From the other thread...
one love wrote:bibleguy wrote:While I would like to simply offer congratulations, I am compelled to ask a question instead...
Should Christians participate in Karate? The martial arts have their roots in eastern religions, and promote meditation and tapping into one's ki or ch'i. Whether oriental martial arts, or india's yoga, Christians are increasingly adopting practices that are admittedly rooted in eastern paganism. (Consider this taoist's comments
Christianity and Martial Arts - A Taoist's View, and this Christian's comments
Martial Arts - Are They Harmless?)
Christians from those countries reject the practices, knowing first-hand their origins. But western Christians often deem them as harmless.
The same is true of Mexican piñatas. I was talking with some Mexican brothers, who told me that piñatas were used in pagan rituals, and therefore Christians shouldn't use them. And it is thought that they're just birthday party favors!
I know christian Karate instructors, it is discipline and self defense.
Chuck norris was a christian was he not?
I love boxing as well. Foot ball can knock you unconscious so can any sport. Most Karate schools are not focused on any religious activity at all, just training.
I respect your view Brother and why you are feeling that way, so dont think I am saying you are legalistic or anything
Boxing vs strippers is a stretch !!!!! Boxing is not sinful it is a sport, I think we can all agree that stripping would be sinful.
I do feel many Christians have accpeted wordly things and attached Christianity to the name and it is accepted so I do understand I just dis agree on this topic. I dont see how one could think boxing or karate is wrong when there is no religous standing behind them.
What about Police and army training? Many come from some type of martial arts, is that wrong to be either?
Here's my point from the beginning... I think that everything should be examined. The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
Maybe you grew up being taught that it was a sin to chew gum, and cut your hair. Maybe you were taught that any jewelry is sinful. Maybe you were taught that it is ok to have a glass of wine with your meals. Dipping snuff was common among Christian pilgrims, as was drinking ale. Some churches had "smoke breaks" 60 years ago.
Were these positions wrong? Were they biblical? Maybe, maybe not. But if we care anything about going on unto perfection, if we care about there arising "a glorious Church, without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing," WE MUST examine EVERYTHING by the word.
I asked a simple question. Everyone assumed I was making an accusation, which I guess is fine.
Paul said, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Cor. 13:5).
Now, legalism fails because some rules may not apply to all. There was no general prohibition against the consumption of alcohol for the children of Israel, but the Rechabites had promised their father that they would never drink. IF THEY DRANK it would have been sin. Some things are universal, but in other cases what is sin for one, may not be for all.
“For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things” (1 John 3:20). So, one person may feel convicted in his heart about something, and so it is sin for him.
On the other hand, some things require teaching to be recognized as against God's will. Adam & Eve thought that their attempt to cover their nakedness was sufficient, but God said that it wasn't, and gave them coats to cover more. So Paul says that the younger women need to be taught to be discreet. Why, because just how much skin is too much is not necessarily instinctively understood.
I for one long for God to have a glorious church without spot or wrinkle, and am not afraid to look again at my customs, my practices, my doctrine, etc., comparing it to God's word, as the path shines brighter and brighter.
