A netfriend wrote: Do you still believe that martial arts and Christianity can be compatible?

My response: Are you referring to an article on our website? I’ll bounce this to a friend who knows much more than I do on this subject…

Netfriend: Folks, Thank you for your response. My 13 year old son does not participate in team sports anymore and was looking for something to focus his time on. I thought that Taekwondo would be a benefit to him as there is a class at my gym. My wife is a zealous ‘born again’ and was adamantly opposed to his participation because of the fear of the Eastern philosophies often associated with the art. I was looking for some guidance because I thought the discipline of the class would help him physically and mentally. I have stressed upon him that this skill is something that would have to be achieved and not misused. After my wife talked this issue over with her pastor, she has capitulated and now realizes that this class is about health and not mysticism. So I believe we have achieved common ground. Thank God….

A thoughtful/experienced friend’s response: I usually start by coming to a common understanding of the term Martial Arts. Some believe it is any form of combat, while others have a narrower view.

I spent a long time working through the issues and collected articles I found that tried to address the subject.

And again:

I eventually returned to training but I’d say the form of Taekwondo I practice is mostly void of questionable practices (such as Eastern meditation) and is predominantly a sport. Still, no matter what we do we need to continually question and measure against scripture.There will always be things in Martial Arts that need discernment. Even though many western MA are ‘watered down’ there are still remnants of eastern philosophy. I find the patterns or ‘Poomse’ are the biggest purveyor of Eastern philosophy but most instructors don’t explicitly teach that side of things. Many take the what could be called “New Age” approach of “whatever works for you is good” rather than forcing beliefs upon students.

It also depends on what the instructor believes as they will no doubt share those beliefs. My instructors are not overly spiritual in class but one is a Reiki master and does Yoga etc.

So, it’s best to understand what is going on in the class and understand the instructor/club and communicate to your child how some things may differ with Christian beliefs. (As with anything in life!).

Shalom/Salaam/Pax! Rowland Croucher

October 2007