About

Welcome to the homepage of Dr. Rev. J. Micah Kovacs and Sickle & Vine Ministries! The goal of this website and ministry is to foster meaningful dialogue on topics related to modern martial arts and Christian themes. The Christian perspective will intentionally be non-Catholic and non-Eastern Orthodox but will be compared to a more "Protestant" stance. Topics will include a comparison between what is considered “Calvinism” versus “Arminianism.” The history and influence of the Apostolic Fathers will be explored.

In this context, early church history, its development, and its impact on current denominations will be examined. We will argue that while various “denominations” each hold a fragment of the truth about our Savior Christ Jesus, none possess the full truth as revealed in scripture. A key point will be emphasizing the difference between “eisegesis” and “exegesis,” and how this affects our understanding of biblical truth. Although the focus is Christian, exploring other spiritual traditions will also be considered.

Regarding martial arts, discussions will focus on what defines a “traditional” martial art versus a more modern one. The cultural context will be examined. An analysis of what is considered a “sport-based” practice versus a cultural art, and what is effective for genuine self-protection, will be conducted. The topic of “women's self-defense classes” will be explored, highlighting how this often serves as a marketing strategy lacking strong grounding. The concepts of a combat mindset or willful intention, along with situational awareness, will be discussed. We will also evaluate the various “ranking systems” and how they have become a major issue in modern martial arts. As the discussion develops and questions are answered, the topics will grow to include the issues raised. The cult of personality in both religious and martial arts contexts will also be a compelling topic for discussion.