Here are some points I'd like to make to clear up my general position:)
- I believe it is ok to practice Martial Arts (and possibly other things such a Yoga) if the elements that totally conflict with Christianity are separated out. In fact doing so can be a powerful witness to those non-Christians involved as they ask why you don't participate in some aspects of the practice. Personally, I have found no Christian MA or instructors locally and have not found any other MA that doesn't have elements that cause concern (according to my personal experience and beliefs or what conflicts with my Christian faith). It is even more rare to find Christian practitioners of things like Yoga who have separated wrongful elements. Many Christian views tend to go to one of two extremes: fundamentally condemn the practice or become fully involved in all practices.
- I left Martial Arts and initially leant towards a fundamentalist viewpoint. I think that is a natural way of thinking initially but growth usually leads people towards a more balanced viewpoint. My search for answers into background and meaning of Martial Arts has eventually led me to return to practicing Taekwondo. I am now a Black Belt.
- Ideally seek a Christian club or at least a Christian instructor. But, even Christian clubs may have some elements that are wrong so use discernment.. read up on the subject and pray about it.
- Christians have lost a lot of mysticism and today we do not spend much time in stillness with God. Practices such as meditation, again having separated out wrongful practices, can be extremely beneficial. (What constitutes a "wrongful practice" is sometimes widely debatable. Typically asking questions about a practice provides some answers. Understanding Biblical principles helps us deal with these situations.)
- Your relationship with God comes above all else. Are you spending quality time with God? Have you a healthy diet of His Word in your daily life?
- Most of the articles here are not balanced. Most make valid points but don't cover all the issues. Approach the subject like a debate and discover what all sides believe and have experienced.
- Not all eastern philosophy is wrong, only that which conflicts with Christian ideals. And certainly eastern culture is important.
- That'll do for now:)
A bit more, some severely paraphrased teachings of Paul as I understood them :)
- I also think it is a matter of faith. If a person's faith is strong it may allow him to participate, whereas a person with a weaker faith should avoid participation.
- If you have doubts then you should not participate as you would be sinning. But if you have no doubts then it should be ok for you to participate.
- But also, be careful not to lead those with a lesser faith into sinning by your particpation.
Bradley
