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At the outset, let it be understood that any combat/self-defense training for those who are given authority by the government to keep the peace in soceity/country, such as various kinds of police forces as well as the military is, according to Romans 13:4, scriptural. Those particular individuals are authorized to keep and obviously train for use of a weapon(s). This would apply to the weapon of the, "empty hand" as well. However, the authorization for governmental powers to, "bear the sword" is never for individual vigilantism. Bruce Lee was dubbed,"the
little Dragon" by many.
In fact he was born in the year of the Dragon in 1940 in
His 1973 film, "Enter the
Dragon" has become a standard in the fight film genre. His spiritual religion of preference
was Zen Buddhism and he adapted many principles from these types
of religious philosphies to his fighting style, Jeet Kune Do or
"the Way of the Intercepting Fist." As far as he and Jesus Christ
was concerned, Bruce Lee was an enemy of the Lord.
Even as far back as his school days in Xavier school in
Hong Kong in the fifties, he wrote in his personal diary that
he had no need of God and hated having to recite the Lord's prayer
at the commencement of the schoolday. He bought the Devil's lie
in believing in self which he fully subscribed to till the day
of his death in 1973. Bruce Lee stated later in his
life after achieving much success that, "I believe in me"
in response to a question concerning whether he believed in God
or not. Many youngsters, especially
Japanese girls idolized him.
In fact one fan letter stated that the writer, a young
Japanese girl, loved Bruce Lee more than Jesus! Bruce Lee brought the violent
Martial Arts to the screen in a smooth, polished and fascinating
package (much like the Beatles did in bringing rebellious Rock
Music to The deception of the multitude
of Martial Arts out there continues across the globe largely due
to the influence of people like Lee. Hence this introduction to
the Christian, Biblical position on the Martial Arts which follows. Firstly, you may ask: Why
this article on something that is seemingly so trivial and unconnected
to the Church at large? Answer:
There is a real need for clarification on this often, confused
topic. Many are suffering
spiritually and in other ways for lack of proper perspective on
this issue. Consider the following: 1. You may have
been, or presently are, or will
be involved in the Martial
Arts in any one its various forms in the future. 2. Or you may
know some Christian who is interested in or is doing the Martial
Arts. Perhaps, a younger or older
brother, sister, cousin etc. 3. Even if neither
of the above applies to your situation, still you will eventually
come across this subject among your families or friends and maybe
even in your church's recreational,
"ministries."
You need to be armed with the Christian perspective on
this matter. We all need to know the Biblical
truth regarding the practice of the Martial Arts. In actuality, there are many,
many people, from small children
to senior citizens who are participants in the Martial Arts who
would also call themselves Christians.
The number seems to be ever on the rise as fear for personal
safety also increases among people in a new, terror-filled soceity.
Then there are the numerous self defense and sports classes
involving the Martial Arts that are advertised and offered almost
everywhere from the Physical Education Dept. in high schools and
colleges/universties to the Recreational Organizations such as
the YMCA (which actually stands for, Young Men's Christian Association)
to the individual private schools that abound across the world
colorfully displaying the, "superiority" of their style
or system. Not to
mention the violence glorified in the movies by combative action
heroes, who are idolized by many. A flashy kick or deep medidation
by, "spiritually evolved"
grandmasters, is, "wowed!" by people of all ages
and backgrounds throughout the world. The term, "Martial Arts"
generally refers to the collective body of various personal or
individual fighting systems or methods.
The english words taken literally of course convey the
obvious: it is the art of fighting or the body of, "warlike"
arts. Usually, one
thinks of some of the popular, philosophically-based systems of
self-defense from the orient such as karate, aikido, tai-chi and
kung-fu. Within these
in turn, exist a whole slew of different styles.
Not to mention many others specific to certain countries
and eras which have been passed down from generation to generation.
Still add to these, the modern day,
combative, "sports" such as boxing, wrestling
and the like and you have a phenomenal array of styles and methods
of physical aggression which have evolved over the years
and which have many devotees practicing and teaching them. The reasons given as support
for being involved in the Martial Arts will always invariably
fall into one or more of the categories listed below. Here then, are the
Top 14 Reasons (under seven categories) why many Christians,
as do their secular counterparts, advocate involvement in the
Martial Arts: A. It is necessary
for self-preservation and increases the odds of survival if attacked.
(self-defense) B.
It is necessary to protect my
family and other loved ones or my (innocent)fellow man from evil
men. A. It teaches
how one can gain a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence
that can be transferred to any, other "life" situation. B. It teaches
one how to achieve inner freedom and peace. A. It is fun. B. It is therapeutic
Such as Tai-Chi or similar slower art. (Even Tai Chi has Taoism,
a false religion of yin and yang seeking oneness with Nature,
without Jesus of course,
as its foundation). It
teaches how to maintain balance and proper posture. A. It builds the muscles and is good for overall conditioning. B. It is a fantastic
way to stretch the limits of the human body and to display such
skills and qualities as speed, power, limberness, gymnastic capabilities
of various sorts etc.
A.
It is a wonderfully, precise science (the physics
and kinesiology behind it are fascinating). B. It is a beautiful
art (the forms collection of various, sequenced movements not
unlike dance choreography). A.
If I master it I can use it
as a ministry tool and bring others to Christ., especially impressionable
youth who might not otherwise
come to Him. B.
By practicing it with the Christian
Philosophy of Love, I can focus on,
"minimal injury to my attackers" as the goal
and thereby achieve peace with my fellow man while getting his
respect.
7. Egotistical Reasons A.
Frankly, it
makes me feel more like a man having the knowledge that
I can handle any physical atercations and prevent sudden potential
embarrasement or harm to myself or my family due to the antics
of some bully or a would-be assailant. B. Honestly
speaking, I do kind of like the way others are awed by my knowledge
and ability in the Martial Arts. The Christian Martial
Artist or really the "Martial", Christian (what a contradiction!)
also asserts that he can indeed learn and practice this while
rejecting the anti-Christian philosophy that it is behind many
of these arts. He believes that as long
as he can treat it purely as physical exercise and not bow down
to any other gods or spiritual teaching that comes with it, then
that's fine with God. Now, for those of
you who are dogmatic adherents of, "an acceptable", form of practicing the
Martial Arts: Please, Brace yourselves
as this mighty, carnal stronghold in your
lives is about to be pulled down by spiritual weapons which
will effect your release and give you True Freedom! For, in the Name of
Jesus Christ of Nazareth, each and every one of the satanic (of
the Wicked One who is interested not in the things that be of
God but the things that be of man, Matthew 16:23) reasons listed above
that are often given by deceived, supporters of the study, practice
and teaching of the Martial Arts, will be categorically and unequivocally
exposed for the lie that it is, by the Light of God's Word and
will be disposed of (we pray) from your thinking and life by the
Presence of the Illuminating Holy Spirit of God. One just needs to lay down
human wisdom and yield to the, "foolishness" of the
Cross of Christ (which the world and Satan perceived as the epitomy
of weakness). As we understand the meaning
of the Cross and let the Holy Spirit apply that Truth to our daily
lives, then we will see that, "His Strength is made perfect
in our weakness." - 2Corinthians 12:9 1Corinthians 1:25 Because the foolishness
of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger
than men. 1Corinthians 2:3 And I was with
you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. Let us consider
then the above reasons from the standpoint of God's Word.
If one is willing to humble oneself under the teaching
of Jesus Christ, it would be readily apparent from the following,
that the practice of the Martial Arts is diametrically opposed
to the Truth as it is found in Christ. The practice of
learning to actually strike or harm someone through punches, kicks,
locks, throws etc., or the simulation of doing such things is
inherently wrong. Jesus does not advocate
violence or techniques to overpower anyone physically.
He wants us to be gentle and forbearing, entrusting ourselves
to Him Who judges righteously and will repay the evil doer. He certainly doesn't want
His follower to practice self-defense!
He is our defence and He will never allow a threatening
situation to develop for a person who is His Child and Servant
or his family, whereby He won't either deliver through whatever
means He wills to use at the time or allow for some hurt and pain
to come for the Gospel's sake.
Nothing in the life of the Child of God happens for bad
ultimately so long as he depends on the Lord his God and obeys
Him. God
will help His Children in any situation, even violent ones.
Either one of three things will happen ultimately. 1. we will get killed and
go to be with God or 2.
we will get injured or 3.
get deliverance by God's sudden provision of another person or
some other means (the Bible is full of such examples; Hezekiah,
Paul, Elisha etc.) It
is ultimately an obedience and faith issue.
It is also a humility issue. If we believe that He will
never allow anything bad to happen
to those who follow His commandments, then there is no
fear of the future or any circumstance, even unfavorable and unexpected
ones. He is Sovereign!
He will do things for His Glory and for our ultimate good! This Art is obviously not a
peaceful thing. God
opposes the violent man. The Martial Arts, contrary
to many of the adherents' claims, most definitely encourages a
subtle development of pride and a carnal, competitive spirit in
an art that emphasizes a, "survival of the fittest"
mentality through diligently study of destructive empty hand (and
foot) weapons and instills in the individual an inclination to
be in the "ready" position to getting involved in a
violent situation whenever and wherever it develops.
The practice of the Martial Arts is a positive hindrance
to spiritual growth. Basic stretching or strengthening exercises
are not wrong when kept as a small, disciplined part of one's
life. 1Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little:
but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of
the life that now is, and of that which is to come. But the foundational elements
in the, "soft" as well as the hard, "Martial"
Arts are wrong and it is like inviting a wild horse to live with
you day by day. While trying to control this new animal of pride
with all sorts of associated, carnal thoughts of self-defense
and ego and competition you are trying to live a gentle, holy
and peaceful life.
Psalms 33:17 An horse
is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his
great strength. Who in their right, spiritual
mind would introduce a brake to the progress of a holy life which
would be imitating gentle, non-violent Jesus, the Prince of Peace,
Who did not break a bruised reed nor did He quench a smoking flax.
Isaiah 42:3 A bruised
reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he
not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. Psalms 11:5 The LORD trieth
the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence
his soul hateth. The Christian, Martial Artist
is a contradiction if there ever was one.
He is simply trying to serve two masters at once and that
will never work. If
the origin indicates that the whole thing started with Buddhist
monks who learned to defend themselves from surrounding belligerents
peoples, while trying to attain spirituality, then what does the
Chrisitan who has God as His Defense have anything to do with
it? (Some would even
argue that the arts did not start with Shaolin or Buddhist monks
and that actually, in "Bible times" it can be traced
back to Egypt (which makes it worse in some sense because of the
spiritual significance of "Egypt" in the Bible!) Cannot
we see that the very origin is pagan and wrong? Whether we embrace
the religious/and philosophical and metaphysical aspects of the
Martial Arts, we must still understand that it is inherently wrong
every way you look at it. After all, if the goal is self-preservation,
then what good is it for someone to be standing around praying
when he or she are trained to hurt and kill?
This too is quite obviously not in tune with the Spirit
of God at all. Training for self-defense purposes
is to add to God's provision of deliverance from evil men. Can God use someone mighty?
Yes. Yet, He doesn't say train for self-defense. However, we note
in the Scriptures that he very often uses the weak and the few
in order to accomplish a mighty deliverance, so that the glory goes to him. We are never to be self-sufficient
or do or practice anything that promotes that.
For self-sufficiency before God is an abomination and the
child of Pride. Many martial arts
will have the symbol of the Dragon under their motto.
Who is the Dragon in the Bible? None other than Satan! Let us be wise and reject
it! The man who practices the Martial
arts and claims allegiance to Jesus Christ will never mature in
Him fully as he ought to.
He is behaving like a heathen child, learning how to fight
physically so as to promote a better sense of security.
When a person's complete confidence is in God, then he
has no need of any Martial Arts or weapons, or an earthly army
even. All that's necessary is to do God's Will. The Martial Arts is not
at all in God's Will but actually militates against His Word.
Our time and energy must be invested in reaching the lost
for Christ and in building up His kingdom and for the love and
service of our brethren. Not to spend a lifetime
in trying to, "Christianize", our own lusts and interests
and then try to offer them up for God's service either.
The Lord is not mocked.
We will continually reap peaceless thoughts as a result
of being a Martial Artist and the only Art we will be developing
in the spiritual sense is the Art of forever trying to justify
what God shows is clearly not the lifestyle He has ordained for
His children. There is no example of any believer
in the New Testament ever trying to physically defend himself
or others to save themselves out of physical harm.
The principle is to, "turn the other cheek" which
at the very least tells us not to waste our God given time energy
and other resources to "train" in self-defense.
On the contrary, the Lord says to be godly first and then
when we do not resist others when they unjustly persecute us,
then His glory may rest on us and He can even use that as an opportunity
to win some of our enemies to Him.
He never dictates to us that
we ought to use measured or controlled physical responses (fighting
skills) to calm down an aggressor by hurting them only so much
and then win his respect. NO! He does not advocate us hurting
anyone or self-defense training! Rather than aspiring for belts
and degrees, let us seek to be filled with the Spirit of God and
the fruit of the Spirit as listed in Gal. 5 ( i.e. love, joy,
peace etc.) If we insist on living in the
flesh with a worldy mentality to responding to violence or dabble
in something that promises false peace or if we use something
even for physical conditioning when it is inherently wrong and
diametrically opposed to meek and lowly, Way of the Lord Jesus
Christ or whatever purpose or so-called benefit, then we will
be left in the desert to wander another, "forty years"
until we walk humbly before him with total
reliance on Him and Him alone. The greatest command to love
your neighbor as yourself is exemplified by those who understand
that love makes itself vulnerable at times so as to save the sinner
who hurts it never even thinking to retaliate. When the Lord used the specific
Word in the Old Testament, "An eye for an eye and a tooth
for a tooth", He did not modify it for His New Testament
followers. Rather,
in sharp contrast and perhaps shocking to many, He said the opposite.
"Do not resist an evil person ..." and for emphasis,
He said to take the punishment instead (almost inviting more)
by being non-retaliatory and show them the love of Christ and
for the Christian to entrust themselves into God's Hands instead. Why would a Christan
spend time in developing carnal weapons when the actual warfare
and attacks are essentially spiritual in nature?
God has given us spiritual weapons
that will literally bring down many evil spirits which are the
real enemies acting within the evil aggressors.
How we have forfeited the Truth and sold ourselves to that
cunning Dragon's lies who is quite content as long as we are wrapped
up in the natural and physical realm and never mature enough even
to exercise, proper use of our spiritual weapons: the armor of
God in Ephesians 6! We
wrestle not with flesh and blood but with principalities, powers
and spritual wickedness in the high places.
So the Lord very logically and graciously provides us not
only insight into the nature of our struggle here on earth, but
gives us the weapons with which to defend ourselves (True God
ordained, "self-defense!") and defeat the great Dragon
and his emissaries.
Some Final Thoughts: There are many books and philosophies
and interpretations these days, but the question is how much faith
do I have in the Word of the Lord? If we had proper faith, then
we would not be worried for our personal safety like people who do
not have the Lord as their God. So, ultimately it is
a faith issue. Also, if we were spiritually minded
and were busy with obeying God's call to spread the gospel, helping
the poor and handicapped, and engaging in spiritual warfare, praying
for spiritual victories, then we would not have time for things
that are childish, like the Martial Arts. This is the plain
Truth, brother. To the degree, someone has time for any
carnal pursuit like the MA, they are robbing God of the rightful
service due Him and hampering their own spiritual progress as
well. "When
I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I
thought as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish
things." (1 Cor 13:11) Please
receive the Truth and do not be offended because there are others
who have had to face this Truth and have surrendered to God's
Perfect Will. (Please see the new article posted regarding God's
Will and the decisions we make in life) There
are many voices in the world today which, "modernize"
the Word of God to suit their own particular fancies but
our concern should always be, "How can I be more like my
Lord?" and "Am I prepared to give my life for the
Lord?" If
we are sincere in asking such questions and in obedience to Jesus'
command to lose our lives for His sake, then our understanding
and application of the entire Word of God will be in line with
the Author Himself. We
must realize that our battle is indeed spiritual in nature and
we ought be prepared and engaged in that, then we would have no
time for physical warfare or a battle of wits, which will only
keep us earthly minded and be unprofitable. Let's
concentrate on the spiritual battle and God will take care of
the rest. God has never let any of His children down; when
they have trusted Him, He takes full responsibility for their
protection. What
kind of self-defense could we suggest to a 90-year old saint?
There are many aged and physically feeble saints who are in the
most dangerous parts of the world living for Jesus, yet they survive
by His grace with no other protection, but Divine protection.
We ought to train ourselves spiritually now, so that when our
physical strength fails one day, we will not be defenseless but
will have learned how to entrust our lives into our Heavenly Father's
care. Remember,
our example should never be man, even the example of, “a good Christian”
man, but the Lord Himself and we will never go wrong nor have
a doubt that we are in His Perfect Will. "He
that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even
as He walked." - 1 John 2:6 May the Lord
Bless you. comprehensivechristian.com Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren,
be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Eph 6:11 Put on the whole
armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles
of the devil. Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not
against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places. Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto
you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand
in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Eph 6:14 Stand therefore,
having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate
of righteousness; Eph 6:15 And your feet shod
with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Eph 6:16 Above all, taking
the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all
the fiery darts of the wicked. Eph 6:17 And take the helmet
of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of
God: Eph 6:18 Praying always with
all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto
with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; The Christians who are not spiritual
and do not comprehend nor receive the plain teaching of scripture
regarding the battle in the spiritual realm will try to perfect
their Martial Arts and find that before the devil, they (along
with Bruce Lee, Usheyibi and the like) are a complete laughingstock
because they did not make the Lord their God nor trust Him for
their deliverance but rather relied upon their techniques and
"mental awareness" and puny human strength.
Indeed, their development of their inner man and wonderful
self-confidence have only greased the downward pathway to the
depths of Hell. They
have gone down to Egypt for help against their enemies, they have
consulted the priests of Baal for inner peace by seeking the Martial
Arts and those pagan, idolotrous teachers (Sifus) as a way of
life when Jesus said He is the [only] Way, Truth and Life. 2Kings 18:21 Now, behold, thou
trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even
upon Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand,
and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt unto all that trust
on him. The
Lord Jesus did not fight nor teach His immediate disciples or
his future followers how to fight physically in the 3 1/2 years
He walked physically with them. If it had been as important to
defend oneself physically (as some try to persuade us) even in
those robber-infested roads of Jericho, surely the Grandest Master
that ever walked the earth (or will walk the earth) would have
taught his followers a few basic joint locks and kicks etc!
On the contrary, he taught self-sacrifice and blessing
and loving one's enemies and submitting the rest of our situations
and circumstances and outcomes to God Who is ever watching over
His own and will surely defend them.
1John
2:6, "He that saith
he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as
he walked." Let us walk as our Master did;
it is enough that the student be like his Master. Luke
6:40,
"The
disciple is not above his master: but every one that is
perfect shall be as his master." Can you see dear one how totally deceived you are/were to
follow that which is conducive to manifesting the works of the
flesh instead the manifesting the fruit of the Spirit? May God give you, the reader
understanding and convict by His Holy Spirit to depart from unfruitful
works and instead, to spend your time and energy and resources
to prepare yourself for His sudden appearance when He shall judge
every man's deeds done in the body. Give your strength ands
energy and affection to helping others, spiritually and physically.
Let no man who reads this, say he was not warned ahead of time. Maranatha! (Please read and cast down the
weight of the martial arts, so you can
run with freedom in faith, becoming productive
spiritually and victorious finally!) Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing
we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which
doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the
race that is set before us, Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus
the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that
was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and
is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Heb 12:3 For consider him
that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest
ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Heb 12:4 Ye have not yet
resisted unto blood, striving against sin. Heb 12:5 And ye have forgotten
the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son,
despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou
art rebuked of him: Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord
loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. Heb 12:7 If ye endure chastening,
God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the
father chasteneth not? Heb 12:8 But if ye be without
chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards,
and not sons. Heb 12:9 Furthermore we have
had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave
them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection
unto the Father of spirits, and live? Heb 12:10 For they verily
for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but
he for our profit, that we might be partakers of
his holiness. Heb 12:11 Now no chastening
for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless
afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto
them which are exercised thereby. Heb 12:12 Wherefore lift up
the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; Heb 12:13 And make straight
paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of
the way; but let it rather be healed. Heb 12:14 Follow peace with
all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the
Lord: Heb 12:15 Looking diligently
lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness
springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Heb 12:16 Lest there be
any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel
of meat sold his birthright. Heb 12:17 For ye know how
that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he
was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought
it carefully with tears. Heb 12:18 For ye are not come
unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire,
nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, Heb 12:19 And the sound of
a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that
heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any
more: Heb 12:20 (For they could
not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast
touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with
a dart: Heb 12:21 And so terrible
was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and
quake:) Heb 12:22 But ye are come
unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly
Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, Heb 12:23 To the general assembly
and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and
to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, Heb Heb Heb 12:26 Whose voice then
shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more
I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. Heb 12:27 And this word,
Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are
shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot
be shaken may remain. Heb Heb |