Another contextual cultural interpretation of Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23—to reach those around us.
A growing number of evangelical churches are using mixed martial arts as a recruitment tool to convert more young men to Christ:
The outreach effort is part of a broader goal of pumping more testosterone into churches that some pastors fear have “become too feminized, promoting kindness and compassion at the expense of strength and responsibility,” the newspaper reports. Continue reading…
It’s true that most of our churches are already outnumbered by women. No argument there. But this remains a tough sell for me:
According to the Times, the predominantly white churches recruit young men through TV viewing parties and lecture series that draw parallels between the sport and Christ.
“Compassion and love – we agree with all that stuff, too,” Seattle pastor Brandon Beals told the newspaper. “But what led me to find Christ was that Jesus was a fighter.” (emphasis added)
The apostle Paul would either be extremely proud of this contextual interpretation and application of his words or, he would be extremely disappointed.
But you have to admire the innovative thinking behind this outreach.
Interesting. I see from the New York Times version of this story that one of the leaders of this movement is the son of the infamous James Dobson. Now I have had a bit to say about how Dobson senior knows nothing about Bible translation but still pontificates on the subject. I did think he at least knew something about raising children, but the way his own son has turned out makes me wonder … or maybe it just illustrates what I wrote about parenting in this comment.
Peter,
Thanks for the NYT link. It has a lot more kick and punch to it:
Actual fights take place!
Oh crap.
What usually ends up happening in these situations is what happens with “Christian pop, rock, rap”. It isn’t very good pop, rock or rap and it isn’t very Christian.
Kyle,
I hear you.
Jerry B,
“… and it isn’t very Christian”?
….Relient K, anyone? Great lyrics, although their most recent album was a disappointment.
“But you have to admire the innovative thinking behind this outreach.”
Sorry, I don’t have to admire it.
It’s all about How you “choose” to take from it- Scripture. The way I read it, Christ Informed First, Defended who & why He was here & Sacraficed Himself for Us in the end… Just can’t picture Him in a Gi, teaching some sorta “Rex” Kwon Do or adding “..wax on, wax off” during his Sermon on the Mount.. IMO..
Dan,
You might be right.
HD,
In the end, I guess it’s a stretch. Perhaps a move of desperation.
Gospel central. Take it or leave it.
Outreach – to other MMAers only, not as a church.
Jeff
Jeff: best comment so far goes to you. Well said.
Jeff,
Good ol’ Christian entertainment.
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I’m not sure what so hard to accept about it.
I mean, I’m a girl who honestly has no appreciation for those kinds of activities, but it seems the draw to it is simply the image of God in these men that is drawn to attributes that originated with Him in the first place: tenacity, perseverance, sportsmanship.
He’s the One that made it an honest to goodness endorphin high; a good wholesome pleasure to be physically active. Why not give Him the glory for it? I mean, isn’t that the first catechism: that we glorify God and enjoy Him forever? It sound like these people’s heart is in the right place, as they start to do that now.
Alisa,
As you seen from the other comments, not everyone sees what you see. I suppose we can see things in such a way that mixed martial art is a means of giving glory to God.