Christ

Aikido for Followers of Christ? by Stephen Steger

While our members are diverse in their world views, this essay is written to address the specific concerns of followers of Christ, like myself. As always, I am happy to teach the art to (and have respectful dialogue with) any ethical person regardless of their background or belief.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self discipline. --- 2 Timothy 1:7

Some Christians are unnerved by martial arts, and I certainly understand why! The most common dangers are losing oneself to fighting, antithetical philosophies, or idolatry (loving martial arts more than God).

Before I go any further, I should state that I'll be limiting my essay to martial arts and legitimate self defense for Christians ... fighting for fun is a whole other issue! The Lord tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates. --- Psalm 11:5

Much like law enforcement and military training, martial arts are both a result of and a response to a fallen world, so can be used for good or evil. Most good police, soldiers, and martial artists seek only to establish peace and safety as quickly and as honorably as possible. I believe this intention mirrors God's nature and His desire. For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace. --- 1 Corinthians 14:33

While there is little doubt that some styles of martial arts are better suited to Christians than others, it is the individual instructor who provides the proper context for practice. In my professional opinion good instructors must encourage and explore ethics along with conflict resolution and self defense. Why? Because the sin of violence follows a breakdown of morality. Ethics help exercise and strengthen our God given (and if you are Born Again, Holy Spirit lead) conscience. Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. --- Romans 2:14-15

Knowing what kind of action is reasonable, justifiable, AND necessary is an important legal and moral question. But the critical question for those who follow Christ, is what's right in God's eyes? We know that loving our enemies is clearly right, and that murdering (hebrew word: ratsach) anyone is clearly wrong, but what about everything in between?

On one end of the spectrum, Jesus tells us But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. --- Matthew 5:39. Pacifists have long suggested that this is a prohibition against using any force. It is critical to understand however, that in Jewish culture striking someone's cheek was considered an insult. In such a case, Jesus tells us we can not retaliate! This verse, as well as Matthew 5:43-44 calls us to a higher standard than the equal retribution of the Old Testament (an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth). Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. --- Romans 12:17

On the other end, some have argued that Jesus encouraged violence. The verse most often quoted is If you do don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one! --- Luke 22:36. The short sword or dagger (greek word: maxairan) was used by Jewish travelers for protection against bandits and dangerous animals... it was not a weapon of war. If the historical context were not enough, we then read Look Lord, they replied, we have two swords among us. That's enough He said. --- Luke 22:38 Taken literally, two swords provides a measure of prudent protection to a large group (who would soon be without the Lord), but certainly does not point to murder.

Taken as a whole God's Word presents a path that is righteous, practical, and balanced. Christ's message of love is clear, awesome, and undeniable, but it does not prohibit right minded martial arts practice, honorable military service, or self defense.

On a side note: To Christian pacifissts who claim that military service is a sin, I would suggest reading Luke 7:1-10, where Jesus healed the servant of the humble Roman Centurion. Jesus neither refused nor refuted him, but actually praised him for his faith! Later, in Acts 10 we read about another Roman soldier, Cornelius, receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the presence of Peter! Obviously, God did not withhold His Spirit from the Roman, even though he was a warrior. It would seem that Military service is an honorable profession, even for Christians. Jesus used non-violent confrontation because His mission was always to die on the cross for us, not establish a kingdom by force of arms. My kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my kingdom is not of this world. --- John 18:36

Lest we think that self preservation is our ultimate goal, we must remind ourselves that martial training does not exclude self sacrifice, or even martyrdom. In one of my favorite verses of the New Testament, Jesus tells His disciples, There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. --- John 15:13. The possibility of dying for our faith is something we must all accept as true followers of Christ. In fact, an estimated 70 million Christian men, women, and children have been killed for their faith since 33 A.D.! Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they can not touch your soul. --- Matthew 10:28

But what about violence that is perpetrated not because of our faith, a home invasion or attempted rape, for example? In that case especially, I don't believe we are to lay down and die. Indeed, God has put in our hearts a desire to live and protect those we love. Risking our life for our family and neighbors is the right(eous) response! Reading Luke 10:25-37 reminds us who our neighbors are!

C.S. Lewis puts it quite eloquently... I believe the meaning of the words (turn the other cheek) was perfectly clear -- insofar as you are simply an angry man who has been hurt, mortify your anger and do not strike back. If however, your motives are other than egoistic retaliation, then not only are you free to protect yourself and others, rather it is your responsibility to do so --- C.S. Lewis

Having some skill can make an act of courage something more than merely throwing our life away. A prudent person forsees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindy on and suffers the consequences. --- Proverbs 22:3 In a very practical sense, the higher our level of skill, the more control we have over the outcome, including the ability to give mercy ... dissuading, restraining, or incapacitating someone, for example, instead of fatally shooting them. After all, we only need to end the threat. Peace Officers do this every day!

Of course it is our utmost responsibility as followers of the Prince of Peace to pray against everything which might put us on a path of destruction. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. --- Ephesians 4:31. Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. --- Philippians 4:5.

After forty years of searching and resisting, in May 2004, I finally surrendered to God on His terms. It wasn't an easy transition. I lost several friends and students, who just couldn't understand why I would fall for such (putting it politely) rubbish. To be fair, I was warned my faith could be costly. If the world hates you, keep in mind it hated me first. --- John 15:18. Of course there were plenty of other changes in my personal and professional life.

While I can no longer teach the rituals of the Shinto religion in good conscience (such as bowing to images of teachers), I am happy to teach the art to individuals of good character. Just as important, I can love my students as Christ loves me ... the glory is His. You are the light of the world - like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. --- Matthew 5:14-16.

So, if you have a heart for God I'm certain you will feel His presence here, and I would be honored to fellowship with you on the mat. If you hear the whispers (or shouts) of the Holy Spirit, but are to scared or stubborn to answer (as I was), I'd be happy to listen.

May God bless and protect you, Stephen Steger

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. --- Philippians 4:8