I wasn't going to address this, but a few people raised the question about whether or not tattoos are sinful after I posted about the new contest. I talked about it in the Stuff Christians Like Facebook group but didn't think it was worth getting into here. But then someone commented "Tats are wrong if you read your scriptures and they are not cool and they do not make you a more effective Christian and its sad to see people having no standards." So I thought it might be good to talk about this one.
Here is the verse that people use when it comes to being against tattoos, Leviticus 19:28: "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD."
That's an interesting statement but I think it might be good to see what else chapter 19 of Leviticus says:
32 'Rise in the presence of the aged,
19 'Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material.
27 'Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.
So if we are to take the tattoo rule seriously, and we do not feel we are equipped to pick and choose which laws we will or will not follow like items from a menu o' God, it is safe to assume that we will all have really long side hair, huge beards, constantly get up and down when we see old folks at McDonald's and be super sweaty from wearing clothing woven of solid wool.
That's an absurd take and to tell you the truth, despite my personal opinion that tattoos are fine, I don't have the answer. But all of this does beg the larger question - which rules do we follow? When Christ came and overcame the old law, what did that mean? And perhaps most importantly, do my pants really need to be 100% wool?
p.s. some people also note that Revelation 19:16 describes Jesus as having a tattoo "On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."
p.p.s. I edited out a sentence that I think was way too judgmental of me. It was a jerk sentence on my part and had to go.
very nice. agreed. :)
ReplyDeleteThis has recently been a point of contention in my family. I had always been raised believing that tattoos were wrong.
ReplyDeleteNow my best friend's husband has several and her approval of it, as I value her opinion on things, has changed my outlook.
I can't say that I believe a person will go to hell for having a tattoo. I also can't say that I personally would be okay with it.
It depends GREATLY on the reason and the lifestyle behind it.
Our parents' generation had very different cultural views on what was right or wrong, and they had VERY good reasons for having those views.
I strongly believe that at one point in history, most people who had tattoos were living a lifestyle that would not be considered Christian. I would even say that most of the people would NOT have had a Christian tattoo for any reason. It is a recent development(in the big scheme of generations here) that has brought tattoos to a point of being...how do I say it..."not trashy."
This same argument can be made about a certain generation and their views on drinking. Not to change the subject, but my grandparents have VERY strict views on drinking alcohol as being wrong. I was always kind of rebellious to this and considered them to be VERY close-minded and judgemental.
BUT....I recently had the opportunity to read a memoir that has been started by my grandfather, and reading firsthand of his experiences with an alcoholic father who did unthinkable abuse to the family, I can sympathize with him on this one now. ALL the people they knew who consumed alcohol were awful and mean. It also makes me much more understanding and OPEN-MINDED to other's views of why something is wrong to them. If someone was repeatedly sick after eating Chinese food, they are likely to associate chinese food with something that is awful and they shouldn't eat!
If getting a tattoo will offend my grandparents and not getting one will honor their beliefs then I will willingly do so. Out of respect for all the cycles they succeeded in breaking for their generation of the family.
As long as their beliefs don't keep me from doing something I think I SHOULD do to be a good Christian, then why not just honor them by not offending them in this way?
Now, if they felt that families should only have one male child or something bizarre like that, then offending them wouldn't be an issue for me...so I guess you have to pick your battles.
sorry for the second posting...
The reference in the Revelation is clearly not to a tattoo. It's a birthmark. Kinda like the scarlet pimpernel.
ReplyDelete"If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand." Rev. 13:16
ReplyDeleteDo you think that the "mark" might just be a tatoo also??
Don't forget that it was the "pagans" that the Hebrews were warned not to be like because they were the ones that had the tats.
That's what Leviticus was refering to in verse 19:28: (KJV version of the bible): 'Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.'
I never have a problem with people who got tatoos before knowing Christ.
Once your a believer though can't you use that money for a better/bigger purpose like dig some wells in Africa or buy a tribe a goat. Help someone with that money.
Tats can be very expensive and "what's the point" once you shrivel up? It's floopy and gross.
Tats are like wearing a "cross" necklace, or sticking a religious bumper sticker on your car..why can't we just live it instead of "wearing" it.
I don't care about what your tattoo says or is all about...put "Jesus or the Apostle Paul or whatever" on your arm or where ever you want that doesn't tell me anything much except that your a "religious" person.
Can we just "live the life" instead of having it tattooed on an arm or back?
Not much of a comment here. I'm a saved, baptized, jeans to church wearing, 15 point scoring (see #269) part time worship leader with two tattoos = neither of which were made for the dead! I think this article makes some valid points. http://www.cornerstonemag.com/jt/tattooblue.htm (Don't know html tags well enough - sorry.)
ReplyDeleteI think that no one has the answer. We, as the connected body of Christ, still are citizens of this culture. In the present era, tattoos are still hanging between the mainstream and the counterculture. Therefore it is perfectly acceptable to be inked or not in terms of fitting into society. However not cutting your hair, and not shaving one’s beard (within reason )is not socially acceptable to the majority of Americans.
ReplyDeleteFor my faith the measurement of acceptable is how the action or product in question is going to affect your love of Christ and your neighbor. Ultimately leading to how is it going to affect the way others perceive you as an example of the body of Christ. Our goal should be to add members’ to Christ’s family. Tattoos can be a great witness to the lost. They can also be a great distraction; it is all in the substance.
Think of the greatest example of Christian love and life you know. How would that person change in your eyes with a cross on their arm? A skull? A (fill in the blank)?
How would that person change in your eyes with sideburns to their knees? Had a beard to their stomach? Wore wool underwear (yikes!)?
Think about it.
You're bound to tick somebody off. Better to tick off the Bible-nerds than the people with tattoos. I know which group I'd be afraid of in a dark alley.
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, you're on the right track by bringing it all back to Christology. After Good Friday and Easter, the question isn't so much "What is a sin?" but "What power does this sin have?"
It may well be sinful to keep your seat when an old person comes in the room, or to eat lobster. But if Christ really did defeat the power of sin and death, does it really matter?
Now there are people who are under the power of sin, and they need to be freed from that power. But they're not freed by following the law. They're freed by Christ.
Karl Barth was once sitting next to a man on a train who asked him, "When were you saved?" He replied, "Good Friday. And so were you."
I believe "The Message" translation of verse 19 is: "Do not wear double knit pants", and verse 27 reads: "Mutton chops are cool, but only with a full beard". I could be wrong, the publication date on mine is 1974. Don't you just hate it when people totally miss the point of the post?
ReplyDeleteOnly bad quality tattoos are a sin. Tattoos on Christians (or pagans for that matter) are getting to be pretty lame unless you do something pretty freaking creative.
ReplyDeleteIf they are a sin on the other hand, there is going to be a lot of youth pastors feel pretty stupid on Judgment Day.
"I have engraved you on the palms of my hands." Isaiah 49:16
ReplyDeleteSounds like God has a tattoo or two...
I have a tattoo on the back of my neck that is only visible when I pull my hair up. I have seen people 'change' when they find out about it. I have seen unbelievers who viewed me as some kind of "church lady" open up and are willing to listen to me and befriend me when they find out I have a tattoo. I think it is because they feel more comfortable around me knowing I'm not going to judge them.
I find that it opens doors to relationships that would have remained closed if the other person and I had not had that connection.
I'm not doing a very good job of explaining myself here, sorry. I wish there was an easy way to describe the change I see in people when they find out about it. It's like they let their guard down. They let me in.
So do we (Christians) thing that by going to a tattoo shop to get a tattoo is worshiping the beast? I know some of us have tattoos, and some of those with tattoos share there stories and their faith while getting them. Some of who don't have tats judge others that do, while the rest of us that don't have any just prefer to not have them.
ReplyDeleteWe have to be careful not to become prideful when it comes to petty issues like this (not that talking about stuff like this is petty). I know that if someone has a tattoo, it wouldn't change the way I feel about the, not because I do or don't have one, but because Jesus teaches us to love.
JESUS>TATTOOS
I'm the owner of inked skin, and I approve this message!
P.S. I never wanted to be that person that leaves HUGE comments.
Seriously GOD love to all who posted, but I just strongly feel that this is one of those devilish distractions that separates us from truth, GOD's will for our lives, and anything else we might do to give GOD glory with our lives. If we could just live out the word according to how it was completed in Jesus Christ, we can't go wrong.
ReplyDeleteI have struggled with this question for sometime. But I agree with you. We can't just pick and choose which rules to follow.
ReplyDeleteScott
PS. I've been reading your blog(s) now for about 2 months and I really enjoy them. One of my favorites is about your love story to the blob!
Thanks again! And I really hope you get to write a book someday... I would buy it.
Peace!
To me it's just details. Get the basics right and let God deal with the rest.
ReplyDeleteMy friend told me I had desecrated my temple when I had my tattoo done. I told her I had simply decorated it.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about tattoos as I do about books. It is all about the content, and each should be decided upon using some common sense disertion.
I’m trying to edit thoughts before I share on this one.
ReplyDeleteIn my mind I think this draws a fine line between how we treat the lost, the tattooed, the pierced and the disenfranchised.
Everything I do is intentionally directed to befriending the Philistines. Seriously, where I work, where I hang out, deciding to do facebook the list goes on and on. I am so new to blogging (both doing and reading), and you guessed it, that was intentional also.
I will do everything in my power to stay culturally relevant and cutting edge so that I am able to reach each new generation of the lost, pierced, tattooed and disenfranchised. I love them so much and it breaks my heart that they don't know Him yet. That is what God calls me to do.
Those tattooed peeps who are saved are able to go and witness in places other people can not. I applaud them when they do. If people choose to tat themselves after they are saved. More power to them. If you all don’t know Carlos’s story, OMGoodness…what a wonderful testimony. And his witness has been seen by tons of people. http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/?page_id=4204 That is what God has called Los to to.
We have to be in the world! Being in the world means that you get the opportunity to be a witness in a newly saved person life like CC DeVille of Poison. http://withoutwax.tv/2008/07/10/backstage-with-poison/. That is what God has called Pete to do.
But, enough of my opinion.
BTW I agree with you biblical also…
I wear more than two materials, I cut my hair and I speak in church!
I’m going to shut up now, while I am ahead.
Besides this is just a funny contest…
Blog on dude!
Last thought, which should have been my first thought..
Sadly, a line may need to be drawn.
Jon, God has given you an amazing gift. Choose what you feel God is calling you to do, not man. Only God knows who He wants you to touch here in the blogosphere. Listen to Him, not us…
I continue to be surprised at all the free time Christians have to decide what is right or wrong for everyone else.
ReplyDeleteMaybe a better question is "Are tattoos a good idea for a Christian?"
ReplyDeleteI recently read an article on the Net by a young business woman who had wrestled with the idea, and had finally given in and got one. In the article she didn't make any claims of belonging to Christ, nor qualms about the morality of the ink. But her motivation was most interesting.
She said she wanted to stay feminine and chic, respectable enough for the business world, but, at the same time "badass" enough for a little spice in her life. It was the desire to seem like a badass (apologies to all who cringe at the term, like I do) that won out.
In the article she expressed what might be called some "tatter's remorse," in that the permanence of her little butterfly (as I recall the design) was gnawing at her a bit. She even considered briefly the laser-it-off remedy, but chucked the thought and decided she would live with it and like it. Beside, she liked the badass glimmer that showed through, and even thought she might get another, in a more prominent display zone, and maybe a bit naughtier or, at least, bolder.
I tried to find the article to get the gist of it more acurately, but Googling "tattoo badass" returned 885,000 hits, and hers was not in the top 20. The top 20 were, however, very thought provoking, as it appears that a lot of people associate tattoo with badass. Before a believer goes down for the ink, she might do well to ask if she has the same association.
And before rationalizing whether it is sinning, consider whether it's good PR for holliness. Which, come to think of it, might give some insight into whether it is sinning.
"'Everything is permissible,' but not everything is beneficial. 'Everything is permissible,' but not everything is constructive." 1 Cor. 10:23
ReplyDeleteIf it causees another to stumble, you should not get a tattoo. If it doesn't, and it has meaning for you, that is cool.
Leviticus was not written for Christians. It was written for pre-Christ Hebrews. Plus, unless some of your readers are Messianic Jews, we as Gentiles were never under the Law in the first place. Christ did not put us under the Law when He came to graft in the Gentiles; He set both us and the Jews free from the Law.
I've heard the anti-tattoo argument before, but the guy who made it often bragged about the stuff he did with his girlfriend.
ReplyDeleteSo that negated it in my mind.
It is an interesting discussion. Both sides seem to agree that the tattoos (and the haircuts/beardcuts) mentioned in Leviticus have pagan/demonic roots. So one side will use that fact and say therefore we as Christians should have nothing to do with tatoos. The other side uses the same fact and says since we are not using them in pagan worship, it's o.k.
ReplyDeleteI guess it comes down where you feel the Holy Spirit is leading you in this issue, because it is not all that clear cut. Here is an interesting well-thought out paper on it, from a pro-tattoo perspective: http://www.sacredink.net/pdf/tattoo_research.pdf. And another article against: http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=230
Prodigal Jon, I am a bit disappointed with your flippant pick and choose philosophy. The Bible has answers. We DON'T get to pick and choose. If we are confused, we are responsible to research and pray, not just say, well the other stuff is rediculous so I'll do what seems best to me!
I am currently a cultural awareness instructtor for the Army. One of the things I always bring up in my class is that culture always trumps theology, no matter where you are. You can read all about a culture's underlying religous doctrine and it will give you almost zero insight into the actual values, beliefs, behaviors, and norms of the culture.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, I'm not a big fan of following all of the rules of the Old Testament. How I decide which ones to follow, I don't know, so I am probably wrong. I was thinking about getting a great Christian tattoo for two reasons: 1) If I am ever killed by torture in an enemy POW camp or by oppressors as a Christian missionary, I want them to check out my bleeding back and read something like "Where is thy sting, O Death?" or "Rejoice not over me mine enemies..." and 2) I think that having a tattoo would be pretty cool. However, when I was thinking about it, my 10-year old daughter started talking about getting one as soon as she was old enough...
Never mind. Tattoos are bad.
Well, as someone who has been saved since 5, has been a youth pastor, and am currently a missionary to the Muslim world overseas, I have to admit I have 2 tattoos (also 11 piercings). One was while I was youth pastoring, and the other was just done the other day while I am home on R&R from the mission field. Does that mean I have sinned? I love how people throw out that Lev. reference, but as you pointed out there is a whole slew of rules in the O.T. From eating not pork, to not boiling a goat in its mother's milk (personally I haven't ever understood this one). If we bash someone with a "rule" then one has to apply all the "rules". You cannot pick and choose. Do I think I have committed a grievous sin? No. Maybe this will be my getting struck with lightning moment...but I would like to think maybe just maybe Jesus would consider a tattoo. Yeah that is going to get me struck down or at least stoned by some Christian somewhere. Oh well.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I would submit my tattoos, but alas I did not get tattoos that had to do with God. I knew I took a wrong turn somewhere in life. i.e. No SCL t-shirt. *Sigh* *Tear*
I think it is awesome that...
ReplyDeleteI don't like tattoos so let me find a verse that enforces my dislikes.
Oh lookie there... Leviticus comes to the rescue.
Ugh.
Kinda like racist "preachers" who taught that Exodus 34:10-16 forbids interracial marriages. Which would be even weirder since Moses was married to an Ethiopian.
Oh, mankind is so wonderful. Glee!
It is all about the heart. Do you want the tat for attention getting or to glorify God?
Take the Nazarite Vow (Numbers 6) for instance. This is a vow that separates themselves for God and made holy unto God (Number 6:8).
Hebrew teachings taught of a Nazarite youth who saw his flowing hair in the a spring. He was so pleased with it that he feared that he would be vain and worship his own beauty so he elected to cut it.
He could have simply stated, "look at me, I have taken the Nazarite vow so I must be holy unto God." But this youth knew his own heart and despite what appears to others as pleasing and holy to God, knew that his vanity would end up separating himself from God.
Tats? Long hair? Jewelry? Fancy clothes? You are just nitpicking. You need to look at your heart.
When you boil everything down, it really comes down to this: But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7
ReplyDeleteSeems pretty simple to me. It's not the tattoo itself which is wrong or right, but the reason you are getting the tattoo. (Or piercing or haircut or outfit or whatever.)
Not to mention all the places in the New Testament that talk about freedom in Christ in those areas indifferent to faith - remember Peter's sheet of unclean animals, and Paul talking about consideration for other brothers & sisters in the whole "food sacrificed to idols thing"?
Besides, if tattoos are sinful, in and of themselves, wouldn't every saved biker be required to get laser surgery?
Stuff like this falls into the category I call "Jesus and ___". You fill in the blank with whatever - "Jesus and NO TATTOOS" for example.
Add anything to Jesus and you get legalism, hypocrisy, and stumbled siblings.
I could go on, but I'll shut up now.
I have blogged about this myself. I always find it very amusing that individual Christians will pick and choose the Old Testament laws that must be followed. Of course they always pick the ones that will cause them no personal inconvenience.
ReplyDeleteThe last time someone told me tattoos were wrong (and I have none) I pulled out a Bible showed them the verse in the same chapter about not being able to wear clothing made of two different types of material. I asked them if they had gone through their clothes and thrown out any of their apparel that was a blend of any type.
Of course they found that particular law of no relevance to them.
If you are going to follow Old Testament law then follow all of it. If you are going to pick and choose you are simply making a mockery of God, the law, and yourself.
This is rather like the question of tithing... i.e. there is a stronger biblical argument for circumcision of Christians than for Christians to tithe. But we like to pick and choose the bits from the OT that we'd like to keep
ReplyDelete;-)
That was my comment :)
ReplyDeleteok maybe I did not explain my reasoning the best so hears another try. Please note I am not talking about people having tats from their past (before Christian or rebelled etc) as that cannot be helped.
My points:
1) Your body is not yours, its Gods temple. With tats you are defying the temple, same as taking drugs etc.
2) Maybe some do not know but Tats are used by pagan cultures (Aboriginal, African, Maori, Indian etc) and the same pagan/ witch doctor symbols and practices are now used in todays tattoo parlors.
Maybe the spiritual connection is a bit blury for some people but these symbols/ practices etc are there.
3) Also why are you wanting a tat as a Christian? To look cool? To rebel?
You may not go to hell if your a Christian and get a tattoo but that does not mean you need to get one.
MMmmmm...for myself, not having tats is a personal decision. My brother seems to collect them and is a Christian. And you make some fine points here about the laws...which are clearly meant for us to follow always? Do we obey them all?
ReplyDeleteI think in these gray areas, we given Grace...and lots of it.
And speaking of gray areas, is having a tat or two or three the same kind of law broken that using birth control is?
Nice post and I am actually glad to hear that you wrestle with posts. I'd worry a little if you didn't.
ReplyDeleteAre tattoos sinful? I think Leviticus mentions them because certain cultures used tattoos to show allegiance or fealty or w/e kinda like the mark of the beast will be. So wouldn't a Christian tattoo show an allegiance to Christ? Is that a bad/sinful thing? Not at all.
I have seen people get tattoos and then later regret them so tattoos shouldn't be taken lightly due to the permanent nature of them. I think you have to look at the reasons for getting a tattoo. Is it for rebellion? Is it because you just like tattoos? Do you wish to express your faith in new and interesting ways?
I personally don't have any tattoos but have a friend with a sleeve full of Christian symbols and I admire his courage to stand out in a field where so many seem to be lost and needing a light to shine. Even if it just sparks a spiritual conversation with the tattoo artist about why you are getting the tattoo, it's worth it.
To anonymous: Could the money be used for the poor or missionaries? Yes, but how do you resolve any of your purchases by that standard? I agree that all of us should live our faith and not just put our religion on like a t-shirt. I believe the difference is that t-shirts are easy to take off but tattoos are not.
first off, i don't have a tattoo and will never get one because i don't like needles, i don't have the body for it (i feel like you need to be buff to pull it off. haha), and i know that once i'm old and wrinkly, having a tat will be nasty.
ReplyDeletebut in response to anonymous, i personally don't think it's a sin to get a tattoo. it may not be practical (and you can argue that), but why can't you "wear" a tat AND live your life for God? it's not like these people who have ink aren't living out their faith.
oh, and i've always thought of the "mark" to be a barcode. but that's jus me :)
Mlasch-
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. I think you raise some interesting points.
I will however disagree with your idea that I have a "flippant pick and choose philosophy." In the post I said "we do not feel we are equipped to pick and choose which laws we will or will not follow like items from a menu o' God,"
I then called out the pick and choose approach as absurd. So I said we are not equipped to pick and choose and then called it absurd so I really don't understand how you took that as me having a "flippant pick and choose philosophy."
Again, I am all for disagreement, but you labeled me the opposite of what my words say.
Jon
I'm not a scholar, but some translations, in I think isaiah (don't hold me to it) speak of God having our name tattooed on his palms...
ReplyDeleteI agree 100% with Christina and faerylandmom. A year or two after I got saved, I was considering getting a tattoo. I was really hung up on Lev. 19:28 and was afraid to get one because "the Bible flat-out says not to do it." My husband pointed out the hair-cutting rule and the "your food should have X number of stomachs and chew the cud" rule and explained that "the Bible is not a smorgasboard" and I couldn't just pick and choose what I wanted. He went on to explain about how I'm technically a Gentile and the law was never meant for me, and if I chose to follow the law, I needed to go buy some fattened calves and get me to Mecca.
ReplyDeleteSomething else I learned that semester at my Christian university may be of note. God made this law for two big reasons:
1. Pagans introduced tattoos as part of their "sex and religion festivals" (MSG). God didn't want the Jews lapsing back into Baal-ism or Asherah-ism or whatever because they had a history with that, and tattoos would be a "gateway drug" to "harder" forms of paganism.
2. It wasn't sanitary. The Hebrews were not getting tattoos like we do. There were no sterilized needles or gauze bandages or bactine. They were cutting themselves open with a stone shiv and rubbing dirt and plant dyes into their wounds. It hurt. A lot. They bled. A lot. The cuts could (and probably did) get infected.
In short, God never asked them to hurt themselves and possibly die of gangrene for Him. Baal asked for that crap. Asherah called for it. Not Yahweh. God wanted them to stop giving themselves tattoos because they were missing the point. They were saying, "Look at me, God! Look at what I will do for you!" and God was like, "Why are you doing that? I never asked you to do that! Now that's infected, and you're going to lose your arm, stupid!"
Today, we do have clean needles and bactine and methods of tattooing that involve much less blood, so there goes reason number two. As far as reason number one goes, as long as you aren't getting a tat to "prove something" to God, I think it's fine. It's just like going on a missions trip, really. If you're going on mission to reach the lost because you feel strongly about the Gospel and want others to see it too, that's fine. If you're going on mission because you like to get the "superstar" treatment that churches tend to give the missions team in the weeks before and after the trip, that's not fine.
OT law shouldn't play a part in our decision-making. It was never meant for us. God is concerned with what's in our hearts, not on our hands (or biceps or lower backs). What's in your heart? Judgment, greed, envy? (Blantant plug for Andy Stanley's "It Came From Within" series) That's what God cares about.
In the end, I decided not to get a tattoo, but I had no "spiritual" reason - I just thought about myself as a 90-year-old woman with a tat, and I was like, "Ummm ... I will look kind of dumb." (Side note: A tattoo on an old man makes you think, "Wow! He must have great stories to tell! I bet he was in the Navy or was a POW or something!" Seeing a little old lady with a tat? Laughable. Life is sometimes just not fair.) I'm not morally opposed to tattoos. I'm totally cool with you getting one; I'm totally cool with my kids getting one - as long as everything's okay in your heart.
Jon -
ReplyDeleteThanks for sticking up for those of us who are inked and proud of it. I've got 3 (you'll be getting pics of them soon, I promise!) and have plans for several more. The only issue I've ever had with anyone regarding these tattoos was not with any unbelievers, but a former youth leader who told me I'd go to hell if I ever got one... Any interaction I've ever had with an unbeliever over them has been really positive. So again, Thanks!
Oh, and my new favorite quote ever:
"You're bound to tick somebody off. Better to tick off the Bible-nerds than the people with tattoos. I know which group I'd be afraid of in a dark alley."
I think that tattoos are a beautiful way to express your passion for something, whether that's Christ or flippin Big Bird. I don't have one b/c I'm not sure how it'll look when I'm 85 but I might change my mind and get one. But anyways, what I'm trying to get at it is, as Christians, we need to be concerned about matters of the soul, reaching the lost, and helping others heal. Picking apart someone b/c they have a tattoo doesn't promote those things. I think that picking it apart is another reason that non-Christians tend to think that we Christians are just a little mean.
ReplyDeleteI like tats and furthermore agree with a dear friend of mine who says that having a tattoo is a way to decorate the temple in which the holy spirit dwells. Isn't the scripture in Leviticus that's pointed out also referring to not tattooing in regards to a form of ancestor/idol worship.
ReplyDeleteWhich rules do we follow? Simply, the ones that apply to us.
ReplyDeleteThe Old Testament consists of 3 types of rules:
1) Moral Law (Ten Commandments)
2) Ceremonial Law
3) Civil Law
God's moral law never changes and applies to us today. The last 2 apply to the Jews for a given time in history.
So does that mean we toss them out altogether? Absolutely not. We can still learn about God's character from these laws. Leviticus 19:28, read in context, teaches us that God does not want us to be a part of pagan practices.
I think we need to remember the context of the verse. God was giving civil law to one particular geo-political entity in the Middle East. Ancient Israel entered a covenant with God and was acknowledging God as king and accepting his terms of rule (The whole book of Deut. is structured on this treaty which was common among rulers in those day. There are scholarly opinions that since tatoos were associated with idolatry IN THAT CULTURE, that they needed to be forbidden.
ReplyDeleteI think we need to work on translating that principle into our culture. But the prohibition against tats doesn't make the leap. Most people who get tats in the USA aren't worshipping anything.
I don't have anything deep to say, but this post reminds me of a book I just read: "The Year of Living Biblically," by A.J. Jacobs. He decided to try to obey every rule in the Bible for one year. I was reluctant to read it, expecting him to set out to prove that religion is just a bunch of outdated rules for the unthinking masses, but I really enjoyed it. He approached his year whole-heartedly and learned a lot in the process. Spoiler Alert: He doesn't come to Christ or even commit to Judaism (he describes himself as "Jewish like the Olive Garden is an Italian restaurant"), but the book got me thinking about the law and, more importantly, the spirit of the law. It's a funny, quick read, and has nothing to do with tats!
ReplyDeleteImagine if you were a vehemently anti-Christianity person and you read the comments that were anti-tattoo? Imagine that.
ReplyDeleteAnyway,
I've recently been reading a blog by a family in Haiti, amazing people living what we're all called to live, and thinking on things that are at the heart of God's word (justice, love, freedom):
here's the linkage,
http://livesayhaiti.blogspot.com/
I don't think they're concerning themselves with tatoos, but they are concerned about child trafficking and slavery in Haiti, and a host of other things that come from hearts and minds filled with love and mercy.
That section of the Law was written to a culture to point their lives to God. They were tattooing and scarring their bodies to floow other tribes and their Gods, so God wrote many laws that pertained to that place in time. Christ came and fullfilled the law we are not bound by it. through Christ's fullfillment of these laws we can see that the point here is to focus our attention and lives on god.
ReplyDeleteThere is a huge tattoo culture that is devoid of God and they put idols on their bodies. Big deal.. they don't know Christ and don't understand. And on the flip-side there is a huge tattoo culture that are some of the most Christ loving people I've ever met.
I have several tattoo's both pre and post Christ. They are symbols of the journey I have gone down and the path that I have choosen. The last too that I got were two anchors.. one on each arm. Sailors got anchors to remind them of a safe return home.. for stability. I got mine to represent Faith and Family. The are constant reminders that my Faith and Family are solid foundations and I've had more conversations about eternal things with people that are far from Christ than ever before.
We have to embrace our culture. And realize there is a culture of millions of people with tattoo's. We are not bound by the law. Can;t we just move on.
More on my tat's... I was going to submit them but I'm not sure they fit the criteria.
http://rebuilt.galleywinter.com/some-new-ink/
Well i will tell you, i am a pastor helping lead a new ministry in central ohio, and i have been asked several times why i have a tattoo. I only have one, and its the typical "Jesus Fish" on my left ancle. I got it there because i assumed that some would be offended by it in a church setting and that might distract them from Christ's message as i give it. So when i preach (and yes, we are a wears jeans church, SURPRISE) i always make sure i wear pants and not shorts. With that said, the question to bring up is, "is it wrong?" Well, I have researched this for a very long time, and here is where i am at on it.
ReplyDeleteThe Levitical Laws citation, is ridiculous. Christians truly do take an opinion they have and then hope to look up a scripture that fits what they are uncomfortable with. (case and point the Levitical homosexuality references) Also church history goes deep with a history of tats. For instance, there is documentation that early Christians would often get tattoos on their ancle. Rich ones would. The reason was when a poor Christian would wash the rich man's feet, he would see the Igthus or "Jesus Fish" and realize it was an equal he was dealing with, (as Paul cites that in Christ, the pecking order ended). But to choose a worldview and then search the scriptures for backing up evidence is as bad as a preacher coming up with a cool gimmicky illustration and then finding scripture for it (which i would love to see a post about, hint, hint) Also, many scholars, including David A. Fiensy (famous scholar in Germany, now Kentucky) cites that Paul mentions he bares the marks of Christ around 3 times, 1 of which gives an indication that it is referring to some sort of art, some believe he follow some other Christians and got a tattoo. But for us to say that it is a sin, well that just isnt so.
Now to get naked ladies, nazi symbols, curse words, well yes. But i know a buddy of mine who got a Holy Trinity and have been able to witness to many non-believers who wonder what it is. My tattoo has opened many conversations that eventually led to a baptism. So is mine bad? i dont think so.
It is a hot debate, but i think to use the Bible for either side is to risk going out of context.
Well, I was just thinking all of us untatted folk have no chance at the SCL tshirts. So sad.
ReplyDeleteI've considered the thought of a very small tattoo. But not long ago I happened upon this, and it really changed my perspective.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0ASBb55eMo&eurl=http://www.flowerdust.net/index.php
Tattoo's are idolatry. The worship of one's self and one's body. Who's the person out there getting a tattoo for God's Glory? Is getting a tattoo helping your faith grow? Is getting a tattoo bringing you closer to Christ? Bottom line, tattoo's are about showing off and being cool. Tattoo's are saying "Look at me" when the life we live needs to be saying, look at Christ. God doesnt call us to be cool, He calls us to be holy. Like it or not.
ReplyDeleteTattoo's are idolatry. The worship of one's self and one's body. Who's the person out there getting a tattoo for God's Glory? Is getting a tattoo helping your faith grow? Is getting a tattoo bringing you closer to Christ? Bottom line, tattoo's are about showing off and being cool. Tattoo's are saying "Look at me" when the life we live needs to be saying, look at Christ. God doesnt call us to be cool, He calls us to be holy. Like it or not.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that also the chapter that says eating shellfish is wrong?
ReplyDeleteInterestingly enough, Leviticus has been in the news lately, as well. I think it was discussed on the daily show. James Dobson (in an audio clip) was blasting Obama for approving of same-sex marriages, because it says in Leviticus that homosexuality is an abomination. Then on another news outlet he was explaining how we don't take a lot of stuff in the OT seriously anymore- like stuff in the book of Leviticus, as you just mentioned- because it's outdated, or something.
Is there a handbook on which parts of the Bible it's ok to pick and choose from? Because it sure is confusing and difficult to explain to people I know sometimes.
I only wish I would have read this before I let my 4 year old get his second tat. I can only hope he doesn't read today's post. He might feel sad.
ReplyDeleteI have a tattoo and I don't think there is anything wrong with. Although sometimes I wish I didn't have it b/c of what people think a/b me for having. But I know I shouldn't let others opinions bother me. I did have a former co-worker who told her little girls (b/c they asked why I had one) that I probably got that before I was saved and before I knew right from wrong. I chose to keep my mouth shut b/c she was a good friend, but I was very hurt by that. Because I was saved when I was 9 and got the tattoo at 19.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, couldn't we throw ear piercings and the like in this same group if we (other folks) are going to be particular?
This is an important issue. If we truly can pick and choose from scripture, why not just go steal stuff, look at porn, whatever. Because God knows what’s best for us so we should live in obedience to Him. So, yes I believe that if we had really long side hair, huge beards, and constantly got up and down when we see old folks at Wendy’s (since we’re boycotting McD’s right now – see afa.net) it would please God that we were living in obedience to him, He would reward us for it either in this life or the next, and we would grow spiritually. However, God is also a God of grace.
ReplyDeleteDoes he expect that we will follow every single rule in the Bible? No. Would it please him if we tried to? Yes. Does it show Him honor when we choose to obey another command? Yes. Does he love us any less if we don’t? No.
Does it please him when we’re judgmental of those who have chosen to not obey the commands we have? No.
My personal conclusion. Whether I actually have really long side hair, a huge beard, constantly get up and down when I see old folks at Wendy’s, or have a tattoo is between me and God.
I have 6 Tattoos,
ReplyDeleteand my friend said it best when he said "If I'm going to hell for a little bit of ink, I was going there anyways."
How true is that. It's not what's on the outside of the cup, but what is on the inside. I think i read that somewhere.
Tattoo's cant make me sinful, and they can't make me holy. They are moot in my standing before God.
I don't know about sinful, but I do know there's going to be a whole lotta stupid looking saggy ink in retirement homes in a couple of decades. I can't wait to see all those cool upper arm tats flopping in the breeze when those ripped biceps turn into arm flab. And all those "discreet" tats you think only you and your spouse can see? The'll be headed south for the winter, down around your thigh, peeking out of your hospital gown. Ewww.
ReplyDeleteWow. I hate to be "on the fence" on this one but I am. I honestly don't know whether it's right or wrong, I only have my humble opinion. It says "no tats" in Leviticus but then the whole two woven fabrics thing comes up. It's all about your heart. In the OT, they were talking to people who were getting tats to show their allegiance to a pagan god. Not good at all. They used tats as a form of idol worship. So, if your reason to get a tat is to "rebel" or "look cool" then I think you may need to check your motives. Also, for heaven sake know what symbols you are putting on your bodies :) There are some pagan symbols it tat parlors that Christians are too naive to realize what they are. Anyhoo...If your motives are pure and you've prayed about it, then I say you can. You see, I'm a girl with no tattoos because I don't feel a desire that God wants me too. And I get scared just getting shots at the doctors office :) But if others do and they can reach those who don't know Christ better than I can with that tatto. Then I say more power to you. And go out there and preach Christ will all ya got (tats and all) so more can know Him :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy reasons for not getting a tattoo. 1) Pain. 2) I'm certain that I would wish I'd chosen another design once it's too late. 3) Tattoos often have a connotation (think "tramp stamp"), which I want to avoid. I should be about purity.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I'm not anti-tattoo and don't think it's a sin. They just aren't who I am...
I am thinking of Romans 14, where Paul is talking about debatable matters of Christianity. Especially verse 22, where he says "So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves."
ReplyDeletewingnut
Three months ago the Lord completely rocked my world. He began breaking down the barriers of a lifelong struggle. I was so elated at my newfound freedom that I designed a symbolic representation of it and had it tattooed on my back. If that means non-believers find me relatable and ask me what it means, God is glorified. If their curiosity leads to my testimony of God's incredible grace, He is glorified. That's all that matters.
ReplyDeleteWhile Tats may or may not be what was part of the Nicolations actions and/or attitudes, I think Scripture is clear that we are not to make our less firm-faithed fellow Christians stumble......
ReplyDeleteWow! Good job Jon, way to unite the body of Christ. Just kidding, making people think so I'm cool with it.
ReplyDeleteI have been tattooing my body with all the comments from your site, I think this one is going to put me over the limit.
I agree that if you are going to pick out one verse from Leviticus then you have to use them all. So I guess that means that women have to be isolated during "their time" and can't touch anyone until they go talk to their pastor and he says, "You're good, ship shape go live your clean life now"
I'm gonna get a fat tat on my back of Jesus leg dropping satan and while he's doing it he's going to be yelling, "SAY MY NAME!"
great post. I completely agree. Also, I've always wondered...in their heads, where/how do people draw a line between tattoos being bad and ear piercing being ok? Ear piercing defined as anything from one hole in each ear to seven in each and a lip ring. Personally, I don't have a problem with tattoos or piercings. I know there's the verse out of Leviticus that refers specifically to "tattoo marks," but I'm just kind of rambling in general about the whole issue of picking and choosing. I don't really understand how putting any number of unneccesary holes in your body is any more justifiable than putting unneccesary ink on your skin. If we're talking about defacing your body as a temple, it seems to me that ear piercing is fair game just like tattoos are. Like I said, I personally don't have a problem with either...these are just some thoughts I have.
ReplyDeleteTattos are sinful.
ReplyDeleteTwinkies are sinful.
Spending too much money on your cat is sinful.
Blogging instead of reading your Bible is sinful.
Commenting on a blog instead of reading my Bible is sinful.
Raking the leaves is sinful; you could've been helping some homeless person, but there you were, raking leaves.
Humans are sinful.
Good thing we're saved by grace... not by works... so that none can boast.
Doing or not doing something based on scripture-based convictions and the leading of the Holy Spirit is a good indicator of maturity.
ReplyDeleteApplying those standards to others is a good indication of legalism.
(PS, I'll be sending in the pic of my tat really soon)
Ben (with the url for a name... there are now other Ben's posting on here...)
I honestly don't know how I feel about this. I have several very good friends with tattoos, who obviously think it is fine. If it were up to me, I probably would get one, a very small one, but for one my dh hates them and I don't know where I stand on this. I guess I feel it is better to err on the side of caution. However, I do not judge people who do have tattoos. I really think this is one of those somewhat grey areas in scripture that do not affect our salvation one way or the other.
ReplyDeleteWow (to some of the comments), I've spent lots of times trying to convince friends that there's a big difference between evangelical Christians and fundamentalists. I may just need to change my mind and apologize to my friends.
ReplyDeleteAll this energy and angst expended over tatoos? Really? On one hand, this kind of "debate" is very famiar to me since I spent a lot of growing-up years in a private Christian school run by fundamentalist Baptists. But that was long enough ago that it's kind of bizarre to find some of the same attitude again, going as strong as ever.
My opinion about tats is pretty bland, I suppose. I know plenty of people of faith that have them (most from their days before faith). I'm not horrified at all by them.
ReplyDeleteThe thought I have is that God's idea for what our bodies should look like is okay with me. I don't need to add or take away from that.
That thought, for me, helps give me a little direction. I don't feel the need to have a tat (or wonder about other bodily changes). God has designed me fine as I am.
!Tony! - what you said. I need so much of God's grace, it's incredibly humbling - and I don't even have a tat - yet.
ReplyDelete@Pastor Ron:
ReplyDeleteAlthough I will be the first to go to wikipedia.org to figure out a confusing cultural reference, I'm going to have to call you on your Google "tattoo badass" evidence.
I tried to find the article to get the gist of it more acurately, but Googling "tattoo badass" returned 885,000 hits, and hers was not in the top 20. The top 20 were, however, very thought provoking, as it appears that a lot of people associate tattoo with badass. Before a believer goes down for the ink, she might do well to ask if she has the same association.
Google "tattoo holy" and you get 5,380,000 hits. In a Google fight, "tattoo holy wins".
Just sayin'.
Karl-
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm not opposed to tattoos I would have to say that your sarcasm is unecessary. The people who are against tattoos are entitled to their opinion. If you are cutting them down, you're just doing the same thing you're criticizing them for doing. And on a side note- can we as Christ followers cut the fundamentalist vs. evangelical talk. I'm so sick of Christians letting the world/media divide us like that. I may disagree with a fundamentalist but like or not they are a brother and sister in Christ and if I have an issue with them I should stop hating on them and start to pray for them. Christ wanted us to be ONE and labeling each other like this is so counterproductive. Thanks for hearing me ramble on my soap box :)
Actually, for Gentile Christians it's pretty clear. Acts 15 records the debate over whether Gentile people should be allowed to become Christians, and if there were allowed, did they have to follow the Law of Moses. The conclusion is that they are allowed, and they did not have to follow to Law, as long as they refrained from eating blood and from certain pagan practices.
ReplyDeleteThose of us that are Jewish have it more complicated, but I won't get into that.
Thoak, I'm gonna have to disagree with you here. I got a tattoo after coming out of a really broken season in my life. The tattoo I chose was a simple phrase that reminded me that no matter where I was, I had family, friends, and most importantly, God, who loved me, and cared for me. It's a reminder that even when life sucks, that Christ is there right beside me, and that in the end, "all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose"...
ReplyDeleteIt's my reminder of where I've been and where God has brought me, through his unbelievable grace.
also, my tattoo is on my rib cage- a place that no one ever sees.
so to say that people get tattoos to worship themselves, to look cool or to show off, is not always the case.
Definitely not the case in my tattoo. In fact, a lot of my friends have no idea that I have one. But it's not about them knowing, it's about me knowing what my tattoo means to me.
Man looks at the outside, but God looks at the heart. We love to judge, don't we? Maybe we have too much time on our hands.
ReplyDeletemy thought process always gravitates to what can and will be used by God.
ReplyDeleteIf we know that 'in the end all things glorify God,' our question shouldn't be what we do or do not do/have, but instead how we can use those things to be an effective witness.
Of course i'll agree that some things are inherently destructive, but i 'm curious if God is impartial to using those things either.
For instance:
If i went to a tattoo convention and I was the only one who believed in God, and wanted to share what i believed, would I be more effective in my witness if i came to the "sinful pagan tattoo bearers" with or without a tattoo?
Lions listen to lions.
We can stick to our guns and make the argument that God would provide the confidence to command attention sans-tattoo, or instead we can assume that we don't know how or what God is thinking, and instead submit ourselves to His will for our lives, regardless of the 'rules' set down in the old testament.
If the choice came down to talking to God to see what he thought, or reading the bible to see, I'd ask God every time.
Some thing to think about I guess?
I'm inspired to get another tattoo, religious this time, just so I can join the contest (and thumb my nose at half the commentators here).
ReplyDeleteEr, not the second part. That's actually a sin. :P
Anon, I spend a lot of time talking with people who are convinced that these "evangelical Christians" they hear about in the media are the type of people who spend a lot of time worrying about how long men's hair should be (above the collar of course), whether women should ever wear pants let alone bikinis, whether all tatoos are ungodly or not, and other superficial do's and don'ts that are pretty easy to "master" but which have little to do with the state of someone's heart. One thing I often try to point out to such people is the distinction between fundamentalist and evangelical, and that while there may be a continuum, a lot of what they associate as "evangelical" is really fundamentalism, or very conservative evangelicalism with fundamentalist leanings.
ReplyDeleteThat's just a fact, and at times it can be a helpfully clarifying fact that shows people that walking with God doesn't necessarily have to mean the wacky external-rules-based stuff that they rememer as a kid, or got bombarded with by someone on the internet. At other times it can be divisive among Christians, I agree. I wouldn't urge someone to violate their conscience if they honestly believed getting a tattoo (or wearing shorts or pants or makeup if a woman, or anything else for that matter) was a sin.
My personal opinion is that God probably does not get passionately angry about body art. I think the bible is meant to be a story where we learn more about our God, not a list of rules. So I think whether or not we like tatoos is more of a cultural opinion or viewpoint. I kind of feel like we are using God if we speak for him saying he does or does not like tatoos just because we do or do not like tatoos. It is totally ok to say that you personally really hate tatoos or personally adore them, but I think it is ok to leave it at that.
ReplyDeleteSo how confusing would it be to have Leviticus 19:28 tattooed on your body? I figured since nobody had much to say about this topic, I'd stir things up a bit. :)
ReplyDeleteHucklebuck -
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome. Well done.
Jon
I think most of you guys are missing the real question of this post. In fact, it's a little embarassing to read these comments. Its amazing to see how things just don't change with regard to Christians judging other Christians.
ReplyDeleteDidn't Paul blast Jewish Christians for trying to make the Roman Christians get circumcised? This is the same conversation just 2,000 years later. We still argue over the same dumb things.
Can you smoke and be a Christian? What about drinking? Some will say, yes you can drink beer or wine, but not a margarita. What about being fat? I've seen fairly large people tell others that their body is a temple, so they shouldn't do X, Y or Z. Can you be a Christian and drive an expensive car?
The bottom line is we cannot judge others. (I typed that period with emphasis)
Jon asked an important question about what part of the OT should I follow, not what ammunition can I use from the OT to judge the long haired, pierced, tattooed freak sitting next to me in church with jeans and a t-shirt.
Rock on Jon!
An anonymous person wrote:
ReplyDelete"That's what Leviticus was refering to in verse 19:28: (KJV version of the bible): 'Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.'
I never have a problem with people who got tatoos before knowing Christ.
Once your a believer though can't you use that money for a better/bigger purpose like dig some wells in Africa or buy a tribe a goat. Help someone with that money.
Tats can be very expensive and "what's the point" once you shrivel up? It's floopy and gross."
I will respond in love. In the Leviticus passage, notice the words, "for the dead." Tattooing was a different thing then. People were physically hurting themselves in these weird ritualistic practices in mourning when a loved one died. They were a people living without hope. This is a far fetch from what tattoing is today, it wasn't the tattoo that God didn't like, it was the reason behind it, just like in every other thing like alcohol. God change water to wine, He said that he came eating and drinking and they called Him a drunkard. Alcohol itself clearly is not wrong. What makes a person wrong is their abuse of it.
Next, when I am shriveled up and wrinkly, what do I care f I have old ink on me too. My body will be gross anyway and never will be attractive whether tattooed or not, so that argument doesn't make too much sense, but I do respect your opinion about it, only because we are family in Christ. I do however think that tattoos can be a problem if vanity is involved.
I got my second tattoo of Jesus' face over my heart because, I wanted to have to look down if I were ever in a bad situation with a girl, I would remember who reigns in my life and hopefully kick my fighting spirit up a notch enough to get out of the situation. It worked, alot. My first was an idiotic tattoo, that is not sinful, but to agree with one of the commenter's here, it's awful ugliness was a sin. I got a dragon wrapped around the cross to remind myself that the culture only seems to be in control as it fights against Jesus, the cross wins. I got a tattoo of the words "Objects of Wrath" form Ephesians 2 on my forearm to remind myself of where I was when Christ saved me, and that was on a set of train tracks trying to commit suicide. I think we should all be slow to judge another's actions, especially when beams are sticking out of our own eyes. We should love other regardless of how they look. Jesus did it, why shouldn't we. Love those you disagree with no matter how loud or disrespectful they may be, because our journeys are all different and some move at a different pace.
ReplyDeletemichael from okc, please get that tattoo by July 18th and make sure it's submitted in this contest. I NEED to see that!!!
ReplyDeleteSo I've been thinking of getting a tattoo (and if I don't pass out maybe 2).Actually, my husband wants one too - we've gone through an incredibly difficult time in our lives recently and God rescued us in ways I still can't believe. But, you know, people being people, we tend to forget how God brought us through really awful stuff as soon as we're confronted with a new awful situation. So we want a permanant reminder of God's grace and kindness to us. I tend to think that if this is going to make me think of all God's done for me instead of a current problem, than it is not sin. If it's a tribute to how cool I am or how edgy my church is, I'd debate that it is an outward expression of an inward sin problem. But this way it's close to a traditional 12 stones altar (there's some OT stuff!) or binding the Law on your hands (there's more Judaic customs, hah!) except it isn't as easy to remove and forget ( which let's face it, phylacteries didn't stop some Israelites from idol worship). I hope that when I'm an old lady people will be able to look at me and say - tell me about that. And it will start a real conversation with someone who might not have thought to ask a Christian about Jesus before.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that you can just pick and choose what you want to follow from the Bible. Neat. That's the kind of religion I could buy into!
ReplyDeleteIf getting a tattoo is self-glorifying, and sinful because the person with a tattoo only wants to "look cool", then we should all be like Old-Order Mennonites.
ReplyDeleteFor women, we need to wear the same black dress every day of our lives, black stockings, black shoes, and a bonnet. If you're a man, black pants with suspenders, and a dark blue or white, collared, long sleeve shirt. And a straw hat. (Yes, I know, straw hats are the epitome of awesomeness... but that isn't the point.)
Then we wouldn't, you know, "look cool", and we wouldn't have to worry about being self absorbed and self glorifying and stuff.
Everyone throw away their jeans and graphic tees!!!! It's time to "Not Look Cool for God"!!
Having a 'tatoo' is sinful. Having a 'tattoo' is not. Sheesh.
ReplyDeleteI find it funny that people get so riled up about the topic of tattoos.
ReplyDeleteFor those people that try to argue about defacing the temple, or changing it in anyway...
I have a tattoo.
I have pierced ears.
I wear makeup.
Isn't it all the same? Where do you draw the line. What makes a tattoo different than having pierced ears?
I could say alot more, but there have already been several good points made.
I like this one by Dave:
"Tattoo's cant make me sinful, and they can't make me holy. They are moot in my standing before God."
I think it boils down to just loving and not judging each other. God doesn't need us to be the Holy Spirit for other people.
I want another tattoo soon but haven't decided what I want yet. I'm actually a little jealous that Los got to have his done at LA Ink. Oh wait...jealousy...that's sinful isn't it :)
Jon,
ReplyDeleteGood topic. I'm against...
topic idea... SCL... Just how much can I "get away with" and still be a Christian.
I have been in the church body for a very long time and my biggest concern is this attitude many christians have today about all kinds of behaviors that are okay or not okay. I used to tell my kids, if you have to ask...
The bible isn't real clear about whether or not God approves or disapproves of them - so why would we waste our breath arguing about this?
ReplyDeleteThe greatest thing about God is that He is mysterious - let's not put Him in a box.
Sarah, you're comment is awesome and I had to laugh, as I happen to be married to a Mennonite (he's from what we call the 'mellow' Mennonite group, so we get to wear jeans, graphic t-shirts, drink a beer every now and then and no doilies on the head required. Although the straw hats are pretty cool.) I've even seen a few with tats...but we try to keep them on the farm. ;)
ReplyDelete[begin rant]
ReplyDeleteThis sort of lame argument hinges on our need to check boxes, which (IMHO) comes out of a desire to feel like we're better than others.
God says no tattoos, hey, I don't have a tattoo - cool, I can check the "no tattoos" box! Ooh, look at that guy with the ink. He can't check the box. God thinks I am cooler than him since I have the "no tattoos" box checked!
Or whatever box it is. We like to check the big, obvious boxes (adultery, stealing, alcohol abuse, etc) since most people don't have problems with them - it gives us easy targets to point fingers at.
Greed, deceit, pride, gluttony... we don't talk about those ones as much since they are more common.
By grace (it's a gift)... not works (checking boxes)... so that no one can boast.
[end rant]
I've thought of getting 'Soli Deo Gloria' which means glory to God along tattoed on my foot. As a reminder of the purpose of my life, as a reminder of who i belong too. Imagine having the mark of God on me no matter what? how on earth is that sinful or idolaterous or only bringing attention to me. Its about me bringing attention to God. Its about me forever having a reminder that I serve God-even if dont want to admit it at the time.
ReplyDeleteI have another friend who got bondservant in hebrew on her ankle. within the 1st week of having it, she had at least 3-4 conversations with people who saw it wondering what it meant. She was able to share about how she serves Christ to people who never would've said a word to her.
uh yeah, you try and tell me that that is terrible and sinful-
mmm - I believe that the main point of the new testament was to cover the "Laws" of the old testament.
ReplyDeleteI personally don't like tattoos as cool as I think it would be to have one - I would never get one that people could see because I do think it takes away from the professional look - but that's strictly my opinion. I just met a guy who was a leader on a missions trip with kids from his church. He was a LEADER, he played the synthesizer for the music and was awesome, he was a God fearing young man and had a cross on his left upper arm and a smaller one on his lower arm; an itchus on his upper right arm and smaller one on the lower arm; a cross on the back of his neck extending from his hair line to beneath his tshirt collar and a cross at the base of his neck in the front - like right where a trach would go if you ever needed one. Very different looking but you know what - He was no different than I and probably a stronger christian!!!
Our personal convictions should not become other's convictions.
An evil person *always* asks "where do I draw the line?" as if sin was sin when you crossed over this so-called line. The minute you have to stop and ask yourself "is this is sin?" - hello - that's THE sign that the thing you are debating about in your mind is a sin.
ReplyDeleteThe serpent simply said to Eve "...did God really say..."
The question and struggling in conscience over any issue is a sign of an internal dialogue with ones inclination toward evil. The Holy Spirit leads us into knowledge, but the devil leads us into questioning. Too many questions = sin. Where word abound, sin is not lacking. You have to examine yourself.
It's not cool to question, but it's very cool to obey.
Now, this very much applies to tattoos, but it applies to everything in a bigger way than one issue.
The key you are about to sin is "should I be doing such and such" and the key you just sinned is "see, it's not that bad." But you have to keep having that dialogue for the rest of your life after some sins, at least until you remove the sin.
Some things just aren't worth it. Some things are so petty it's hard to believe people talk about them seriously.
dbonneville -- you said
ReplyDelete"The minute you have to stop and ask yourself "is this is sin?" - hello - that's THE sign that the thing you are debating about in your mind is a sin."
And I think you are wrong to oversimplify it to that degree. There are lots of times and reasons you could ask "is this a sin?" when in fact it is not one. Let's say you grew up around a bunch of legalists who never read Galatians, and they have their whole pharisaical code going on... It would be appropriate to question all of that, instead of just continuing to drink the kool aid.. I'd agree that the mindest of "how far can I go/get away with?" is a big red flag, but I don't think you can make a biblical case for internal questioning always being an indicator of sin.
i cannot believe this is still an issue. i cannot believe we still site an obscure verse to make a practice that we are uncomfortable with anti-biblical as opposed to what it really is; anti-our personal preference. if we cannot allow culture to dictate to us what is right, then why do we allow it to dictate what is wrong?
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking of Romans where Paul says "whatever is not of faith is of sin", and when it occurs to you that you might be sinning. If the response to the red flag is "is this a sin?", the answer is - duh - of course it is. That's the point. The Holy Spirit isn't going to force you to change your mind. He just points out your own doubt. You don't question good deeds like "hmmm....is this a good deed?" I've never heard of that quandry.
ReplyDeleteBut, we do question sins and rationalize them when we are in a disobedient stint. So, when the deed you are about to do triggers the "is this a sin?" flag, it's triggered because it IS a sin or you wouldn't have the flag.
When we are REALLY honest, and walking with God, the "is this a sin?" flag becomes a plain-jane "this IS a sin, now stop it" flag. Right? Let's here an Amen. No more overcomplicating things that are indeed simple. If we get stuck at simple things, how the hell can we deal with issues that are actually complicated?
The internal questioning is bad, not internal reasoning. You can agree that the root of all sin occurs in Genesis, I hope, where the door was opened to death with a simple question. "And she looked and she saw..." and she answered the serpents question poorly by her choice of actions.
At best, "Are tattoos sinful?" is really a question that has nothing to do with tattoos, which makes it an interesting question. "Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself in what he approves." The corollary would be that we are self condemned by approving the things we KNOW are wrong for us, but we give lip service to ourselves that those things "aren't so bad, really."
This is the ancient Christian tradition regarding how the mind works, love it or leave it, and it goes all the way back to Cain..."if you do what is RIGHT, won't your countenance be lifted? But if you do what is WRONG, sin is couching at the door and it wants you..." It DOESN'T EVEN SAY what Cain was doing that was so bad. Get the point? It's about the individual conscience, not legality (see Galatians), and the simplicity of right and wrong for EACH ONE OF INDIVIDUALY. If you disagree, try a different angle or something, because this one is wrapped up. Tat that! Maybe I'll tat this blog post to my leg, because it's so long now.
Grace and Peace to all! Glory to Jesus!! Obey the Lord while yer at it.
Douglas
wow.
ReplyDeletethis all totally bums me out. really truly bums me out.
there are big - real - awful - things going on all over the entire world and some people have time to write sermons to fellow believers about something that is clearly a gray area ...
use that time to do something that fricking matters.
this is all very icky. and to the person who said it is "very important" --- uh. No. it is not. this does not even come close to "very important"
I guess the real question is What makes you holy? If it is following the Law or other religious rules, then you are trusting in your ability, not Christ's, for salvation. However, if holiness is God changing your heart so much that your aren't the same kind of person that you used to be, then the righteous will live by faith probably has you in mind.
ReplyDeletetattoos are inanimate. they couldn't possibly be sinful. people are sinful.
ReplyDeletea tattoo is no more or less sinful than a shirt or makeup. it's the flesh and bones beneath in which the battle rages.
I would have never gotten a tatoo before reading all the comments here, but now I feel lead to have a large, full color tattoo etched right above my plumber's crack. I'm envisioning two, large bears (Far Side variety), standing upright; both yielding bloody hockey sticks. Written across one of the sticks is "2 Kings 2:24"
ReplyDeletemisty,
ReplyDeleteyou totally rock! I'd love to see that tattoo!
@Nathan:
ReplyDelete"if we cannot allow culture to dictate to us what is right, then why do we allow it to dictate what is wrong?"
wow. Bro that it awesome.
"use that time to do something that fricking matters."
ReplyDeletewhy are you reading this post then? did you read the title? 'splain me to that. it's not about tats, and neither is my post. if you read the fricking post actually, what i'm saying does fricking matter. do you talk like that to everyone who fricking reads the fricking bible and tries to apply it, and even more so, tries to frickin share it? get a fricking soft heart, dude.
why should anyone get stick to the head for posting their opinion? or getting a tat? fricking yikes.
is it wrong to use the word fricking too fricking much? i hope this makes it past the the censorship board...
:)
mistymorningmountain,
ReplyDeleteYour comments always make me laugh!
Also: I heart Hucklebuck.
Jon,
This post and comments have gotten my wheels turning about what I believe is right or wrong and WHY. Thanks!
(P.S. I think tattoos are cool.)
At the root of this debate is the question 'Is the Torah [Law] done away with by Jesus?'
ReplyDeleteI'll answer that question with an excerpt from a blog post I wrote about tatoos: [Read the rest at my blog]
This is really, I think, the basis for the world view that tattooing is morally acceptable: belief that the Torah [Law] was done away with by Jesus. I have a few big problems with that teaching. First, Jesus himself says:
"Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to fulfill them. I assure you, until heaven and earth disappear, even the smallest detail of G-d's law will remain until its purpose is achieved. So if you break the smallest commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys G-d's laws and teaches them will be great in the Kingdom of Heaven. But I warn you-unless you obey G-d better than the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees do, you can't enter the Kingdom of Heaven at all!" [Matt 5:18-20, NLT]
John also picks up on this in his three letters: "If someone says, 'I belong to G-d,' but doesn't obey G-d's commandments, that person is a liar and does not live in the truth. But those who obey G-d's word really do love him. That is the way to know whether or not we live in him." [1 John 2:4-5, NLT] Read this chapter; it's consistent throughout. The Greek word for commandments is 'entole' and refers to the Mosaic Law [or Torah, the first five books of the Bible].
Paul is the only one who even remotely seems to preach abolition of Torah, but look what he says in Acts 24:14: "…I worship the G-d of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the books of prophecy." [NLT] 'Jewish law' there is 'nomos' which is the written Word of G-d, which is manifest in the flesh as Jesus [cf. John 1:14].
If Torah is made flesh in the form of Jesus, how is it even conceivable that the physical representation of the Word would contradict or do away with the written representation of the Word?
In the verses before and after Lev. 19:28, a few other things are forbidden:
* Never eat meat that has not been drained of its blood. [cf. Gen 9:4; Lev 3:17; Lev 7:26-27; Lev 17:10-14; Deu 12:16, 23; Deu 15:23]
* Do not practice fortune-telling or witchcraft.
* Do not defile your daughter by making her a prostitute, or the land will be filled with promiscuity and detestable wickedness.
Therefore, since the Law was done away with, it's okay for me to prostitute my daughter, 'cause Jesus is okay with that now. And it's okay for me to be a warlock, 'cause Jesus is okay with that too.
How is that even remotely explainable?
Michael L
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your passion for observing and following the Law. It is obvious that those of us that enjoy SCL are from many different traditions and practices of our Faith in Jesus and some who are not of the Faith. Although we are diverse and hold different opinions, we always should remember that we Christians are Family here and that our love for Jesus must be translated into love for His Bride.
At this point, it seems clear that those still following this discussion are convinced of their positions about tattoos. If those positions will be changed it will be due to the Lord's changing our hearts and minds, not due to selecting passages of Scripture that seem to support one position over another. So, I'm not going to try to convice you with Scriptures addressing freedom and how we are not to judge another man's servant. Nor will I pull out the Law's other requirements that I would speculate most do not follow. Yet, kindly allow me to assert that selectively pointing out the most disgusting, ie. prostitution and sexual immorality, and selectively pointing out the more obscure, ie. purity washings and hair styles, are debating techniques that border on intellecutal dishonesty. In trying to win an argument, we must not lose our integrity.
I can see some validity that perhaps some people abuse the freedom we have in Christ. There are many statistics that could be used to demonstrate the blatant immorality in churches. I could also see that some arguments against a certain practice could be arguments that incorrectly use Scripture as justification. Jon's Switzerland post is a good reminder against those dangers.
Yet, what concerns me is much more important than whether or not tattoos are sinful - I'm concerned more about the nature of salvation. Are you arguing that we are saved or maintain our salvation by observing the Law? I pray you are not. We are not justified by the Law. Romans 3:28, Galatians 2:16 We are saved and remain saved because of what Jesus did - not because of our actions. We should strive to be holy. We shouldn't cast aside God's Holy Law, as though it were yesterday's newspaper. Yet, we should also remember that Jesus did fulfill the Law and He is our Only Source for salvation.
Peace be yours
In the interest of clarity and accuracy, here's the article I mentioned above about the young lady with "tatter's remorse." http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20647003//wid/11915773?GT1=10514
ReplyDeleteI got some of the details right. 8-|
At any rate, hers is an interesting perspective on her own motivation for going under the needle. Her thoughts might be useful in checking your reason d'ink.
it's a good thing salvation isn't decided by us
ReplyDeleteIF we followed all the old testament laws my husband couldn't touch me while I was on my period and people would have to shout UNCLEAN at me when I walked by.
ReplyDeleteI think the reference in Revelation is actually to a part of the robes a levitical priest wore. There was a strip of cloth that ran down one side. I could be wrong here, but I'm pretty sure I'm not.
I'm inked. It's all good. I'm pretty sure my place in heaven is secure.
Let me preface this by saying there are several people whom I love dearly who have tattoos; I've considered getting one myself. However, by God's Grace I won't, because I have been commanded to come out from among the world and be separate. Yes, Jesus Himself hung out with unholy people, and yes He will meet us wherever we are, but He never changed His appearance to be more acceptable to the world. That said, some people have a calling to minister to those who are more receptive to people who look like them. Ultimately I think it's a choice each person has to make based on their own personal relationship with Jesus, and the burdens He has placed upon them.
ReplyDeleteDiverting briefly to respond to the Obama comment -
ReplyDeleteHomosexuality and tattoos are nowhere close to being on the same scale. Tattoos are only condemned in Leviticus. If Americans would read the Bible before making foolish statements about homosexuality, they would know that homosexuality is condemned and described as an abomination in more than just Leviticus. It was one of God's major grievances against Sodom and Gomorrah - BEFORE the Law even existed AND for a people that were most certainly Gentile and wouldn't have been bound by the Law that would come hundreds of years later through Moses - and is also described as an abomination in the beginning of Romans - again, referring not only to Jews, but to all men.
In short: God told the ancient Hebrews not to get tattoos. God has always hated homosexuality, no matter who it was, because He had a better design in mind.
If they are then I'm screwed.
ReplyDelete...meh
Karl- I guess the sarcasm through me off a bit. Sorry for jumping at your comment. I hear what you are saying and I agree 100%.
ReplyDeleteOn woolen underwear--the bible doesn't say that you can't wear cotton or linen, just that you can't wear a blend of wool and linen or wool and cotton, etc. There are all sorts of interpretations of this. My view is not to wear cloth made of a blend of animal and plant fibers. So, I may wear a cotton and linen blend or a silk and wool blend. I wear 100% cotton underwear anyway.
ReplyDeleteThe clipping the sides of your hair bit really only applies to men as is obvious in Orthodox Jewish traditions. You will see men with curled "earlocks", while women must shave their heads every month to get the most out of the Mikvah.
Also, many men with professional jobs, my husband included, wear a long beard. Even short beards are Biblically appropriate.
We all pick and choose the laws to follow. This has always been the way. I don't agree with a "Christian" tattoo. Having a tattoo is one thing, trying to make it better by being Christian themed is nonsensical. Think "I am doing this because I don't believe that law applies to modern Christians" instead of "I'm doing this to show how Christian I am".
Or as a previous commenter said, use the money towards something more meaningful and LIVE the Christian lifestyle.
i'll prbably echo some points made, but i had to give my two cents anyway... i am a tattoo artist. i was called to it by the Lord about 8 years ago. i am a saved, born again, spirit filled Christian and i love Jesus with all my heart, soul and mind. i have had the "are tattoos okay" debate serveral times and this is what it always comes to; peoples souls are what's important. it really is a gray area biblicly. i agree that the leviticus scriputre reference isn't applicable to us today becuause Jesus fullfilled the law which we are no longer under. that's why i can wear cotton-polyester blend shirts and eat shrimp. the real issue is our hearts and are we living in such a way that ushers people into the kingdom? i really don't care what people look like, what they wear, or how they smell. besides, i love art and what better way to appreciate it than wearing it and being able to take it everywhere you go?
ReplyDeletekeith johnson
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=784403184
I'm not sure if anyone else has posted this link yet, but since the Jewish perspective on tattoos has been mentioned, at least in passing, here's a New York Times article about Jews getting tattoos that I found interesting in light of this discussion.
ReplyDeletelets read leviticus in context folks people back then were cutting themselves in praise to others that were not GOD
ReplyDelete"lets read leviticus in context folks people back then were cutting themselves in praise to others that were not GOD"
ReplyDeleteExactly--and God said he did NOT want to be praised that way. Getting a tattoo is just breaking a law--like driving 5mph over the speed limit. Trying to associate religious significance to a tattoo is breaking the Spirit of the law--a much bigger deal as far as I'm concerned.
I love my tattoos!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all: props again for looking at Scripture in context, Jon. You give me hope for all Christian bloggers. (And lots and lots of laughs.)
ReplyDeleteI think that the tat issue is the same as the alcohol issue (and, typically, the same people are on the same sides). If you have a conviction against it, for you it is sin. If you don't, then it's not. The Bible doesn't say tattoos are evil except in the markings for the dead thing. And even that was in Leviticus so it really doesn't apply to anyone now. (You know what I mean.)
As to the person who says that it wasn't the whole "for the dead" part that was the problem, but rather that it was what pagans did, are you telling me that you don't use/wear anything that began with pagans? How about your wedding ring? Your earrings? Did you/your wife wear a veil on your wedding day? Do you celebrate Easter or Christmas on the typical days? Have you taken a look at a calendar lately? Clearly you use the Roman alphabet, since you typed a comment. The original usage of all those things was by pagans.
Just sayin'.
And - yet another story I'm sharing that you didn't ask for, Jon - last year I went on a mission trip to El Salvador with some people from my church. (Just did it again this year, but this story's about last year.) We all left our jewelry at home so we wouldn't have to worry about it. All our literature was pretty bland-looking, and didn't have any images of the cross on it. We got into a discussion with a lady who said her husband told her that Christians believe Jesus is still on the cross. We looked through all our stuff to show her proof that that was untrue. We had nothing. Then our youth pastor remembered the tattoo on his leg: a collage of a few Christian symbols, including - you guessed it - an empty cross. The look of realization on that woman's face when she realized not only did we truly believe Jesus was alive, but we believed it enough to get it permanently engraved on our bodies, was incredible. She didn't confess faith in Christ then, but she was clearly impacted, and had a lot to think about. If John hadn't had that tattoo, would we have been able to truly convey our living hope?
(And no, I don't have a tattoo, but I want one. I just haven't had time to get it this summer because I keep traveling and leaving the country and such.)
"As to the person who says that it wasn't the whole "for the dead" part that was the problem, but rather that it was what pagans did, are you telling me that you don't use/wear anything that began with pagans? How about your wedding ring? Your earrings? Did you/your wife wear a veil on your wedding day? Do you celebrate Easter or Christmas on the typical days? Have you taken a look at a calendar lately? Clearly you use the Roman alphabet, since you typed a comment. The original usage of all those things was by pagans."
ReplyDeleteIf you are refering to me, I think you totally missed my point. It is not doing things that pagans do that I was suggesting was un-Christian. It is worshiping God in a way that pagan gods are worshiped.
As to answer your questions: no on the veil, yes on wedding band. we do family things on Christmas and Easter, but not religious ones. no on earings. The Bible also says that as long as it doesn't break one of God's commandments (like worshiping another god or worshiping God like other gods are worshiped) then it is best to fit into society as best you can--i.e. using the roman alphabet when communicating with others who know only that one.
As for the only image of an empty cross among your group is that of on tattoo--I find that disturbing.
To: Anonymous who wrote on JULY 10, 2008 8:20 PM...
ReplyDeleteYou said..... ""what's the point" once you shrivel up? It's floopy and gross."
Ok. Everyone will shrivel up... and everyone will one day be floppy and gross... with or without tattoos.
Only my shriveled, floppy skin will have a pretty little picture on it:)
kimana83,
ReplyDeletegreat post. thanks!
Can anyone say it is wrong without saying it is a sin to tattoo your body?
ReplyDeleteCan anyone have an opinion without being told they are judging?
It is emotionally immature to yell "You're judging me" when told you are wrong.
Luke 6:37 speaks of judging as in condemning & unforgiveness. The Bible never tells us not to use judgment or not to confront. In fact there are many other scriptures that instruct us to do so.
Leviticus 19:28
" 'Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.
I believe that if we researched the other scriptures in Leviticus we understand their true meaning.
Where the scripture in Leviticus fits in, was the fact that the pagans cut & tattoo their bodies for their gods and for the Jewish people to do the same was wrong.
Again today the pagans (the lost) tattoo their bodies to honor their god, satan. When they get saved these were permanent statements of their faith, that continue to honor satan. Because of Christian love we accepted these converts, tattoos and all. However in accepting them, somehow the practice of tattooing became acceptable, which it is not. It is offensive to many Christians, it associates the ties of a pagan practice and using a Christian symbol for a pagan practice does not make it right and does not glorify God.
This is like the man that brings an adulterous woman that he is having sex with to church to feel better about what they are doing. All the church rejoices when the woman gets “saved and baptized” yet the couple still live in their sinful life. No one tells them they are wrong and need of repentance that she should leave her lover and return to her husband and children.
You can’t dress it up and make it right.
As far as a tattoo being a witnessing tool, it is saying if we become more like the lost we will better reach the lost. What happened to relying on the Holy Spirit to guide us in ministering to the lost? Would the drunk better listen to me if I go into the bar, sit down next to him and order a beer, before witnessing to him? So he can say, "Man I can relate to them because they are just like me"! I have actually been told because I was never a drunk, never did drugs and never been to jail, that I could not effectively minister to those that have. Is it better to rely on experience than the Holy Spirit? My witness is what their life could be like if they choose to follow Jesus, how does following satan witness this? I’m not condemning those that use their past to witness, just don’t glorify your past to witness.
Then we have the issue of Christian parents that are teaching their children not to get tattoos and the teens says, “There’s nothing wrong with it, our youth minister has one and it is a cross”. Does the parent tell them the youth minister is wrong? That it is not glorifying God to tattoo your bodies like those that don’t know HIM? Most do not have the courage or feel they are undermining the youth minister; however isn’t the youth minister undermining their teaching?
Why bring division to the church, by doing things that you know are offensive to many Christians? Then yell, “You’re judging me!” when they are offended.
Out of respect to mature Christians, not to cause a child to stumble, not to do as the pagans do, you should control your desires and not get a tattoo. To those that have a tattoo before knowing your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and those that have tattoos after knowing Jesus there are simple solutions. If you are able, cover it up. “Mr. Rogers dedicated the rest of his life to trying to help lead children on the right path in life. He hid away the tattoos and his past life and won our hearts with his quiet wit and charm.” Is this suffering for the cause of Christ? Or you could have the tattoo removed. What if you made your radical statement by saying, my tattoo is a sign of rebellion, is offensive to the elder, a stumbling block for the young, not a good witness to the lost, so I had it removed to glorify the true and holy God which I give my life and my body to.
As far as those that are overweight, cussing or smoking or anything that does not glorify God, you can also sacrifice your desires for Christ.
Galatians 6:17
ReplyDeleteExcuse me Mo, with the really long comment :)
ReplyDeleteMr. Rogers never had a tattoo in his life. He was a certified minister, in fact. The tattoo story has been going around for years just so people can have something to say about him.
I researched him for a large paper and just felt that I needed to point it out.
(I know this is way off the subject of tattoos.)
As for getting a tat, my personal choice not to get one was simply that I couldn't handle pain, and nearly faint when I need to get a shot.
I'd love to have one if it wasn't painful/involving needles, and I hold no hard feelings against those who have them. :)
Great to see a blog that can be so to-the-point and talk about controversial issues, yet I've read through every single comment and haven't seen the kind of hate you'd find elsewhere.
Romans 14:1 says that we are to accept 'he who is weak in the faith' and not to get caught up in 'disputable matters.' Although this is like so many others an important topic that should be discussed, we don't need some huge international summit of christians to get together and decide if tattoo's are sinful or not. The bottom line is this... our faith is not about how many tattoo's you had before accepting christ, or how many you had removed after, it's about love man... I know I sound like an old hippie, but it's true. This tattoo issue has no effect on Love and the Kingdom of God. You could be covered in tattoo's from head to foot, and Jesus will still look at you and say- "I love you kid.."
ReplyDeleteIt's about Love and the business of the Kingdom, not disputable matters. DCL