Debunking Myths about Martial Arts with Dr. Kent Haralson S5 EP#192

Welcome to the Unconventional Ministry Podcast with host Dennis Wiens. In this thought-provoking episode I visit with Dr. Kent Haralson, author of The Martial Arts: A Christian Perspective and Philosophy, to tackle several surprising questions: Can Christians practice martial arts with a clear conscience? Can Martial Arts be a platform for ministry?

Dr. Haralson unpacks the three most common objections believers raise about martial arts and offers biblical, historical, and practical responses.

• Does martial arts promote violence? Kent explains how proper training prevents violence by equipping individuals to de-escalate and manage conflict.

• Isn’t martial arts rooted in Eastern mysticism? He addresses the spiritual history of some systems while clarifying that many modern styles are free from such influences—and that martial arts have diverse global origins.

• Is self-defense biblical? Drawing from Scripture, Kent makes the case that the Bible not only permits but values the defense of oneself and others.

This episode challenges assumptions and invites believers to consider how physical discipline and spiritual conviction can work together in today’s world. Learn more at www.masterswarriors.org 

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Enjoy this previous podcast episode: Closing the Special Needs Ministry Gap with Pastor Russ Ewell. While 99% of pastors and 97% of churchgoers say people with special needs are welcome in their churches, only 29% of churches have actual programs to support them. Why the disconnect?