The Morality Of Combat Sports: Sinful Or Honorable?

Combat sports are a topic of debate among Christians, with some arguing that they contradict the values of forgiveness, peace, and turning the other cheek that are encouraged in the Bible. However, others justify combat sports as a form of self-defence or competition that builds discipline, strategy, and physical strength. The Bible does not explicitly condemn or condone combat sports, leaving the interpretation up to the individual. While some Christians choose to avoid them due to their aggressive nature, others participate in and enjoy them without feeling conflicted about their faith.

Is it a sin to watch combat sports?

There is a range of views on whether it is a sin to watch combat sports. Some Christians believe that watching violent sports is a sin because it goes against the values of their religion, such as peace and mercy. They may also object to the sexualisation and commodification of the fighters' bodies, particularly in the case of women.

However, others argue that the Bible does not advocate for total pacifism, and that combat sports can be seen as a form of self-defence training, which is compatible with a biblical worldview. Some Christians also believe that the competitive nature of combat sports can help to foster virtues such as gratitude, humility, patience, and fortitude.

It is worth noting that the Bible does not explicitly mention combat sports, so interpretations vary. Ultimately, the decision of whether to watch combat sports is a matter of personal conscience for Christians.

Can Christians compete in combat sports?

The Bible does not give any definitive reason why a Christian cannot enjoy or participate in martial arts or combat sports. However, Christians are divided over whether combat sports are appropriate for entertainment, let alone participation.

Some Christians argue that combat sports are a form of "unnecessary violence against our neighbour", which goes against the sixth commandment, "Thou shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). They also point to Jesus' words in Matthew 5:38: "If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also".

However, others argue that combat sports can be a necessary part of being prepared to make a "just defence against violence" in a fallen world. In this view, combat sports are a training ground and resource for real-life emergencies, and can even be used as a form of ministry to attract young men to the church.

Some Christians also argue that the problem with combat sports is not the activity itself, but the way it is packaged and promoted. For example, the media coverage of boxing matches often focuses on the pride, profanity, and violent threats of the fighters, rather than their perseverance, stamina, and skill. This can lead to a distorted view of biblical masculinity and encourage sinful behaviour.

Additionally, some Christians may feel uncomfortable with the idea of violence in any format or for any reason. They may see combat sports as incompatible with the Christian values of love, peace, and mercy.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to participate in or watch combat sports is a matter of personal conscience for each individual Christian. While some may find it helpful for their spiritual growth and character development, others may feel that it compromises their Christian witness.

Is it a sin to enjoy combat sports?

There are differing views on whether it is a sin to enjoy combat sports. Some Christians believe that combat sports are not sinful, as they are a form of competition and require discipline and training. They argue that the Bible does not advocate for total pacifism, and that Jesus did not command against the reasonable use of armed self-defence. Additionally, the concept of training, practicing, and competing in combat sports can be seen as compatible with a biblical worldview.

However, others argue that combat sports are inherently violent and contradict Christian values of peace and forgiveness. They believe that the aggressive nature of combat sports and the potential for injury go against the teachings of Jesus, who preached turning the other cheek and loving one's neighbour.

Some Christians also express concern about the entertainment aspect of combat sports, arguing that it objectifies and commodifies human bodies for pleasure. They believe that the aggressive and violent nature of these sports can lead to a deformed view of biblical masculinity and encourage unchristian behaviours.

Ultimately, the decision to participate in or enjoy combat sports is a matter of personal conscience for Christians, as the Bible does not give a clear directive one way or the other. Those who choose to engage in these sports should do so with careful consideration and prayer, ensuring that their participation does not compromise their Christian witness or lead them into sinful behaviours.

Can combat sports be used as a form of ministry?

There are differing views on whether combat sports can be used as a form of ministry. Some Christians believe that combat sports are incompatible with the teachings of Jesus, who encouraged his followers to turn the other cheek and embrace gentleness. They argue that the aggressive and violent nature of combat sports goes against the spirit of Christianity, which is rooted in love, peace, and mercy.

However, others argue that the Bible does not advocate for total pacifism. They point to scriptures that speak of God giving people martial prowess and David praising God for his warrior skills. Additionally, Jesus did not command against armed self-defense and even wrestled with Jacob in the Bible.

Some Christians also view combat sports as a necessary form of training and preparation for real-life self-defense situations. They believe that it is their duty to be prepared to defend themselves and others in a fallen world.

It is worth noting that the way combat sports are packaged and promoted can be problematic. The media often fuels testosterone overdose, pride, profanity, and violent threats. Christians must be cautious and discerning when engaging in or promoting combat sports to ensure that it does not become a platform for ungodly behavior.

Ultimately, the decision to participate in or support combat sports is a matter of personal conviction for Christians. While some may find it incompatible with their spiritual walk, others may see it as a legitimate form of competition and self-defense training.

What does the Bible say about fighting?

The Bible mentions fighting in several contexts, including the fighting of a soldier against an enemy army, fighting that occurs between people because of an argument or conflict, the fighting of a Christian's soul against spiritual forces of evil, fighting that occurs between angels and demons, and the fighting of a person trying to overcome their own sinful tendencies.

Depending on the situation, fighting can be noble and good or it can be sinful, but fighting is not wrong in itself. The object of the fight is what determines whether it is righteous or evil. Even God fights on behalf of His people who trust Him. Fighting in the Bible can be physical or spiritual. Either way, the conflict is intended to establish dominance over the opposition. That opposition can be a human army, Satan, or sin.

Fighting involves intense effort; it is a struggle that requires maximum exertion, whether physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. When Jude tells us to "earnestly contend for the faith" (Jude 1:3, KJV), he uses a form of the Greek word agónizomai, from which we get our English word agonize. Some things, like the gospel, are worth fighting for. But there are many more things not worth fighting over. Christians are not to fight one another but are to strive for peace within the body of Christ. We are not to fight the government but are to submit to its laws, knowing that our true Governor is Christ.

Most fighting is rooted in selfishness and lust. The saints of God should not stoop to bickering, squabbling, or wrangling over the things of this world. Christians are called to fight physically when necessary. There is nothing wrong with fighting to protect the innocent or to defend one's home, family, or country. For example, a Christian soldier is required to fight in order to be obedient to his military commanders. Soldiers are mentioned throughout the Gospels, and Jesus never treats them as sinful or wrong in carrying out their duties, nor does He command them to leave the service. John the Baptist tells them to be fair and honorable (Luke 3:14). In the Bible, several soldiers are also described as devout and faithful men (Acts 10:7; Matthew 8:5–13).

All Christians are called to fight spiritually. God provides the armour (Ephesians 6:10–17). The spiritual war is waged against sin, against erroneous doctrines and practices that corrupt the church, and against the old sin nature within us. A believer’s life is compared to the life of a fighting man (2 Timothy 2:1–4; Philemon 1:2). If the opposition is evil and the cause is good, there is nothing wrong with fighting, according to the Bible.

However, Jesus, speaking against retaliation, said, "If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also" (Matt. 5:38). The Westminster Larger Catechism, one of the great documents of the Protestant Reformation, went to great lengths to understand exactly what we are obligated to do under the sixth commandment, "Thou shall not murder" (Exod. 20:13). It taught that the biblical command goes beyond just the bare requirement to not murder, but also prohibits any unnecessary violence against our neighbour—including "striking" and "wounding" (WLC Q: 136).

Are combat sports "unnecessary violence against our neighbour"? The Ten Commandments encompass both the negative and positive elements exhibited in each command. Just as the sixth commandment requires that we not destroy life, it also commands that we do whatever is in our power to preserve life, and therefore the Law requires us to be prepared to make "just defense against violence" (WLC Q: 135). This preparation happens with combat sports.

Some Christians struggle with the idea of physical violence and aggression in combat sports, and how it could ever be profitable. However, combat sports are a proving ground for testing real-life combat situations and can be used by law enforcement agencies and those who protect us to know what will work and what won't in emergency situations. Combat sports are, therefore, a necessary part of being prepared to make a "just defense against violence" in a fallen world.

However, it is important to be cautious of the packaging of combat sports. The media can turn them into a theatre to entice, enflame, and exploit the weakened moral constitutions of sin-suffering men. As Christians, we must be careful not to let the love of a sport lead us into uncritically defending the snares of sin set in place to sell out arenas at the expense of souls.

Additionally, combat sports are not for everyone. They are aggressive, and there is a risk of injury. We need to be mindful of our brothers and sisters in Christ who may have conscientious objections to something lawful that we enjoy. The apostle Paul said that rather than demanding our rights, we should voluntarily limit our freedom in Christ for the sake of our brother’s conscience (Romans 14:20, 15:1-2).

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