I recently learned that the headmaster of a local Christian school practices the art of karate, he is a regular church goer (the now apostate Church of Scotland); says it all really!
The man in question has a quiet and humble demeanour, and to a worldling is the epitome of how a Christian should be. Many Christians think what is the harm of such an activity? and any who denounce it are being "righteous over much" Ecc.7:16, but you really don't have to dig too deep to realize that it's philosophy is anti-Christian. The word karate literally means "empty hand, bare hand" kara, is Japanese for empty. However, it goes beyond the empty hand, for those who engage in this art are taught to empty their minds, to purge oneself of selfish and evil thoughts (as if we can do this- sinners that we are!), however, its devotees do just this, such is their enthusiastic zeal to become a master of the art.
The emptying of one's mind is something that the Christian is exhorted not to do;
"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exhalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor.10:5 (my emphasis).
"Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth." Col.3:2 (RV)..
The Lord severely reprimanded Peter for taking his attention off Him, telling the Saviour that He would never be crucified! (therefore nullifying the salvation of God's elect!) "Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art a stumbling block unto me: for thou mindest not the things of God, but the things of men." Matt.16:23 (RV). And this was said to Peter immediately after He told His disciples that He must be crucified! Little wonder Peter went on to write those inspired words in 1 Pet.1:13! "Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind..." We are then exhorted to gird up our minds-strengthen them through the Scripture of truth, not to empty them! The incarnate Deity Himself said "Love the Lord your God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." Matt.22:37. See also Eph.4:23, 2 Tim.1:7. It can be clearly seen that we as believers are to guard our minds, that is fortify them, not to empty them and let this be a conduit for a malevolent spirit to take possession of them!
The emptying of one's mind is a trait common to all eastern religions and mysticism, most notably Buddhism which sadly has a very high following in todays western world.
Empty your mind of Christ, who-knows what evil spirit God will allow to enter? There is only one-for all evil is of the devil, Satan himself!
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