The Christian Tenets of Taekwondo
In any textbook on Taekwondo, or "Student Handbook" you will see The Five Tenets of Taekwondo:
- Courtesy - behavior that demonstrates consideration, cooperation, and generosity
- Integrity - honesty, trustworthiness, and incorruptibility
- Perseverance - determination, steadfastness, persisting in spite of difficulties
- Self-Control - exercising restraint over one's impulses, self-discipline
- Indomitable Spirit - unconquerable courage, a "yes I can" attitude
More than just words, these "doctrines" provide a framework - not just for Dojang behavior, but for life. As Christians, we too have "behaviors" to be followed. And one of the best passages from the Bible gives a "blueprint for life".
2nd Peter 1, Verses 3 through 11 says:
[Heading - Making One's Calling and Election Sure]
3 - His divine power has given us everything we need for life and
godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory
and goodness.
4 - Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises,
so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape
the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5 - For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith
goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;
6 - and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance;
and to perseverance, godliness;
7 - and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness,
love.
8 - For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will
keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 - But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and
has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
10 - Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling
and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall,
11 - and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Notice Verses 5 through 7. Peter lists the virtues a Christian must
develop in order to spiritually victorious and fruitful before God
(Verse 8).
Now, notice the similarity between the key words in these Verses, and the Five Tenets of Taekwondo? (Beyond the words of course.) Taekwondo, as with most Martial Arts, is symbolized by etiquette and respect. The Five Tenets amplify these concepts, and define the qualities necessary (the spirit) of a Martial Artist. The above Verses from 2nd Peter define the virtues we as Born Again Believers ascribe to meet. To that end, these "qualities" are our Christian Tenets.
©2003 Gregg London
gregg@glondon.com
