Christian Martial Arts
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Definition
[edit]Adherents of the Christian faith who train in martial arts sometimes combine these two disciplines and develop martial arts ministries or new styles. Christian martial arts are ministries or systems developed to advance the Christian faith using the martial arts as a tool to accomplish this goal.
Martial arts ministries focus on evangelism and Christian doctrinal teaching dating back minimally into the 1960s.[1][2]
What Differentiates Christian Martial Arts
[edit]Differentiating martial arts in general from Christian martial arts is similar to differentiating karate from aikido. Christian martial arts are a subset of the martial arts.
Christian styles prioritize Jesus and avoid non-Christian spiritual practices. Practitioners train by emphasizing the development of Christian character, spiritual growth, and maturity. Many of these ministries emphasize evangelism.
Controversy
[edit]Despite the numerous martial arts ministries, there remains division within the Christian community. This controversy is over whether or not it is appropriate for followers of Jesus to practice martial arts.
Articles written by many ministries detail this dilemma. One such article is from the Got Questions[3] website. This article reviews the considerations on both sides of the argument. A similar reflection is found in this article by the Christian Research Institute.[4]
One side of the controversy believes that the purpose of training is to encourage and enable violence and warfare. Another argument from this position is that the martial arts are inextricably linked to mysticism or other non-Christian religious practices. Those holding to this position conclude that martial arts are always spiritually harmful within biblical parameters.[5]
The other position believes that there is no Scriptural opposition to practicing martial arts, and, at times, the Bible recognizes and encourages martial skills. Those taking this position conclude that, like other sports, practicing martial arts is a neutral activity. This group looks at the philosophies, goals, and approaches of the style and instructor to determine their participation.[3][4]
See also
[edit]- Evangelical Christianity
- Christianity
- Martial Arts - Karate - Tae Kwon Do - Judo - Kung Fu - etc.
References
[edit]- ^ "Google Books - Black Belt Magazine - Page 53". Google Books. September 1962.
- ^ "Google Books - Black Belt Magazine - August 1969 - Pages 34-36". Google Books. August 1969.
- ^ a b "Is it right for a Christian to be involved in martial arts?". GotQuestions.org. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
- ^ a b Institute, Christian Research (2009-06-09). "Should a Christian Practice the Martial Arts?". Christian Research Institute. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
- ^ "Should Christians Practice Taekwondo?". Long Hill Baptist Church, Trumbull, CT. 2017-08-22. Retrieved 2024-10-22.