Tattoo taboo?

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FAITHFULGILLIAN

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I was thinking of a small, discreet tattoo in the image of a dove, out of sight, on my back. I couldn't make my mind up if making a permanent alteration to the body God has given me is a wrong thing to do. I certainly would not undergo cosmetic surgery for that same reason. As it happens, my mum has said that while I live under her roof, it ain't gonna happen. So it is a hypothetical but I still can't resolve it in my head. Any thoughts?
 
I don't think it is anymore taboo that ears pierced. But I have yet to see a tatoo I think looks good. A friend of mine got one on her hip many years ago. Thanks to age and gravity, it is down her butt now.
 
You would have it for the rest of your life. You may think it's a good idea now, but what about 10 years from now? You're 18...how many things that you wanted when you were 8 do you still want now?

A lot of people with old tattoos claim they still like them, but only to make themselves feel better.
 
I have a few....but I specifically didn't get them when I was younger because I know that at some point between being a youth and an adult with some years under her belt my tastes might change. As it happens, they haven't really.....but at least having given myself some time and waiting til I was nearly 30 I am more sure of my decision. Also, by the time you get to this age you can clearly see which bits are heading south and which are the prime real estate. upper back? fairly safe.....extremities that are less prone to being fatty, like below the knees? pretty safe..... avoid fine detail because over the years that is more likely to ''bleed'' under the skin so the lines aren't as clear. Just use your noggin. But first things first, I'd wait a few years at least...
 
FAITHFULGILLIAN said:
I was thinking of a small, discreet tattoo in the image of a dove, out of sight, on my back. I couldn't make my mind up if making a permanent alteration to the body God has given me is a wrong thing to do. I certainly would not undergo cosmetic surgery for that same reason. As it happens, my mum has said that while I live under her roof, it ain't gonna happen. So it is a hypothetical but I still can't resolve it in my head. Any thoughts?
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Obey your mom.
 
Well, in general, nothing wrong with tat's. I have two and would like a couple more.
But, for a personal opinion, i don't care for tat's on women. Tat's look masculine to me, even 'girlie' tat's.
The key to getting tat's is take time to think about what you want. Figure out what you want, how big, color or black and white, and all the details. Research tattoo parlors and make sure to find one with a good reputation. This way you not only get a good tat, but don't have to worry about how clean the place is. Make an appointment, don't be a 'walk in'. So just don't get in a hurry. When i was 18 i got in a hurry, picked a place out of the phone book, and drove over. He was in a hurry, since i was a walk in, and he didn't do a good job. And because i was rushed, i didn't make all the right choices, either.

Far as the issue with your mother, its tricky. You're technically 18, an adult, but at the same time you are under her roof and this is apparently important to her.

Also, keep in mind tat's aren't cheap. Even small ones cost more than you may expect. If they start the tat and within a few seconds they change their mind, they will still charge you. Could be $50, or more even if you don't finish. The back is a difficult area to sit through, so be positive you can handle it.
 
FAITHFULGILLIAN said:
That's a given. I was really asking whether even if I were allowed, if a tattoo is okay from a Christian perspective
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In this situation one should consider biblical principles on the believer's conduct in the world: Romans 12:1-2, 1 Thess 5:22, 1 Tim 4:12, and 1 John 2:15-17. The world tends to tattoo themselves however God's elects are in this world but not of it as such biblical separation should be adhered to by those who claim to be followers of Him. Also, believers are living witnesses of Christ so we shouldn't do anything that could tarnish our testimony to the lost. It's an issue of personal holiness. Secondly, much stigma has been attached to tattoos and body modifications; they project a rebellious and unprofessional image that's why certain organisations don't allow them to be visible so as a believer, ask yourself if this is something you want to be associated with. Finally, the bible speaks against vanity thus instead of trying to draw attention to oneself by looks, focus on expressing inner beauty which the ornament of meekness, modesty, and sobriety. It's ultimately your decision to make but think about possible repercussions. :)

This video provides a biblical perspective on tattoos and I highly recommend watching it:

[video=youtube;icqpA_COJeM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icqpA_COJeM[/video]
 
Tat's aren't vanity. It's expression. Well, for some. Just like anything you have various types. But to label everyone who gets a tat as being vain, is a blanket mentality that never applies to people.
Tat's don't tarnish our reputations to all unbelievers, either. Some it may, but sometimes it helps you connect with an unbeliever. To view the world as everyone is some 'professional' type, or that those are the only ones that need to be reached is to remove a lot of unsaved from being witnessed to.
The reality is, some people will think poorly of it, but some others won't care, or it may even help you in your witness. To make a blanket statement that it will ruin your witness is false. These are all subjective opinions based on a certain 'demographic' and they do not apply to all people.
 
I've always wanted a tattoo. I see no problem with them, unless you get it on your face. I hate when people do that!

I keep talking myself out of getting one because of the expense. The one I've decided on (er, if I ever get around to it...) is about the size of a dime, and I haven't found any reputable place that will do it for less than $75.

Anyhow...it's probably good for you to wait a couple years more, anyway, just so you can be more sure of what you really want. Not that I'm opposed to spontaneous, life-changing decisions....

Wait, wait, yes I am. I am. Yes.

...this has been entirely unhelpful, hasn't it? Listen to Ugly. Haha.
 
On the contrary, your contribution has been most helpful. It has confirmed just how confusing this topic is.
 
Oh please hear me out, please do not do it. I foolishly got a tattoo as an unsaved 18 year old, and since being saved a few years ago it is a haunting reminder of something I am ashamed of greatly. I repent again and again about it, please do not do it, if your saved youll be chastened by GOD for it. As a christian we are not to be like the world, and not learn the ways of the heathen. Please hear me, I have to warn you, because I know what will happen, it will absolutely 100 percent come back to haunt you. I love you enough to tell you the truth. Just please take a look at heretic Todd Bentley who after he claims to have been saved still kept getting tattoos without any chastening. As a watchman I have done my duty in warning, it grieves me just to think about. Yours in CHRIST.
 
And here is what the LORD JESUS says about it and why my previous warning to you will come true shortly after getting a tattoo - LEVITICUS 19 verse 28 - Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you, I am the LORD - If your saved please think on these warnings from GOD. JESUS loves you !!!!!
 
FAITHFULGILLIAN said:
That's a given. I was really asking whether even if I were allowed, if a tattoo is okay from a Christian perspective
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1 Corinthians 10:23[ The Believer’s Freedom ] “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.

So you decide what is right, now consider waht Mom said and give her consideration, even though you are 18 you are not on your own, so for me out of lovefor her because of Christ I would not get one.
Now when yuo are out on your own supportin self by God's ability decide you are free to, just consider again whether it is good for you or not good, this is your freedom, yet out of condsideration for others by the Love of God, ask God in your own heart and you will make the right descision, because God just love you Sister, and wants you to think about the long run of things rather than just what you think you want at the moment. there are a lot of here that did what we think we wanted at the moment and feel into many traps from this mentality. So we are glad you asked Sister
Hope to have helped to think about others and how whatever you do can effect them first before doing something out of spite that we all have done at some point in our lifes here on earth
 
KJVBIBLECATOWNER said:
And here is what the LORD JESUS says about it and why my previous warning to you will come true shortly after getting a tattoo - LEVITICUS 19 verse 28 - Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you, I am the LORD - If your saved please think on these warnings from GOD. JESUS loves you !!!!!
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This verse? Leviticus 19:27-28I forbid you to shave any part of your head or beard or to cut and tattoo yourself as a way of worshiping the dead.

So if tattoos are a sin, I am a sinner for trimming my beard and shaving my head?

I'm pretty sure that verse was taken out of context.
 
KJVBIBLECATOWNER said:
And here is what the LORD JESUS says about it and why my previous warning to you will come true shortly after getting a tattoo - LEVITICUS 19 verse 28 - Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you, I am the LORD - If your saved please think on these warnings from GOD. JESUS loves you !!!!!
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if u watch the vid that bible verse is in the old testimony.
and the guy belives they are not refering to tattoos now a days but ones in that time people would have there idiol gods put on there bodys and leviticus also talks about alot of stuff that we dont do, so dont pick it out just coz it talks about cutting body. he was good at explaining about respecting our bodys, and weather if we got a tattoo does it make us look like a godly child, are people going to think of us diffrently, and exspense, weather we should be sending money on that sort of thing.
i have tattoos but they are on my torso i am able to cover up. there are of things that happend in my life that i wanted to print myself with, i dont regret them at the mo, but once u get one tat, u want more and its something i offten think about, what could i have next, but now i know there is nothing i want on my body that would respect god. so its a bit of a battle with myself.
a dove sounds nice but it says in the bible to respect u mother and father till ur married, if ur mum does not want u to have one while ur under her roof, whats the harm in waiting, when u move out and u still have spear money and want it, its up to u. id wait till u have ur own place, and see if u stll want it then.

hope that helps faithfulgillian x
 
ukkez said:
if u watch the vid that bible verse is in the old testimony.
and the guy belives they are not refering to tattoos now a days but ones in that time people would have there idiol gods put on there bodys and leviticus also talks about alot of stuff that we dont do, so dont pick it out just coz it talks about cutting body. he was good at explaining about respecting our bodys, and weather if we got a tattoo does it make us look like a godly child, are people going to think of us diffrently, and exspense, weather we should be sending money on that sort of thing.
i have tattoos but they are on my torso i am able to cover up. there are of things that happend in my life that i wanted to print myself with, i dont regret them at the mo, but once u get one tat, u want more and its something i offten think about, what could i have next, but now i know there is nothing i want on my body that would respect god. so its a bit of a battle with myself.
a dove sounds nice but it says in the bible to respect u mother and father till ur married, if ur mum does not want u to have one while ur under her roof, whats the harm in waiting, when u move out and u still have spear money and want it, its up to u. id wait till u have ur own place, and see if u stll want it then.

hope that helps faithfulgillian x
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Thanks for your thoughts. I am still rather conflicted too. But I do obey my parents in all things, so it definitely ain't happening!
 
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