Driscoll on MMA

[JM]

A Christian Evaluation of Mixed Martial Arts | Pastor Mark

This blog post is long. Since Mixed Martial Arts is a fast-growing phenomenon, it deserves some thoughtful Christian reflection. And, since many people with strong opinions about it have very little knowledge of the sport, I’m trying in this post to not assume any level of understanding about the sport. For those who disagree with me, consider whether or not your online posts in reply would constitute verbally fighting against physical fighting and ask yourself why one would be so much more “holy” than the other?

Saturday, November 12, is the biggest day in the history of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). On that day, the sport will go mainstream as the premiere brand, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), debuts on FOX TV and is broadcast without a pay wall.

MMA, also known as cage fighting or ultimate fighting, is the fastest-growing sport among the coveted demographic of young men in their twenties and thirties. Now under contract with FOX and their affiliates, FX and Fuel, I expect the sport to explode in popularity.​

 

[Christopher88]

I happen to be a fan of MMA.
I have heard the Christian world debate it for and against. The truth is, I do not feel scripture is clear on this issue of fighting for sport. I could be wrong, and will admit to it with proper scripture proof. I will read Driscolls post this evening.

 

[AThornquist]

I'm a fan of MMA as well, and I have on several occasions had brothers from various churches watch a fight night together on PPV. I think what Driscoll wrote is a good introduction to the sport, and I agree with his conclusions.

 

[Rufus]

I used to watch MMA all the time. I think this topic is banned on the Puritanboard because it seems that every thread of it that pops up disappears, oh well.

 

[gordo]

Interesting article. And it's true most that condemn MMA have little knowledge about it. It's no different then any other sport. There is nothing 'Christian' about it though as some people seem to make it about and quote verses about men doing battle and stuff from scripture. It's just a sport and a Christian can enjoy it like they enjoy football or baseball.

For competing in it I think it can help young men with discipline. Not anything spiritual though.

 

[JM]

MMA, as a concept, is in itself not sinful;

I agree.

however, it needs much more reforming

It's the people who need transformation, always the people...we are desperately wicked.

Lord have mercy on us!

 

[Zenas]

I don't decry boxing, karate matches, kickboxing, or wrestling. MMA incorporates all of these into one sport. I don't decry it either. The two competitors are not required to hate each other, nor are they required to kill each other. They strive to defeat their opponent in a physical contest by incapacitating them or causing them to submit, not unlike wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, or karate.

 

[JS116]

I actually love the MMA fight's,ironically it is the about the only entertainment I can watch fully with believers and non believers without somebody wanting to brawl afterwards lol.