On a narrative level, the fighters, both current and former, and their stories are beguiling. And from a Christian perspective, it’s always been true that not everyone comes to the cross through a soft spoken leader, gentle in tongue and demeanor. God has given us many talents. If that talent happens to be fisticuffs — and we’re not talking angry bar brawls — there are many who would argue you can use that talent for the good of the church. The fighters profiled for the documentary are certainly relatable. Even the most pious viewers are likely to wonder if their support of them would be affected if they learned the fighters had checkered pasts or showed signs of cerebral wear and tear.

We hear from the fighters’ families, church brethren, supporters and opponents of “fight ministry.” A huge component of faith is redemption from sin. Can fighting — the faith-driven, controlled, sanctioned, trained type of fighting — be part of that story? Specifically, the film addresses redemption from anger in the streets, from anger within by abusing drugs or alcohol, or staying out of trouble and the like. As Pastor Nashon Nicks states, “I am commissioned to love. My ultimate goal is that I can use this platform as a vehicle to also win souls to Christ.” Still, MMA walks an awfully fine line between a sporting contest and uncontrolled rage. When you see a wild-eyed pastor in the octagon making motions that he’s going to slit his opponent’s throat, you wonder what kind of Christian witness this spectacle really is.