Should Christians go to parties?

Answer

The concise response to this inquiry is, “it depends on the party.” Parties are popular because they offer enjoyable opportunities to gather with friends, meet new acquaintances, and unwind while enjoying each other’s company. As social beings, humans are naturally inclined to interact with others. We reside, work, and socialize in groups. Therefore, when we feel the urge to celebrate, we are fulfilling our need for human interaction, enjoyment, and relaxation, which is both normal and innate.

For Christians, the longing for human interaction carries an additional significance of seeking fellowship. The Greek term for “fellowship” in the New Testament is koinonia, signifying “partnership, participation, social interaction, and communication.” The key aspect of Christian fellowship is “partnership.” The Scriptures affirm that we are called to partner in fellowship with Christ “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”, (1 Corinthians 1:9), with the Father “that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”, (1 John 1:3), and with the Holy Spirit “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies.”, (Philippians 2:1). John emphasizes that believers share fellowship with one another through the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood shed on the cross “but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

, (1 John 1:7). Paul emphasizes that fellowship with Christ involves sharing in His suffering “that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;”, (Philippians 3:10). We are also cautioned against having fellowship with evil “But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.”, (1 Corinthians 10:20). Just as light and darkness are incompatible, there should be no fellowship between Christians and sin.

The issue with the question “should Christians go to parties?” is that the parties in question are typically not “fellowship parties.” There is no need to address parties focused on Christian fellowship. This question usually pertains to parties involving alcohol, drugs, and/or sex. While some non-Christians may party innocently, gatherings with immoral and/or illegal activities must be avoided. As believers, we must protect ourselves from temptation, keeping in mind that “bad company corrupts good character” “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”, (1 Corinthians 15:33). Moreover, attending parties where sinful behaviors take place— even if we do not partake— weakens our testimony and brings dishonor to the name of Christ “For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.”, (Romans 2:24). “Everyone who

Confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness” «Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. », (2 Timothy 2:19).

There are those who might see going to parties as an opportunity to share Christ with unbelievers. While we are to be ready with an answer for the hope within us at all times, that presupposes unbelievers at a party are interested in the gospel. Rarely does such an opportunity arise at a party where drinking, drug use, and sexual activity are occurring. Therefore, while Christians should take every opportunity to fellowship with other believers, we must be discerning about opening ourselves up to temptation or anything that would compromise our life in Christ and our witness to a watching world.