Boxing Martial arts mma?

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Ambi3333

Guest
#1
#1
Hi all,
Like I have said in previous posts I am not the most knolagable christian, but I am daily improving and studying the bible..

My question
I have been a boxer for many many years, and I feel it has done me alot of good - kept me away from drugs etc, many of my christian friends from church have told me to stop boxing, and studying mma (which I have been doing more recently this last year)

What is a biblical perspective on this?
I dont see boxing as violent as it has helped me in many ways avoid confrontation and not drink drugs etc, given me a purpose when going abroad etc, but ultimatley it is an art that can hurt people...
 
crossnote

crossnote

Senior Member
#2
Nov 24, 2012
30,706
3,650
113
#2
There is nothing wrong with those so long you as don't abuse them and have your emotions under control.
I know a number of pastors that do martial arts.
 
U

Ugly

Guest
#3
#3
Personally i see nothing wrong with it. I watch MMA sometimes. It is two people consenting to a pre-planned even that they have to train for. At least on the mainstream, televised shows the fights are not personal or vengeful but athletes competing.
I believe it's one of those areas where if it bothers you, stay away from it. If it doesn't bother you and you enjoy it, then go for it.

While it's good to consider what other Christians have to say, it doesn't mean we are required to listen. Especially in grey areas, which the bible does mention. Long as you can be open and honest with Yourself about things like this, and give an honest account of if you feel it's wrong or not, then go with your conscience, but remain open to changes in it or to God directing you in another way.
 
E

elf3

Guest
#4
#4
crossnote said:
There is nothing wrong with those so long you as don't abuse them and have your emotions under control.
I know a number of pastors that do martial arts.
Click to expand...
I would agree with ccrossnote on this. American football can be a violent sport and some pro's are Christian.
 
Jason0047

Jason0047

Banned
#5
Jul 22, 2014
10,350
51
0
#5
I believe in the Old Testament that God needed to show He was a rewarder to those that seek Him and that He was a God of justice in the fact that He punished evil or wicked deeds. However, in the New Testament, Jesus told us to pray and do good towards our enemies (Even if they were to do bad towards us). Jesus rebuked Peter for taking up his sword and he did not praise him. Nowhere did Jesus or any of the apostles lay down some kind of smack down that hurt other people. Yes, Jesus will return one day with His saints to execute judgment upon the remaining nations that have refused to repent, but during His ministry, He never physically harmed anyone. For Jesus came not to judge but to save. In other words, we are living in age of grace.
 
crossnote

crossnote

Senior Member
#7
Nov 24, 2012
30,706
3,650
113
#7
Jason0047 said:
I believe in the Old Testament that God needed to show He was a rewarder to those that seek Him and that He was a God of justice in the fact that He punished evil or wicked deeds. However, in the New Testament, Jesus told us to pray and do good towards our enemies (Even if they were to do bad towards us). Jesus rebuked Peter for taking up his sword and he did not praise him. Nowhere did Jesus or any of the apostles lay down some kind of smack down that hurt other people. Yes, Jesus will return one day with His saints to execute judgment upon the remaining nations that have refused to repent, but during His ministry, He never physically harmed anyone. For Jesus came not to judge but to save. In other words, we are living in age of grace.
Click to expand...
Jesus rebuked Peter for taking his sword at one point of time but told them to buy one later.

And He said to them, When I sent you without a purse, or a wallet, or sandals, did you lack anything? And they said, Nothing. Then He said to them, But now, the one having a purse, let him take it; likewise also a wallet. And the one not having, let him sell his garment, and let him buy a sword.
(Luk 22:35-36)
 
C

Calminian

Guest
#8
#8
crossnote said:
Jesus rebuked Peter for taking his sword at one point of time but told them to buy one later.

And He said to them, When I sent you without a purse, or a wallet, or sandals, did you lack anything? And they said, Nothing. Then He said to them, But now, the one having a purse, let him take it; likewise also a wallet. And the one not having, let him sell his garment, and let him buy a sword.
(Luk 22:35-36)
Click to expand...
Amen, and swords of that day were like the handguns of today. We're in a fallen world, and the fact is, self-defensive skills are necessary all too often. Jesus commands us to be at peace whenever possible and turn the other cheek when insulted.

Ambi3333, brother, if you have Christian friends telling you stop studying martial arts, you may be dealing with some very extreme legalism, which can happen in the church unfortunately. Hopefully your pastor hasn't fallen into this. All my kids are martial artists, and I couldn't be more proud.

BTW, if anyone hits you with the "turn the other cheek" argument, explain to them that a smack on the cheek in ANE culture was one of the worst insults one could endure. But all and all, it was just an insult and does not put you in any danger. Thus, if one insults you, endure it, and don't feel the need to insult back. This concept goes all the way back to Old Testament.

Prov. 12:16 Fools show their annoyance at once,
but the prudent overlook an insult.

But scripture does not tell you to turn the other cheek if someone punches you or worse. Then you punch back and subdue them if you have to. After that, if you want, you can follow them to the hospital, and share the gospel. Many many christians practice martial arts. Keep with it.
 
Jason0047

Jason0047

Banned
#9
Jul 22, 2014
10,350
51
0
#9
crossnote said:
Jesus rebuked Peter for taking his sword at one point of time but told them to buy one later.

And He said to them, When I sent you without a purse, or a wallet, or sandals, did you lack anything? And they said, Nothing. Then He said to them, But now, the one having a purse, let him take it; likewise also a wallet. And the one not having, let him sell his garment, and let him buy a sword.
(Luk 22:35-36)
Click to expand...
I talk about this in the thread at extensive length in my OP of the the thread link I provided.
 
Jason0047

Jason0047

Banned
#11
Jul 22, 2014
10,350
51
0
#11
God's Word says call upon the Lord and ask Him (Jeremiah 33:3). God's Word says have an open mind but seek the Scriptures and compare Scripture with Scripture to see whether those things be so or not (Acts 17:11). Don't take my word for it or anyone else's here. Talk to God and dig deep within His Word. Read Christian articles on the topic from both sides of the debate. Be objective and not biased. For we have to remember that just because something feels good and right to us, doesn't mean that it is right. For our thoughts are not God's thoughts.

Seek the truth.
Whether it takes you a week, a month, or a year.
Don't give up until you know you feel right with God on the subject (According to His Word).
 
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oldthennew

Guest
#13
#13
Ambi,

it is so good to hear that you found a way to keep yourself out of trouble
through something that you are obviously good at.
now that you are 28 and have learned the ropes of self-defence and how to
handle yourself in many different kinds of situations with your
fists-feet-etc.
perhaps now you no longer need be a 'striker of persons' and instead
a teacher who can show others a better way to fight for Christ?
 
A

Abster

Guest
#14
#14
crossnote said:
There is nothing wrong with those so long you as don't abuse them and have your emotions under control.
I know a number of pastors that do martial arts.
Click to expand...
I agree. Jesus had plenty power and all he struck down was a fig tree. Its all about discipline
 
L

lioncub

Guest
#15
#15
Ambi3333 said:
Hi all,
Like I have said in previous posts I am not the most knolagable christian, but I am daily improving and studying the bible..

My question
I have been a boxer for many many years, and I feel it has done me alot of good - kept me away from drugs etc, many of my christian friends from church have told me to stop boxing, and studying mma (which I have been doing more recently this last year)

What is a biblical perspective on this?
I dont see boxing as violent as it has helped me in many ways avoid confrontation and not drink drugs etc, given me a purpose when going abroad etc, but ultimatley it is an art that can hurt people...
Click to expand...
I wouldn't continue to do it. You could hurt others or you could be hurt. Choose something else.
 
KohenMatt

KohenMatt

Senior Member
#16
Jun 28, 2013
4,021
223
63
#16
I don't think it is godly.

It's intentionally trying to hurt someone who's trying to hurt you, all for the sake of competition. Boxing even more so, because at least there's submission in MMA. I can't see how God is OK with 2 guys/girls trying to knock someone unconscious and thereby giving them permanent brain damage (to some degree).
 
J

jdbear

Banned
#17
May 14, 2014
611
4
0
#17
Ambi3333 said:
Hi all,
Like I have said in previous posts I am not the most knolagable christian, but I am daily improving and studying the bible..

My question
I have been a boxer for many many years, and I feel it has done me alot of good - kept me away from drugs etc, many of my christian friends from church have told me to stop boxing, and studying mma (which I have been doing more recently this last year)

What is a biblical perspective on this?
I dont see boxing as violent as it has helped me in many ways avoid confrontation and not drink drugs etc, given me a purpose when going abroad etc, but ultimatley it is an art that can hurt people...
Click to expand...
There's nothing in Gods word forbidding sports, but like lion cub said, you might be causing harm to your (or an opponents) well being. As a fighter, you've learned discipline already. More importantly, you have Christ in you, so boxing isn't necessary to stay away from evil influences. You know also brother that physically, you can't be a boxer forever. Think about what you'd like to do after your career...and do it now.
 
C

Calminian

Guest
#18
#18
KohenMatt

KohenMatt

Senior Member
#19
Jun 28, 2013
4,021
223
63
#19
jdbear said:
There's nothing in Gods word forbidding sports, but like lion cub said, you might be causing harm to your (or an opponents) well being. As a fighter, you've learned discipline already. More importantly, you have Christ in you, so boxing isn't necessary to stay away from evil influences. You know also brother that physically, you can't be a boxer forever. Think about what you'd like to do after your career...and do it now.
Click to expand...
"Sport" is one thing.
Doing intentional bodily harm to someone is different, IMO.
 
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