Martial Arts and Christianity??

[cardw]

Originally Posted By: cardw

These are all fear based stories that warn us about crossing this god of violence you worship.

Maybe I'm unusual but I didn't become a Christian because I was afraid of a god of violence. Nor do I continue to pursue Him because He threatens me with a violent punishment. In fact He promised to release me from any fear of death either in the future judgment or tomorrow's unforeseen calamity.

And yet if you do not become a Christian you have to fear the death that comes from this very same god. You are relieved of this fear by the same god that creates it.

This is what is normally called tyranny if it was done by any human.

[John317]

You frequently talk about how people are lying about you and your beliefs, yet you yourself often mistate other people's-- particularly Christians'-- beliefs.

[cardw]

You frequently talk about how people are lying about you and your beliefs, yet you yourself often mistate other people's-- particularly Christians'-- beliefs.

You point out where I endorsed greed or ponzi schemes. If you cannot then at least have the honesty to admit that it is a LIE !!!!!!

This is garbage and I'm tired of pointing it out and having you ignore it or deflect on some claim that you provide absolutely no evidence for.

You use generalization to avoid confronting the facts. That's not only dishonest, it's cowardly. Have a backbone and take some responsibility.

[John317]

You're doing it again, Richard. First point out where I even suggested that you endorsed greed. I'm saying that you often mischaracterize people's beliefs.

[cardw]

You're doing it again, Richard. First point out where I even suggested that you endorsed greed. I'm saying that you often mischaracterize people's beliefs.

[John317]

Here you are again doing the same thing. You talk about people being "lazy", etc.

I made only two points: (1) You often complain of people lying about you and about your beliefs; and (2) you do the same thing yoruself.

You don't like people to attack your character, but you do it all the time. You just did it in the very post I am responding to.

Are you unaware of this?

[cardw]

Here you are again doing the same thing. You talk about people being "lazy", etc.

I made only two points: (1) You often complain of people lying about you and about your beliefs; and (2) you do the same thing yoruself.

You don't like people to attack your character, but you do it all the time. You just did it in the very post I am responding to.

Are you unaware of this?

The difference is that I am direct and I base it on actual facts. I make my point based on evidence. I don't make things up to make my point. And when people stay to the topic I don't attack them personally, but when they attack me in order to deflect from the topic you are going to get a response.

When I talk with Bravus or Tom I am just as vigorous in the defense of my point, but they don't attack me personally. If you need an example of how to dialog honestly then read how they present themselves. I don't agree with their belief, but I respect them as people because they are honest. They don't make things up to discredit my points.

I did not talk about PEOPLE being lazy. I talked about YOU being lazy. You can't even present the truth in this case. And apparently it is not laziness that keeps you from actually responding to the evidence, it is a willful choice. So I stand corrected.

You have ignored the FACT the Doug has used the lie that I am promoting greed and ponzi schemes because I suggested that a life based on inspiration would be better than a life based on fear?

That is absolutely absurd. And your continual AVOIDANCE OF THIS FACT IS DISHONEST.

So yes, I am attacking your character based on YOUR lack of admission.

All you have presented is a general statement that I attack without providing any context or evidence.

Factually that is dishonest.

[Guest]

"You believe in a god who needs to have his son die a horrible tortuous death..."

Why yes, I do, thanks for asking. You cannot violate man's laws without paying the price. You cannot violate God's law's without paying the price. It's that simple.

While man's laws are ever changing, God's law is perfect, it always has been, it ever will be. An earthly court won't let someone else suffer your sentence on your behalf. But in the heavenly court, the price has already been paid. You need only accept it. Or, if you choose, you may suffer the sentence yourself. One way or the other, justice WILL be served in the end, the law demands it.

Amen!

[Guest]

One of the few regrets in life that I have is that I fell for this line of thinking when I was learning karate as a teenager. I was progressing quite well and stopped because of confusion over the meditation from ill-informed, ignorant and fearful prejudiced thinking of a Western Christian point of view. If I had been given better understanding I would have realized those fears were overwrought and basically groundless and I would have continued on to a black belt. I now see that this really would not have conflicted with, but more likely complimented, my Christianity.

I took Karate when I was young also, but that isn't why I quit. Other things came along and I guess I just lost interest.

[Bob Root]

I'm wondering if there is a problem studying Qi Qong as an excercise program, also Tai Chi as a self defense practice instead of carrying a .45 cal pistol. Since becoming a memeber of the SDA movement, I prefer self defense instead of offensive reaction to threaten events?

Can Martial arts be seperated from spiritual medatation (new age/Buddism/Eastern religions)? Would some one with this knowledge, and not a agenda answer this for me?

[phkrause]

I'm wondering if there is a problem studying Qi Qong as an excercise program, also Tai Chi as a self defense practice instead of carrying a .45 cal pistol. Since becoming a memeber of the SDA movement, I prefer self defense instead of offensive reaction to threaten events?

Can Martial arts be seperated from spiritual medatation (new age/Buddism/Eastern religions)? Would some one with this knowledge, and not a agenda answer this for me?

Bob, did you read through the whole thread? I think you'll find some interesting answers. For me personally it comes down to our relationship with our Lord and Savior. He will be our guide.

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

But even the Christian who never uses martial arts to purposely injure another and trusts the Lord to protect him is getting involved in a religion that contradicts the teaching of the Bible.

One of the amazing realities of Jesus' accomplishments while He was here on earth as the Son of Man on earth, was His outstanding ability to remain self-possessed while undergoing severe assaults, not only of physical abuse but as acts designed to ridicule and humiliate Him. There is no doubt in my mind if I were to experience the same type of assaults and possessed the power to, through something like the martial arts, eliminate the perpetrators, it would be a total disaster of my own desire to serve God in the way Jesus taught us.

Praise God He has given us the power to avoid confrontational episodes, and even when confronted with the need for defending someone else, without the martial arts to act upon, whatever damage might be caused to happen by another instigator would be clearly seen as the intervention of a Father who does not leave His children defenseless under duress.

Perhaps the best secret for seeing God's ability to exercise His willingness to take care of His own, is reliance on and belief in His promises.

"For my eyes are toward You, O GOD, the Lord; In You I take refuge; do not leave me defenseless."

Psalm 141:8 NASB

"Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart."Psalm 37:4 NKJV

A major challenge in the protection we seek is often found in whether we would desire to love our enemy more than we would like to lay him/her/them flat.

God Blesses!

[LifeHiscost]

Muhammad Ali spent a lifetime learning how to make a bundle by beating other people senseless. He converted to the Muslim faith somewhere in that journey, perhaps from Christianity. I understand his declining years were somewhat mentally deficient as a result of his occupation.

"Jesus answered, “ My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.”"John 18:36 NASB

"“You shall have no other gods before Me."

Exodus 20:3 NKJV

I guess it just comes down to which God/gods one wishes to depend on and what will be provided in that dependence.

God blesses!

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

Only a fool calls fear wisdom.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever."Psalm 111:10 NASB

There is some discussion about the word "fear" and it properly denoting respect and/or reverence. OTOH I believe the distinction might be best made by whose side one wishes to be on.

God blesses!

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

They convert because they don't want to die.

I was out washing my car today and these two boys came to give me a flyer for their Easter presentation at a local church. The fear was palpable. I graciously accepted their flyer, but they were tongue tied. I remember doing this as a teen and it was torture. Now if I was going to talk about cars, skateboarding, or sports I would have had no problem, but when it comes to religion it is painfully obvious that it's about fear.

The difficulty presented by these conclusions comes largely from the fact that it reflects, "Because that is my experience, it is necessarily everyone else's".

As one pastor told me, and it makes good logic, fear might bring you to Christ but it won't keep you there. There is only one reason why anyone will be excluded from His presence.

"And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’"Matthew 7:23 NASB Emphasis their's LHC

Because He is Love, all His permissions are wrought in Love. What I don't understand reveals my lack, not His.

God blesses!

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

These are all fear based stories that warn us about crossing this god of violence you worship.

I'm so sorry for you, cardw, for I know that to know Jesus is to love Him. I'm sorry that you knew how to be religious but you, up to this point of time, never made personal contact with Him.

Over 2,000 events were told in advance, many about the Man Christ. All have been completed as told and are happening before our eyes in these days we live in. Jesus had a reason for giving advance information.

"Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He."

John 13:19 NKJV

God is very patient with any who desire a God of Love, who themselves wish to share in that love. However He will not take away our freedom of choice. Sometimes we as fallen human beings need trial to bring us to acknowlege our weakness. Others learn with less need for trauma. Some, sad to say, never learn. There is but one option for those who deny Him as Creator, His right to set the parameters of right and wrong,

" Then everyone—the kings of the earth, the rulers, the generals, the wealthy, the powerful, and every slave and free person—all hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they cried to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?”"Revelation 6:15-17 NLT

And just in case you might have ever disqualified God as real because of the false doctrine of an eternally burning hell, that is a lie perpetrated purposefully by the enemy of souls to disengage anyone from trusting any god who would perpetrate such an atrocity on His own creation.

God blesses!

[Gail]

There are some here who hold onto love-based stories from God... Commune with them as to the difference they have made on their hearts :)

[LifeHiscost]

There are some here who hold onto love-based stories from God... Commune with them as to the difference they have made on their hearts

"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”"

John 13:35 NASB

God blesses!

[olger]

As someone with a red belt in Tae kwon Do (years past) I do not believe that they are compatible.

[lazarus]

Loved my Judo years. Had a sprinkling Kendo too. Still teach my sons and the kids at church a few moves.

[tribeofjudah]

Quote:

Only a fool calls fear wisdom.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever."Psalm 111:10 NASB

There is some discussion about the word "fear" and it properly denoting respect and/or reverence. OTOH I believe the distinction might be best made by whose side one wishes to be on.

God blesses!

The word translated "fear" in many versions of the Bible comes from the Hebrew word "yirah", which has a range of meaning in the Scriptures. Sometimes it refers to the fear we feel in anticipation of danger or pain.... But it can also mean "awe" or "reverence."

In a sense, Yirah includes the idea of wonder, amazement, mystery, astonishment, gratitude, admiration, and even worship (like gazing upon the Grand Canyon from the cliff edge)

The "fear of the Lord" includes an overwhelming sense of the GLORY, WORTH, AND BEAUTY of the ONE TRUE GOD.

[Liz]

*general post*

There is a difference between knowing martial arts and being a martial artist. My husband is a brown belt in Kenpo, he spars with us, I'm glad he taught our son a few good moves. For those that don't know, my son was attacked while at a convenience store, he was able to defend himself successfully.

It's easy to sit in judgement of others and say what "you" would have done or what the other person should have done. However, unless you yourself are in that exact same position, you really don't know how you will react.

[lazarus]

Liz,

There are too many who want to make their personal conviction a test of faith for others when there is no clear Biblical mandate on the issue. Glad your husband had the awareness and the strength of mind do what was right for your son.

[LifeHiscost]

*general post*

There is a difference between knowing martial arts and being a martial artist. My husband is a brown belt in Kenpo, he spars with us, I'm glad he taught our son a few good moves. For those that don't know, my son was attacked while at a convenience store, he was able to defend himself successfully.

It's easy to sit in judgement of others and say what "you" would have done or what the other person should have done. However unless you yourself are in that exact same position, you really don't know how you will react.

And even if we do know how we would react, that still is not the criteria for another under the self same circumstances.

"Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God." 1 Corinthians 4:5 NASB

God blesses!

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

The "fear of the Lord" includes an overwhelming sense of the GLORY, WORTH, AND BEAUTY of the ONE TRUE GOD.

God blesses!