Boxing is an amazing sport, but it can be quite violent. For this reason, many Christians may wonder if boxing a sin or is it just another physical sport?
Is Boxing a Sin?
Boxing is not a sin because it is a sport just like football or basketball. The Bible talks repeatedly about being well tempered and kind and so if you are treating boxing as a sport/hobby, and not as a tool to harm others, then you are not committing sin.
It’s understandable how one might consider boxing a sin because of how violent it can be, but in all reality it is just a very physical sport such as football. And I don’t know anyone who calls football a sin.
Can A Christian Box?
Yes, a Christian can box. Boxing is a sport just like football or basketball and is not considered a sin. In fact, some of the most famous fighters in history have been Christians such as Manny Pacquiao, Evander Holyfield and George Forman.
Christianity and combat sports may seem like they don’t go together but it is possible to engage in boxing without sinning. Take a look at Philippians 2:12
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling
Philippians 2:12
This verse is saying everyone practices their Christian faith in different ways, whether you choose to spread the word of God with boxing, or as a missionary, God is your final judge.
There are many world champion Christian Boxers including Tyson Fury and four-time heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, see the others in this post here.
There are websites like the fellowship of Christian fighters (see the link here) where they explain what it’s like to be a Christian fighter and it is full of Bible verses.
Also, Christian themed MMA clothing line (Jesus Didn’t Tap) was created by the former MMA fighter and social media personality Jason David Frank.
In 2014 the American documentary Fight Church looks at the rich subculture of Christianity and MMA and includes the previously mentioned fighters.
The documentary shows the lives of some Church pastors that see MMA being an important part of their Christian faith, with an estimated 700 plus Churches in the US that have added martial arts into their ministries. This number has likely grown since 2014. You can see the trailer of Fight Church down below.
If these Church pastors see MMA as an important part of their Christian faith, why can’t you do the same with Boxing?
Is Boxing Too Violent For A Christian?
As a Christian, you must personally decide if boxing is too violent for you. And this decision should be made between you and God. Boxing is not considered a sin and is done by many Christians around the world, but it is understandable how a Christian may feel it is too violent.
Although many scriptures speak out against violence such has Matt 26:52, when Jesus spoke out against the soldiers he did no say combat was morally wrong (Matt. 8:5-13). He even told his disciples to take a defensive sword with them when he knew his arrest was going to happen (Luke 22:36).
Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword
Matt 26:52
He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.
Luke 22:36
These verses give evidence to the numerous Christians around the world who practice MMA and boxing, as the bible does not condemn self-defense with the use of force being justified. You must look into yourself and your Christian faith and understand Boxing would only be a sin if you think it would be.
Do Christians Have Spiritual Implications Doing Combat Sports?
Any spiritual implications from doing boxing will depend on the person you are since our relationship with God is a personal one. The issue is that boxing can fuel an aggressive nature that contradicts Matthew 10:16.
I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
Matthew 10:16
Some may read and interpret this scripture to mean we should be peaceful and innocent like doves. But as has been touched on already, boxing is a sport like any other and is not necessarily done to cause harm to another.
As a Christian fighter, it is also important to remain humble and remember that the ultimate power and glory belongs to God Almighty.
For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Luke 14:11
You must also resist the temptation of starting fights with your boxing skills, and doing boxing should not take away from your Christian duties (like helping the Church (Heb. 10:25)
not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25
In the end, the most important thing you can do is to look inside yourself and reflect on your relationship with God. Ask yourself, “what are my motives for doing boxing?” Ensure that you do not have non-Christian motives but are more interested in learning and exploring the skill itself.
Stay strong and train hard my friends. Best of luck!
Interested in Boxing? Check Out My Recommendations
| Looking For Gear To Use When You Train? |
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| Interested In Training Other MMA Fighters? |
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