C
Cliarlaoch
Guest
I've recently had discussions with a rather religious family member, who knows what she's talking about (she did a lot of research), and the original Hebrew translation is "You shall not murder," or more appropriately, you will not kill another person unless you have a just reason to do so (i.e. in self-defense, in service to one's country/nation, etc... how else could the Hebrews have been allowed to wage war and slaughter thousands of people in the Palestine region).
I think Kaith raised a few really good questions... especially with regards to finding ways to avoid conflict with one's martial art choices.
I for one believe that the above translation of the Old Commandments is accurate, and even if one takes the "turn the other cheek" element, as I've said earlier I believe that the most important element of MA training should be that you should never use your knowledge unless you or someone around you or someone you care for is mortally threatened. Make sure you take the "turn the other cheek" bit in context... Jesus also kicked out a whole bunch of people from the temple forcefully when they were desecrating it by trading goods in the place. If you have a just cause, you stand your ground. Another case: Christ was willing to die via cruxifiction (one of the worst kinds of deaths possible at the time, and extremely painful), and if that doesn't mean that he was willing to stand up for what he believed was right, and for the purpose God gave him, then I don't know what does. He was no weakling.
And yet Jesus also had many pacifistic teachings. I don't know where I stand on this one, yet. I'm still working it out myself. But I think you also have to remember that Jesus was a Jew, and as such, he would have known and been aware of the Commandments... what's more, if you believe in him (as I do), then he was really the son of God, so he'd probably be very much aware of the Commandments and the rule about not murdering
... my point being that the "turn the other cheek" line may have had a different meaning than simply "do not hit back" or somesuch. Note that Jesus never killed anyone or set about doing so, but he stood up for himself and the beliefs he taught to others constantly. For me, at least, that's a sign of being willing to defend oneself and to stand against evils. I don't know... I'm still learning as much as I can, and I'm not entirely sure of everything yet. Good question.
In terms of how it affects my choice of schools or the like... I have problems with some styles that involve discussion of Ki/Chi energy and the like, I admit. Perhaps because some of those teachers who I've talked with about it give it a sense of mysticism
that smacks of occultism. I make no judgments on those who believe in or adhere to ideas like Ki, or Chakra points, etc., but I'm not comfortable with it. I kiyap to frighten an opponent, and because it helps me to put more power into an attack, but not because I'm focusing my Ki or the like. As I said, I'm not quite sure where I stand on all this. I only started researching the Christian faith recently, so I need to do more before I can come to a better understanding of where I stand on these issues.
Anybody else's thoughts? For the questions Kaith raised, check the "God" thread.
--Cliarlaoch
I think Kaith raised a few really good questions... especially with regards to finding ways to avoid conflict with one's martial art choices.
I for one believe that the above translation of the Old Commandments is accurate, and even if one takes the "turn the other cheek" element, as I've said earlier I believe that the most important element of MA training should be that you should never use your knowledge unless you or someone around you or someone you care for is mortally threatened. Make sure you take the "turn the other cheek" bit in context... Jesus also kicked out a whole bunch of people from the temple forcefully when they were desecrating it by trading goods in the place. If you have a just cause, you stand your ground. Another case: Christ was willing to die via cruxifiction (one of the worst kinds of deaths possible at the time, and extremely painful), and if that doesn't mean that he was willing to stand up for what he believed was right, and for the purpose God gave him, then I don't know what does. He was no weakling.
And yet Jesus also had many pacifistic teachings. I don't know where I stand on this one, yet. I'm still working it out myself. But I think you also have to remember that Jesus was a Jew, and as such, he would have known and been aware of the Commandments... what's more, if you believe in him (as I do), then he was really the son of God, so he'd probably be very much aware of the Commandments and the rule about not murdering
... my point being that the "turn the other cheek" line may have had a different meaning than simply "do not hit back" or somesuch. Note that Jesus never killed anyone or set about doing so, but he stood up for himself and the beliefs he taught to others constantly. For me, at least, that's a sign of being willing to defend oneself and to stand against evils. I don't know... I'm still learning as much as I can, and I'm not entirely sure of everything yet. Good question.In terms of how it affects my choice of schools or the like... I have problems with some styles that involve discussion of Ki/Chi energy and the like, I admit. Perhaps because some of those teachers who I've talked with about it give it a sense of mysticism
that smacks of occultism. I make no judgments on those who believe in or adhere to ideas like Ki, or Chakra points, etc., but I'm not comfortable with it. I kiyap to frighten an opponent, and because it helps me to put more power into an attack, but not because I'm focusing my Ki or the like. As I said, I'm not quite sure where I stand on all this. I only started researching the Christian faith recently, so I need to do more before I can come to a better understanding of where I stand on these issues.
Anybody else's thoughts? For the questions Kaith raised, check the "God" thread.
--Cliarlaoch
