Faith

Does Christian MMA Fighting Violate Biblical Teaching? New Film Explores (Poll)

Fight Church Documentary to Explore Christian MMA Fighters & MinistriesMartial arts and worshipping Jesus Christ aren’t two subjects one expects to see coalescing, however there’s apparently a robust movement of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters within America’s diverse Christian community.

A new documentary film called “Fight Church” plans to delve into this intriguing culture, while showcasing why Bible-believing individuals and churches engage in activities that many dismiss as violent and anti-Biblical.

(Related: ‘Holy Rollers’: New Movie Follows Evangelical, Card-Counting Gamblers)

“Fight Church” goes beyond merely exploring Christians who enjoy engaging in professional fighting. Instead, it also explores the ministries that train and equip these church members. A synopsis of the movie perfectly summarizes its premise:

Director Bryan Storkel (Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians) team up with Producers Eben Kostbar and Joseph McKelheer (The Hammer) for a feature documentary about the confluence of Christianity and Mixed Martial Arts, including ministries which train fighters. The film follows several pastors and popular fighters in their quest to reconcile their faith with a sport that many consider violent and barbaric. Faith is tried and questions are raised. Can you really love your neighbor as yourself and then punch him in the face?

Fight Church Documentary to Explore Christian MMA Fighters & Ministries

Already, the film has reached its Kickstarter goal, surpassing the $30,000 benchmark and bringing in $31,286. This may not come as a surprise, as Storkel already gained some notoriety for his last film, “Holy Rollers” — a movie that documented professional card-counting Christians, as The Blaze previously reported.

“At the end of the day it’s about reaching people for the Gospel,“ proclaims one of the interview subjects in a trailer for ”Fight Church” that is currently being promoted.

Below, watch the clip, which provides a preview of the bizarre and intriguing interviews and events that viewers can expect to see:

What do you think? Based on the clip and the opposing sides — those who believe the fighting is based in Christian sentiment and those who don’t — where do you stand? Take the poll, below:


(H/T: Gawker)

Comments (96)

  • caleejr
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:13am

    The first rule to Fight Church is – you don’t speak of Fight Church.

    oh wait – that was Fight CLUB…

    Report Post » caleejr  
  • CougarNick78
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:32am

    Some of you sheepish types never heard of self-defense. Once you get burglarized, mugged, or carjacked, you’ll change your tune quickly. THIS is one Christian who’s going to get a CHL- Concealed Handgun License, and may try MMA at some point.

    Report Post » CougarNick78  
  • Talastan
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:20am

    I actually had the pastor of Fight Church as my youth minister growing up. We were a group of kids that were kicked out of “Godly” churches across the town of Springfield MO. Paul loved the kids as they were and the result was hundreds of kids got to hear the gospel and were saved. God tells us not to judge because we can’t see the heart of man. I know this man and the type of fighter he is. It is an attitude of mutual respect that only fighters can generally understand. This is the connection that he uses to show Christ to these guys and gals that wouldn’t step into a traditional church to save their lives, much less their souls.

    Remember like the arts; it is the heart of the fighter that decides where the glory is going to.

    Report Post » Talastan  
  • jorart
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:10am

    There is nothing wrong with Christians practicing Martial Arts. We can glorify God with our bodies and whatever we do, do it for His Glory. As Christian though we need to be careful in not falling to deeply in the philosophies that Martial Arts bring (there are many philosophies though that match scripture). Clearly Christians, we also need to conduct ourselves as Christ like people.

    That said, I love MMA, unfortunately a lot of the attitudes that some fighters have (taunting and badmouthing) are not how Christians should act. Those attitudes don’t even fall under the Martial Art codes eithers. Martial Artist need to be humble and gracious in character and so should a Christian.

    Report Post » jorart  
    • jorart
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:53am

      BTW can the same argument be said about Football?

      Report Post » jorart  
  • black9897
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 9:45am

    Been doing MMA for 10 years, been a black belt for 4. Nothing unbliblical about this. I’m very surprised that 23% thinks it’s wrong. Martial artists are some of the most peaceful, kind, respectful guys out there. I guess so many think simply because one learns how to fight then that’s wrong. It’s not about being offensive and attacking others on the street. And as far as the cage goes it’s a sport. Besides, Martial Arts is so much more than fighting…it’s learning self-disciple, perseverance, respect, integrity. You can be a great fighter and a black belt, but if your attitude is that of a white belt, or you’re just a jerk/bully then that doesn’t mean anything.

    Report Post » black9897  
    • John Burwell
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 9:58am

      Beating people for sport cannot be reconciled to the teachings of Christ. It does bear a strong resemblance to the sport that the Romans enjoyed often using the hated Christians as the recipients of the brutality. It is the spirit of the world and not of Christ.

      Report Post »  
    • rangerp
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:14am

      @John

      You do know that Jacob wrestled an angel?

      Gen 23 24And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
      25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

      You do know that the Apostle Paul used the term wrestle when describing the christian life? Paul used other sports analogies also, and compared the christian life to running a race.

      For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

      Report Post » rangerp  
    • black9897
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:03am

      So do you think boxing is wrong? There has never been one single death in UFC. Boxing has had many deaths, due to constant blows to the head, and is in fact safer than boxing. Ever watch MMA? Most hug after they fight and bow to each other. Where in God’s word does he say one shouldn’t play sports? Or sports that involve fighting? Most sports contain some sort of violence. If the object was to intentionally murder the other person, then you’d have an argument. The Martial Arts begins and ends with respect. God teaches respect. If you go to a legit Martial Arts school (most are) they teach many principles and values that go along with the Bible. Such as honesty, integrity, self-control (that’s a big one). It’s not about hating people; it’s about seeing who the better fighter is. It’s a chess match and involves so much more than simply going in and swinging for the fences and being “brutal.”

      As a Christian I do not train to be a tough guy. I train to protect myself and my friends/family. I train to learn self-discipline, self-control, etc., to make myself a better person. The ring is simply a safe, controlled environment where one can test everything they have learned. If one abuses their training by going out and being a bully/beating others up then I would 100% agree that is against God’s word. I would also say that person knows nothing of what being a true Martial Artist is about.

      Report Post » black9897  
    • VectorRector
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:33am

      @John, Do you believe that God can redeem anything and that He can use any messenger to advance His cause? Why can’t that extend over to wrestling, boxing, MMA or other athletic pursuits? The Word says we are fearfully and wonderfully made and God wants to give us the desires of our hearts. If you believe that, what about those people who are born warriors? The Word says that some vessels are for high purposes and others for low. Why not let vessels be the vessels they’re created to be? Especially if they’re learning discipline, strategy, how to think fast on their feet and and taking care of their temples. Jesus lost his temper and with a whip drove money changers out of the temple. Righteous anger worked for Him. Why not for Fight Church?

      Report Post »  
  • acovenantinblood
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 9:15am

    The only thing Christians should be doing is repenting in sackloth and ashes right now. God is about to remove the gift of the Constitution that He gave us from us. He has raised up Islam to remove the candlestick form the Laodecean church and we are concerned about MMA? What the heck? Christians where are you? This is partially your fault for becoming lukewarm. I‘m at a fathers day dinner Sunday and I’m trying to explain to people there how God is jusdging us and preparing Islam to bring that judgment upon us for the way we have made His Holy Truth cheap. They all look scared until I finish and one of them says “Hey, Do you guys want to watch the new Sherlock Holmes?” In one ear and out the other! How can a person who has the Holy Spirit of Christ find entertainment in productions form the temple of Baal? Maybe that’s why our judgment is so close. Will anyone wake up and return to the deep personal holiness that marked a people of God that produced fruit?

    Report Post » acovenantinblood  
  • SquidVetOhio
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 8:51am

    I’ve been in martial arts most of my life. I fought in mostly open martial arts tournaments and I’ve fought in about 20 kickboxing matches in my younger days. I’ve trained with MMA fighters and my Jiu-Jitsu instructor has fought in the UFC and some of would know him. I am a fundamentalist christian and have a literal interpretation of the Bible. I am NOT an MMA fighter.

    That said, I’m in the middle on this one. It depends on the person. Having been around alot of these MMA guys I can tell you it’s not the godliest group of people you will ever meet. However, there are some good ones (Rich Franklin is a good example). MMA matches and events are not exactly big tent revivals so, a fighter would have to be strong in their faith and able to resist alot of temptation.

    But, MMA fighting, kickboxing, boxing, wrestling are all sports and those of us who do it or have done it looks at it as a sport. We have the utmost repect for those we fight against and are usually friends with them. We can separate the sport from the personal side. So yes, I can be kicked in the face and have my nose broken in a match and be the best of friends with the guy who did it. These guys (mostly) aren’t trying to cripple or mame their oppenent (despite the pre-fight soap opera commercials) they are just trying to win a match. It’s 80% mental strategy and 20% physical.

    It’s not the MMA fighting that I have a problem with, it’s the environment in which it exists that christians should be wa

    Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
    • rangerp
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 9:22am

      SquidVetOhio

      I have to agree with you. I have a similar background in that I am a fundamental, old fashioned, Christian, and I believe the Bible cover to cover.

      I am also a fighter. I am not a pro MMA fighter, but I have fought alot of pros, and have been on the mat with some of the best in the world. I got started when the Army incorporated BJJ into our combatives training. I started competing in submission fighting, and fought in the All Army Combatives, along with NAGA and others.

      The men I trust most in the Army, are those officers and NCOs that I used to roll with daily. There is a strange bond you get with men that you compete with. You choke each other, joint lock, kick, punch, and even knee and elbow strike. You have to have a certain amount of trust to train in such a sport. many of the men I trained with were also Christian.

      While your local fight gym could be very Christian oriented, the MMA fight scene is much different, and I take no part in it. The ring card girls, the gambling, drinking, and vegas type places, are not a Christian environment.

      Psalm 144 1 Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

      Report Post » rangerp  
    • OhSuzieQ
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 9:38am

      OMG, any kind of fighting is barbaric. I hate it.

      Report Post » OhSuzieQ  
    • rangerp
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:16am

      OhSuzieQ

      How about when David slew the giant?

      Report Post » rangerp  
    • SquidVetOhio
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:49am

      @RANGER

      You are so right. I have a black belt in karate and started BJJ about 10 years ago. I fell in love with it. People who are not involved in martial arts or boxing just don’t understand the mindset of the people who do it. They don’t understand the cerebral part of it. A good martial artist is humble because people who fight have been beaten and humbled multiple times!

      BTW, I like all your posts. I have a Rich Franklin (who I’ve been personally choked out by lol) t-shirt with that scripture on the back. My old BJJ instructor is one of his trainers and his best friend.

      Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
    • JESUSFREAK702
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 4:48pm

      I strongly agree that this is a very “worldly” segment of our population. That being said, I feel that it’s a wonderful arena to witness to lost and broken souls. A lot of the people that are opposed to this have probably not watched much (if any ) MMA, and if they have it has been a negative experience. If you watch people like Jon Jones and Vitor Belfort (just to name a few) give glory to Christ after every fight, win or lose, is a wonderful thing for the world to see. They respect their opponents, their fans, and their God by the way they act. I am a huge fan of both of these men, and a huge fan of MMA, and most combat sports.

      Report Post »  
  • Southernguy
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 8:39am

    MMA aint nothin’ like football. Physical contact, yes. But not “one on one”, the entire duration of the “game”. Looks like we’ve come full circle, as compared to the events of ancient Rome. Oh, and DIANE TX, do a word study in the Greek, and see how the word “rock” is translated. Here’s a hint: the first reference is to a “little pebble”, and the second is a “BIG one”. Peter was the little stone and Jesus is the big rock. The Church was built and founded on Jesus, not Peter. But that’s your belief and I respect it. This is America ;)

    Report Post » Southernguy  
    • SquidVetOhio
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 8:54am

      Besides, not to be contentious but Peter was obviously married because Jesus healed his mother in law. I thought Popes were suppose to be single. Just sayin……

      Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
  • Hearmenow2
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 8:12am

    Wow trollmonger you are already in the ring throwing punches.How many times are you going to post trying to bait people into a hate filled argument. Jesus said the law is summed up in these to . Love the Lord God and love your neighbor as yourself. Not beat him in the head or hurt hurt him with your tounge which is sharper than a two edged sword.

    Report Post »  
  • Hearmenow2
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 8:04am

    Wow troll monger how many times are you going to post your vitriolic hatred trying to bait people into a arguement. You are already in the ring throw punches. Jesus said the greatest two commandments which sum up the law is Love the Lord God and love your neighbor as yourself. Not beat him in the head or injure him with your tounge which is sharper than a two edged sword.

    Report Post »  
  • ThorLoser
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 8:01am

    Chuck Norris is Christian… All other arguments are now invalid.

    Report Post »  
    • Wolf
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 8:26am

      And Cassius Clay was a muslum.
      Is there some kind of relevance to this?

      Report Post »  
    • StonyBurk
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 8:31am

      IMO one factor in the Islamic success against the West -back when they took most of Spain and a good part of France before they were stopped is the fact that the Christian West had not produced fighters.
      Too many people trash the Crusades as anti-Christian . Some of it is valid–but the point is the
      Crusaders did reclaim–for a time Jerusalem from the Islamic oppression.IMO we are fast approaching a time when God will have to raise up Soldiers for the Cross of Christ or the enemy will turn our Churches into military barracks–or stables for the tyrants horses. -or they will just be useful
      targets for the young zealots for the Party (as in several Communist states.) I would rather have men
      who train as warriors and who equally and daily put on the whole Armor of light(Romans 13:11-14) see Ephesians 6: 10-20. The enemy would have No qualms about cutting off the head of any they
      call infidel calling it the will of their bloody god Allah. I prefer to stand with men tested who also know
      the Lord Jesus Christ.

      Report Post »  
    • ThorLoser
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:00pm

      @Wolf

      No, there is actually no relevance at all, it is a combination of two popular internet memes, the “Your argument is invalid” meme and the “Chuck Norris Facts” meme. It just struck me as humorous is all.

      Report Post »  
  • Ari Ben TZion
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:42am

    Aw yes, nothing says Praise the L-rd better then to get into a ring to bash another man’s head.

    Report Post » Ari Ben TZion  
    • TROLLMONGER
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:49am

      Exactly! And the Beck worshipping bible thumpers will always try to find a excuse to make it seem in line with their religion. Just like the excuses they make for the Crusades. So pathetic!

      Report Post » TROLLMONGER  
    • Wolf
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:56am

      “He has prepared my hands for war.”
      Just one of many verses the girlie boys don’t want to hear about. Obviously, some people think sport and religion shouldn’t be used in the same thought. It isn’t like these MMA fighters are walking up to someone on the street and pummeling them.
      So your sarcasm shows ignorance and lack of thought.

      Report Post »  
    • rangerp
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 9:34am

      Ari Ben TZion

      there is this modern day false notion that Jesus was some sort of long haired peacenik, and that is not the case. Jesus was the son of a carpenter. He was the sort that could go into the wilderness for forty days with nothing, and survive. Not something a weak person can handle.

      When you look throughout the Bible, you will see that God used tough men. Men that spent much time in the wilderness, and were tough. Study Moses, and see how long he spent in the wilderness. Study how the men of Israel were warriors. Study the men that were the might men of David. One went down into a snowy pit, just to kill a lion, One fought an Egyptian who was so big, he spear was like a weavers beam. Study Nehemiah, and the warriors he used, and how they rebuilt the wall.

      Report Post » rangerp  
    • black9897
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 9:50am

      It’s a sport guys. Calm down. Nothing “anti-bliblical” about it.

      Report Post » black9897  
  • sawbuck
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:34am

    It’s a sport.. and all sports can get heated.. teaching (self control)
    If Tim Tebow can play foot-ball why not…
    Their both contact sports.

    Report Post » sawbuck  
  • Diane TX
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:31am

    @ TROLLMONGER

    I’m not a “Bible Thumper” because Roman Catholics are not “saved” or “born again”. We believe that the act of Baptism absolves one from original sin. As Catholics, we move on to Confirmation, where each of us are soldiers of Christ, to confirm our faith. Also, Catholics don’t around killing others for not becoming Catholics, which I think is a good thing.

    Report Post »  
    • savant
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 8:10am

      John 3:3 Verily, Verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Baptism with out being saved is nothing more than a quick bath. Then they laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. This procedure–laying on hands to receive the Holy Ghost–is not normative for all believers. It is only mentioned twice (here Acts 8:17and in Acts 19:6), and these were both special cases. This was part of that miraculous supremacy of the apostles that they could not communicate to any successor.” This reception of the Holy Spirit was manifest in speaking with tongue and other powers.

      Report Post »  
    • searching for the Truth
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:15am

      I am Spartacus.

      Report Post »  
    • jorart
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 12:28pm

      Ever heard of the Inquisition or the Crusades? How about Pope Pius XII and the Nazi Holocaust?

      Report Post » jorart  
  • Tulsa-time
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:24am

    Do the chicks in the church get to fight? That’d be awsome.

    Report Post »  
    • searching for the Truth
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:12am

      The Saved will be given new bodies like the Angels – many will come back with Jesus to put to end evil – satan and his angels – and, yes they can fight.

      Report Post »  
  • pma_guy
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:17am

    From Revolutionary times up through this moment, the greatest warriors in battle have always been Believers of the God of Israel. The most decorated soldiers have been Christians or Believers. Example: Sergeant Alvin York of WW1. Teaching Christians fighting skills is a great idea. Trollmonger your name fits you. Ignorance is bliss (until the bullets fly).

    Report Post » pma_guy  
  • TROLLMONGER
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:14am

    I love it. The right wing bible thumpers cant handle the truth about their hypocrisy…LOL!

    Report Post » TROLLMONGER  
    • savant
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:30am

      It is not hypocrisy. It is a sport. What is funny is how Non Christians try to use a Bible they do not know to judge a religion that believes in the Bible. People say Christians are suppose to turn the other cheek. Turn the other cheek for what? Two competitors testing their skills and no matter who wins or loses you can go have lunch together or bring the kids to each others house for a day of swimming in the pool. Non Christians will fight each other, threaten each other and, curse each other every time they see each other. We say hello to each other , how‘s work and how’s the family doing. Next time you call someone a hypocrite look in the mirror and you will find the biggest hypocrite of all.

      Report Post »  
    • Wolf
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 8:01am

      @ Troll- And you left wingnuts don’t understand the first thing about God, Jesus, or Christianity: you’re blind fools trying to lead blind fools.

      Report Post »  
  • Diane TX
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:12am

    This is just stupid, in my humble opinion. I’m a Roman Catholic and “see” any other Christian faith as a break off from the original Christian Church established by Jesus Christ, Himself, when he said to Peter – the first Pope, Peter, you are the rock that I build my Church upon. In my mind, only the Roman Catholic Church is the valid Christian Church. All the other Christian denominations had some kind of beef with the Roman Catholic Church. Martin Luther refused to accept the authority of the Pope, thus we have Lutherans. I’m not sure how the many other denominations developed, other than they are Jesus Christ followers, yet reject the Church that Jesus Christ founded.

    Report Post »  
    • P C BE DAMNED
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:40am

      The Bible does not say that the church was built on Peter but rather the belief Peter espoused when asked “who do you say I am ” and Peter answered “ the Son of God”. The church was built not on Peter and his cursing when he disavowed Jesus but his statement when he believed. FOOL

      Report Post » P C BE DAMNED  
    • savant
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:56am

      Jesus Christ did not found the Catholic Church. The only beef anyone had with the Catholic church and the Pope is they were a false religion and a false Prophet. You can find the local bars full of Catholics. Sex scandals in your religion is proof the Devil is in the Catholic Church. Roman Catholics had part in the crucifixion of Christ. The followers of Jesus were not Catholics they worshipped Jesus not trying to crucify him. Christians do not have to go to a priest and give hail Mary’s to get forgiveness, we go directly to God. If most Catholics were right with God they wouldn’t be doing most of the things they do anyway. 1 Corinthians 7:9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

      Report Post »  
    • Diane TX
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:59am

      @ P C BE DAMNED

      Really? That’s NOT what I was taught. What break-off Christian religion are you a member of? Jesus Christ said to Peter – “You are the rock that I build my Church upon”. There isn’t any mention of Peter being a “God”. Instead, the Pope and Priests are described as representatives and stand-ins for Jesus Christ.

      Report Post »  
    • Diane TX
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 8:08am

      @ savant

      Well, yes, Jesus Christ Did found the Catholic Church. It’s been in existence for over two thousand years. You, saying that he didn’t means absolutely nothing, except to you.

      Report Post »  
    • Wolf
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 8:23am

      Duane- instead of showing your blind adherence to a religion, why don’t you celebrate other Christian beliefs? There’s not one Scripture that denotes Jesus starting the catholic- or any other- church. And you have no proof the catholic church is 2000 years old. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life/Light- no man comes to the Father but through Me.” He did not say ‘catholic church’ or ‘lutheran church’ or any other. He also said (paraphrased), “Believing false doctrines, you have become blind leading the blind.”
      Get off your holier than thou catholic rocking horse and celebrate Jesus and all believers- you don’t have a corner on Christianity any more than another.

      Report Post »  
    • Dismayed Veteran
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:22am

      You go girl.

      Christ, Himself, declared His intention of founding a Church, by the institution of a living authority, when He said to Simon Peter: “And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” (Matt. 16:18).

      Now, if Christ intends personally to build His Church, it is not to be the work of man. Christ Himself gave it all the necessary elements of a true social body, and, consequently, a ruling authority. And, that there might be no room for doubt, He added: “I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

      Remember the “first” Christians were not “bible” Christians. It had not yet been created. The bible is the work of man. The first Christians were taught the Word of God by the Apostels of Christ.

      Protestantism, in all essential elements, merely borrows wholesale from Catholic Tradition, or distorts the same. All doctrines upon which Catholics and Protestants agree, are clearly Catholic in origin (Trinity, Virgin Birth, Resurrection, 2nd Coming, Canon of the Bible, heaven, hell, etc. Whatever life or truth is present in each Protestant idea, always is derived from Catholicism, which is the fulfillment of the deepest and best aspirations within Protestantism.

      Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
    • aCrossathletics
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:26am

      Here’s the thing, Diane. The scriptures have to bind together; you can’t look at one part and disregard the other. “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him John 14:23 – We don’t need a priest to get to God, He lives in every believer of Jesus Christ. Jesus would not set up a system that contradicts that. Also: Matthew 23:1-39 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so practice and observe whatever they tell you—but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. – Jesus wants the people as the ‘church’, not the building. Meek, humble, yet assertive servants to God. The body is the ‘temple’, not the four walls. Peter was an example of this and this is what Jesus was building: people who would become temples for the Holy Spirit. No disrespect but most Catholics do nothing to help anyone. They judge and complain and molest their congregation. Also, anyone who would set themselves up as the doorway to forgiveness (indulgences, priest who say they or their church is the way to heaven) are all examples of Pharisees.

      Report Post »  
  • TROLLMONGER
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:12am

    I see that the christians can talk high and might about their so called commandments and then turn right around and do the opposite of what their bible tells them to do. UBER-HYPOCRITES!

    Report Post » TROLLMONGER  
    • Citizen
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:28am

      lol you are almost funny but it seems you are very young an you arent a very good troll.

      it appears you never read much scripture, there is nothing in scripture about how you shouldnt practice mixed martial arts I assure you.

      but way to try to get a bunch of fools worked up.

      Report Post »  
    • jorart
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 12:20pm

      The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned

      1 Corinthians 2:14

      Report Post » jorart  
  • Citizen
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:11am

    there is no problem following Christ and practicing mma. mma isnt attacking people, its not crime.

    all things are pure to those who are pure

    Report Post »  
    • TROLLMONGER
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:46am

      Nice attempt at trying to twist it around to make excuses for your hypocrisy. Typical christian.

      Report Post » TROLLMONGER  
  • DetritusScreener
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:10am

    Were the Crusades anti-Christian? Is football, boxing, NASCAR anti-Christian?

    Report Post » DetritusScreener  
  • DetritusScreener
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:06am

    What a stupid question.

    Report Post » DetritusScreener  
    • TROLLMONGER
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:13am

      Whats wrong. In denial?…LOL!

      Report Post » TROLLMONGER  
    • DetritusScreener
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 8:16am

      In denial of what? It is a sporting event and really doesn’t have anything to do with religion one way or the other. You Jackass Trollmonger!

      Report Post » DetritusScreener  
  • mikenleeds
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:05am

    JESUS was the Prince Of Peace … H e would never uphold GOD S children beating up each other to a pulp to entertain men…

    Report Post » mikenleeds  
    • Citizen
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:22am

      being in an mma fight does not make one unpeaceful. its just a sparring, fighting, sport. very different from warmongering or wishing to do someone ill.

      If it was just because someone could get hurt, um nfl has horrible injuries much worse than mma. so what a christian cant be a nfl player ? hockey ? and so on.

      Christ doesnt care if you box, He cares if youre a jerk.

      Report Post »  
    • Wolf
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 8:14am

      “…JESUS was the Prince Of Peace …” right- so let‘s let Jesus’ words speak for Him: “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10.34)
      One of many Scriptures you pantheists and atheists don’t understand. Thinking Jesus is a wimpy little ‘turn the other cheek do-gooder’, you miss the whole message. And being foolish as you are, you have no understanding how He has prepared my hands for war, or how He teaches my arms to draw my bow.
      Jesus is coming back soon, and he isn’t coming with a harp, but a sword- and He’s pist and will be using that sword.

      Report Post »  
  • searching for the Truth
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:03am

    Billy Boy. Not quite sure whether one is trying to lift people up or lift people down ?

    Report Post »  
  • TROLLMONGER
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 6:51am

    All bible thumpers are hypocrites with their high and mighty attitudes, period!

    Report Post » TROLLMONGER  
    • Citizen
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:07am

      Spoken like a true bigot. Blanket statements are clearly false, at least try to have an informed opinion.

      Report Post »  
    • disenlightened
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:16am

      Spoken like a true hypocrite with a high and mighty attitude.

      Report Post » disenlightened  
    • sawbuck
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:20am

      Troll..
      Sooo ..Thumping on Christians makes you what …
      An Atheist Hypocrite …?

      Report Post » sawbuck  
    • TROLLMONGER
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:31am

      SAW,

      I dont live my life letting commandments dictate me like you do. Therefore, I dont have to abide by your religions rules. But at least Im not a hypocrite like you…LOL!

      Report Post » TROLLMONGER  
    • sawbuck
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:59am

      I dont live my life letting commandments dictate me like you do.

      ~~~~
      Troll …So your mad at the way I live my life.. very telling..

      You just said in a nut shell that my way of living offends you..

      Sounds to me that you would like me to live my life according to YOUR beliefs…
      Now who’s the REAL hypocrite…?
      That’s OK we are all sinners..There is still room at the Cross for you.

      Report Post » sawbuck  
    • Wolf
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 8:39am

      Troll says, “…I dont live my life letting commandments dictate me like you do. Therefore, I dont have to abide by your religions rules. But at least Im not a hypocrite like you…LOL!…”
      Really, Troll? You actually believe that statement? You’re proving how big a tohughtless fool you are.
      When is the last time you robbed someone, killed someone, lied to someone (other than yourself about how wise you are), slapped a child around, kicked a dog, walked nude in your community?
      You want to think God’s commandments have nothing to do with you, but you have no understanding of where your laws comes from.
      Now, go back in your closet and play with yourself ‘cuz the adults here are talking.

      Report Post »  

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In