A new documentary exploring the world of Mixed Martial Arts, known as MMA Fighting, and Christianity is set to premiere April 24 at the Independent Film Festival of Boston.
Titled “Fight Church,” the documentary follows several pastors and fighters in a journey to reconcile their faith with a sport that some consider violent and barbaric.
In the film Oscar-winning director Daniel Junge and Bryan Storkel pose the question, “Can you really love your neighbor as yourself and then punch him in the face?”
According to ABC News Pastor Paul Burress, who is featured in the documentary, defends his unconventional evangelism methods.
“We don’t fight out of meanness,” Burress of Trinity Church in Rochester, N.Y., told ABC News. “We have no hate or bitterness in our heart.”
Quotes from trailer include:
"When Preston came up with having a fight club in the church, it was an easy thing to say 'yes' to. Tough guys need Jesus too. "
"You guys like to see me fight another pastor?"
"We'll just be a couple of God-fearing men punching each other in the face."
"I carry my faith inside the cage with me."
"Cage fighting does not speak about loving one another. Cage fighting is about hating one another basically."
"Jesus never quit. Jesus never tapped out."
"If you really want the enemy off your trail, you got to learn to put your foot on his neck. Somebody shout, 'Jesus!'"
$30,000 was raised on KickStarter.com to produce the fund.
