Shoulda Christian Practice the Martial Arts?

STATEMENT DM065
Should a Christian Practice the Martial Arts?
A controversial issue within Christianity today is whether a Christian can practice the martial arts. There are three primary views.
To gain perspective on this issue, let us briefly consi der each one.
First, some say that because of its unchris tian origin (Eastern mysticism), no martial art form should be practiced by Christians.
However, an unchristian origin in itself may be insufficient grounds for rejecting the martial arts since thi s view commits what is
known as the “genetic fallacy.” This error assumes that since the origin of a belief or practice was wrong, despite its
development, it is still wrong today.
Yet, if we were consistent in applying this kind of logic, we should also abandon astronomy because its roots are in the practice
of astrology. As a policy we believe that, instead of committing the genetic fallacy, it is better to try to ascertain how much of an
influence foundational beliefs may have had on the object of dis cussion before prematurely discarding it.
The second view argues that as long as the Christian divorces the religious aspects (Eastern mysticism) from the martial arts, he
or she may practice them. To evaluate this view, we must briefly examine some of th e major branches of the martial arts.
Aikido. Aikido means ‘the way to union with the universal force.” This impersonal force is known as “chi.” The goal of Aikido
is to control both self and environment. Ironically, this martial art is the most compati ble with Christianity in regard to its
nonviolent nature, but — on the other hand — it is unalterably steeped in Eastern mysticism.
Judo and Jujitsu. Judo involves many grabbing and throwing techniques. Jujitsu con centrates on the human joint locks and c on-
cerns itself with striking and maneuvering pro cedures. Both of these forms have a very low spiritual emphasis.
Karate. Karate involves meditation, which usually includes the emptying of one’s mind from all outer distractions. It is at this
point that Karate becomes spiritually dangerous. Nevertheless, since Karate is primarily a physical martial art, the meditation
aspect can be divorced from it.
Kung Fu. Kung Fu is very diverse. There are different styles of Kung Fu. The more tra ditional forms stick close to their Buddhist
philosophical roots, while the less traditional forms concentrate more on the physical aspects. Generally, Kung Fu is more
mystical than Karate.
Ninjitsu. Ninjitsu is not generally compatible with Christianity. The Ninjas try to assimilate themselves with nature in order to be
more stealthy. The worldview behind Ninjitsu is pantheism (all is God), which con tradicts the Christian view that God is not the
universe but is the Creator of the universe (Gen. 1:1-2).
Tae Kwon Do. Tae Kwon Do is a physical, sport-oriented form of the martial arts. It is one of the most compatible forms of
Eastern self-defense with Christianity.
Tai Chi. Tai Chi involves the practice of Taoism. In order to achieve physical well being, the Tai Chi stude nt must be attuned to
the universe by concentrating below the navel section of the body — which is said to be the body’s psychic center. Tai Chi
cannot be reconciled with Christianity.
In view of the above, it is clear that certain martial arts cannot be divorced from their Eastern worldview while others can.
Aikido, Ninjitsu, and Tai Chi are the most incompatible with Christianity.
CRI, P.O. Box 8500,Charlotte, NC 28271
Phone (704) 887-8200 and Fax (704) 887-8299
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Ultimately, whether a Christian should participate in one of those martial arts that can be reconciled with Christianity depends
primarily upon the instructor. If the instructor pro motes Eastern mysticism, the Christian should avoid that school. If the
instructor divorces the practice of the martial art from the philosophy behind it, then the Christian may, in good con science,
participate.
A third view is that the martial arts are not compatible with Christianity because of their violent nature. This is a legitimate
position, for many Scripture passages do speak out against violence (e.g., Matt. 26:52). However, other Chri stians point out that
when Jesus spoke with soldiers, He did not say combating was morally wrong (Matt. 8:5 -13). Moreover, Jesus instructed the
disciples to take a defensive sword with them as the time of His arrest by the authorities approached (Luke 22:3 6). The apostle
Paul indicated that there was a legitimate use of force by the government in punish ing wrongdoers (Rom. 13:1-5).
The above verses have led many Christians to conclude that the Bible does not condemn self -defense and that the use of force is
sometimes justified. While we would sup port this conclusion, we recognize that the issue of self -defense is one that must be
determined by each individual believer’s conscience.
We recommend that the Christian keep the following factors in mind if h e or she decides to practice a martial art: First, the
Christian must realize that because this is a controversial area, he or she must be careful not to cause a weaker Christian to
stumble by practicing a martial art (Rom. 14). Second (pri marily for youths), the Christian must guard against the temptation of
starting fights. Third, the Christian should not allow a martial art to overshadow or detract from his Christian com mitments (Heb.
10:25). Finally, the Christian should pray, and examine his or her c onscience and motives. These steps will insure that one’s
involvement in a martial art will be based not on unworthy motives but on reflective thought. —BJ. Oropeza
CRI, P.O. Box 8500,Charlotte, NC 28271
Phone (704) 887-8200 and Fax (704) 887-8299
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