Welcome to the homepage of Dr. Rev. J. Kovacs and Sickle & Vine Ministries! The goal of this website and ministry is to promote meaningful dialogue on modern martial arts and Christian themes. The Christian perspective will intentionally be non-Catholic and non-Eastern Orthodox, but it will be compared to a more "Protestant" stance. Topics will include a comparison between what is considered “Calvinism” and “Arminianism.” The history and influence of the Apostolic Fathers will also be explored.
In this context, early church history, its development, and its impact on current denominations will be examined. We will argue that although various “denominations” each hold a piece of the truth about our Savior Christ Jesus, none possess the full truth as revealed in scripture. A key point will be to highlight the difference between “eisegesis” and “exegesis” and how this distinction affects our understanding of biblical truth. While the focus is Christian, other spiritual traditions will also be considered.
Regarding martial arts, discussions will focus on what defines a “traditional” martial art versus a more modern form. The cultural context will be analyzed. An examination will be made of what is considered a “sport-based” practice versus a cultural art, and what is effective for genuine self-protection. The topic of “women's self-defense classes” will be addressed, emphasizing how this is often a weakly grounded marketing strategy. Concepts such as a combat mindset, willful intention, and situational awareness will be discussed. We will also evaluate various “ranking systems” and how they have become a major issue in modern martial arts. As the discussion develops and questions are answered, the scope will broaden to include these issues. The cult of personality in both religious and martial arts settings will also be a compelling topic for discussion.
Another aspect to be explored is what it means to be a good Christian steward of His planet. God is love. Jesus commanded, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37-39 (New King James Version). Loving your neighbor has many layers. Being mindful of the planet and our basic interactions is part of this idea of love. 1 Corinthians 4:1 "Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." We are to do everything for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). As Christians, our love for one another implies that we take care of our shared home. "This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." 1 Corinthians 4:1. And yet again we see in 1 Corinthians 10:24, "Let no one seek his own, but each other's well-being." As modern-day Christian warriors, we will explore what it truly entails to be good Christian earth stewards in the pages of Sickle & Vine Ministries.