I personally think there are times when living
peaceably with all men IS impossible. This is especially
true if a small vulnerable person is being attacked,
and you are in a position to defend him or her. I
agree with you. I think God gives us the ability and
the opportunity to learn martial arts so that we can
use them against aggressors.<br>You might encourage
your wife to learn a martial art, also. There will be
times when she will be with the children and you are
not. When you do have children, you might consider
having them train as well. It is wonderful discipline.
Five of my seven children have studied martial arts
and reached at least recommended black belt level.
The other two weren't interested. I especially see
the benefit of learning discipline. One of my sons
now has his third degree and is a certified
instructor. I was really proud of him when I first watched
him teach. Another has a second degree black belt. I
don't remember if I told this story here or not. This
son was once confronted by a boy who had gotten in
trouble with the law, and had been taken in by his aunt
and uncle rather than be sent to juvenile hall. He
was attending the church youth group. This boy
volunteered to beat up my son, so he said, go ahead. The boy
attacked, and my son laid him out neat on the ground. The
boy attacked again. Again, my son laid him out neat
on the ground. After about four or five attempts the
boy gave up. Not long after that, he dedicated his
life to Christ. His aunt expressed her personal
gratitude for my two sons, because they had always treated
the boy with much respect, and she feels they made a
major contribution to the boy's changed life.<br>This
son has been called by God to become a pastor. I
pointed out that his martial arts skills will always help
him gain the respect of the teenage boys in his
congregation, which can be a very good thing.<br>Pat