In a world of violence and harassment at work and school, many have turned to self-defense classes. While many Christians partake of many things today without considering them wrong before God, some do ask if this is pleasing to God.
Why I Quit Karate by Bill Rudge gives five reasons for Christians to avoid Karate and Martial Arts. The Occult connection should be enough to say we should not be involved. There are however many Christians and even churches who offer Martial Arts to their members.
John Ankerberg offers three testimonies on his web page, including Bill Rudge’s. It is a good read offering personal experiences that show the good as well as the bad that can be connected to the evil side of the spirit world.
Christian Research Institute breaks down the various forms and practices of Martial Arts. Take time to read the meaning of the various words used and the brief descriptions. You will see that there are dangers involved for those who have professed Christ as their God and dedicated their lives to worship Him only as God.
- 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 compatible 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 concentrates on the human joint locks and concerns itself with striking and maneuvering procedures. 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 traditional 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 contradicts 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 student 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.
I have not had to deal with anyone involved with any of these listed above, but my initial gut reaction when I have heard of someone involved in them has been an uneasy one. I would say, stay away from all that can be associated with Eastern false gods, and that can become a hazard to your own spiritual walk with Christ.
Peter was admonished by the Lord to put his sword back into its sheath. Maybe we should take that advice for ourselves as well. God still dispatches His Guardian angels to watch over and protect those who dwell in His secret place and keep their minds stayed on Him.
The Name of Jesus Christ is greater than all the names that can be named in the material and the spiritual worlds around us. Calling on His Name has saved me many times from danger and harm because when we say the Name of Jesus with authority; it becomes a Spiritual Sword in our mouths against all of our enemies.”
“Put away your sword, “Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword.” Matthew 26:52