Clapping
August 2, 2009 by Staff
Filed under Pastor Answers
Full Question: Where does the Bible forbid clapping of hands?
Full Answer: There is no direct prohibition in the Bible regarding clapping of hands or applauding. There are a couple of places in the Old Testament in the book of Psalms that encourage clapping as an expression of giving of thanks and praise to God (Psalm 47:2).
In practice of the New Testament church we don’t find anywhere where they did it although there is no prohibition either. What is clapping or applauding? It is an expression of approval, praise and giving of thanks. Sometimes it could be an expression of being captivated by something or someone when applauding turns into ovation.
In doing this I personally don’t find anything sinful or bad especially when it’s regulated correctly because there is a danger of lifting up and growth of pride in gifted people since people usually clap after a well performed song or well said sermon. When it’s on a lower level almost nobody ever claps.
If we applaud as praise to God, as giving of thanks to Him, expression of us being captivated by Him then it’s not bad. Why do our people of older age not approve clapping? First, because back then they were taught that it’s not a spiritual act but an act of flesh. Second, there are still in their memory times when godless people would gather a crowd together to make fun of Christians or put them on trial in a court of law and people in those places would applaud to these evil things.
Another reason why we don’t practice clapping too often is because for some people it’s a stumbling block and we have to be sensitive to people’s weaknesses and not be a stumbling block to them especially because it doesn’t increase our growth in the Spirit.
