same thing here.

  15. truthuntamed - May 5, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    whoa…Yeah pretty sure they went too far with that one. That comes from not wanting to give up fleshly desires so you simply apply them to your relationship with God. Reminds me of how in some countries where young girls are sold to a temple to be temple prostitutes. That’s not Christianity. But people are comfortable with a Christianity that they don’t have to change their lifestyle to connect with. You don’t change Christianity to match your lifestyle, you change your lifestyle to match Christianity. The one girl talks about “feeling a connection” when she does it… well you can feel whatever you want that doesn’t mean it’s a God thing. Feelings are easily swayed therefore although they are important they cannot be completely relied on. And the instructor talks about our bodies being a temple of the Holy Spirit. Well, yeah, so eat right and go running, do aerobics, or lift weights. You don’t have to pole dance and engage is something that has the obvious connotation of sensuality. “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:15-20. The ladies are nice and all, but that takes your focus off of what they are actually doing. Sounds like some good old conforming to the patterns of this world. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” We’re not perfect, we mess up. But we need to be striving to glorify God and pole dancing which is primarily meant to seduce men and entertain lust does not glorify God and draw attention to Him. We are glorifying ourselves and our own bodies instead and becoming our own Gods.

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