Ask your questions in the comments space.
There are no limits to the questions I’ll entertain. Spam comments are always deleted. Sometimes I don’t know the answer and won’t guess, but I’ll tell you that and why. Some questions will simply merit a “none of your business.” Otherwise, I’ll do what I can to make an intelligent reply.
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Contact me:
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ehurst@radixfidem.blog
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If you were to take another name for yourself, what and why?
In my experience, most people change their names for three primary reasons — (1) hide their identity, (2) psychological break with the past, or (3) some significant change in life making them such a different person, a new name is justified. In the Ancient Near East, it was a common practice for people in power to assign a new name to slaves and retainers. The Hebrew boys serving in Babylon’s Imperial Court were a prime example, though Daniel continues using his Hebrew name in the narrative.
The only condition I consider likely for me is, perhaps temporarily, to hide my identity. There have been some radical changes internally, but most of them came as gradual shifts, and began quite early in my life. Nothing along the way seemed to call for a new name. Because of this, the name itself would be a tactical choice for the moment, and the objective of making it hard to trace would mean choosing something very generic, the most common names for the context.
What is your favorite sandwich? (OK, not the most heady of questions and it’s Tuesday already, but you’re a friend and it’s a small way of getting to know you.)
Caedmon, I eat all kinds of sandwiches. The question is almost like asking what is my favorite place to ride my bike. I like them all. That said, I really like submarine sandwiches with oddball cold cuts like hard salami, either Edammer or Gouda cheese and mustard. Fresh veggies are good on it, but not necessary. At breakfast, I prefer a sausage patty with cheese and egg on raisin nut bread, or on large biscuits.
Are there any martial arts you would recommend to a Christian for the purpose of self-defense? I was raised by Christian parents and was cautioned against fighting generally (except in self-defense), and against eastern martial arts particularly because many/most of them seem to incorporate eastern religions into their training. The closest I got to any training in fighting as a youth was a few weeks of basic wrestling in gym class… so I don’t have much of any personal history to rely on as I consider what and how to learn myself or teach my boys (the oldest is 6) about defending one’s self or family and loved ones.
No, I have no recommendations. If you really want to be cautious and avoid the killer instinct, try finding a school for Aikido. But there really is no particularly Christian method, in that sense. I personally learned a mishmash of techniques from different sources here and there. Aside from some playful sparring, I’ve never used any of it. One fellow told me my imposing size was the main reason I never had to fight much. I suppose that may be true. I do know unless you really practice a lot against some real opponents, you won’t use it much when the real need arises. Precious few real fights are much more than pawing, clawing, swinging and occasionally hitting someone by sheer luck. If you are relatively large, your best advantage is getting hold of your opponent and wrestling them, but forget the rules.
Just about any simple style of fighting will make some difference, and the less you have to learn, the better. About the quickest thing you can learn is “dirty boxing” — not much different from street fighting. It’s easy to remember. The other thing I can honestly recommend is military style unarmed self-defense. Last time I checked, the basic philosophy is to prevent being overpowered, to simply survive. As with most things of a physical nature, it’s best to learn from someone who seems to know.
The best self-defense class I ever took was also in the military. The one piece that sticks out the best is the very first day of the class. Here are a few soundbites:
The goal is not to win a fight, but to not lose.
The best way to not lose a fight is to not get into a fight.
Never throw the first punch.
Once the other persons throws the first punch, all rules are off.
If you must fight, end the fight as quickly as possible.
For the next twelve weeks, we practiced counter moves to all sort of punches, kicks, holds, and rushes, most of which ended with some form of violence to the face and groin.
I don’t remember the “moves,” but I have been in numerous situations where remaining calm, remembering who I am, and knowing when to stand strong and when to retreat quickly, have kept me out of what looked to be certain fights.
What does a person of any age need to know to do this?
Identity: If I know who I am, I don’t need to take their taunts. If I know I am a son of God, I know their words and even their fists cannot hurt me in any significant way. This is the strength to call a bully’s bluff. (Sidenote: I was a short, fat, geek who was never hazed in high school because when the bullies tried, I told them I wouldn’t do it and stood my ground. They made a lot of noise, but in the end, didn’t get their way.)
Love: The confidence I mention above is so much easier if I know I am loved. Bullies are a product of shame; only grace will break the cycle. The more grace your children know, the better equipped they will be.
Discipline and respect: These are the characteristics martial arts use to sell their product, but discipline and respect are found in all the arts. Any sport is going to teach them if: 1) the coach is a person of discipline and respect; 2) the coached are willing to be coached; and 3) discipline and respect are modeled away from the field, as well. And it doesn’t need to be limited to sports. Band, orchestra, drama, painting. They all have rules to be learned and followed. In learning to become obedient to a craft, the learner is shaped.
Most importantly (and I’m thinking global politics here as much as I am teaching children), we should all remember “fighting” is not the first place we should look when we are threatened. The Old Testament is full of examples of what happens when Israel assumes their next tactical step instead of waiting on YHWH for direction. Sometimes YHWH sends them in to do battle, but other times, he does the work himself or uses other means to turn away the threat. Learning to hear God (which primarily comes through hearing/reading scripture), learning to pray, learning to be obedient to God, learning to be still and wait is probably the most important lesson for all of us.
Thanks, Ed. I appreciate the thought you put into the ‘small’ questions.
I don’t eat a lot of sandwiches – I prefer foods requiring tools – but if I do, it’s usually peanut butter and raisins between pieces of whole-grain toast because I need something to carry out the door.
Thank you, both. You’re comments are very helpful.