Tattoos, yes or no?

[faroukfarouk]

personally, i'm not the most conservative girl on the christian block, and several of my christian friends have chosen to get them, and i see no problem with it.

but i've never felt like i needed (or should) exercise that freedom....
i won't say never, but thus far, it's wrong for me.

PS: Ms just_monica:

It also occurs to me that attempting a blanket 'prohibition' of even small, tasteful faith related tattoo designs among Christians would just be unrealistic, whatever might motivate it. Such an attitude might have been more widespread decades back, but I guess really it would be similar to the somewhat culturally imperialistic notion that Christian women should only be 'allowed' one ear piercing per ear, for example, which today, similarly, would be unrealistic.

2c...

Blessings.

 

[just_monicat]

PS: Ms just_monica:

It also occurs to me that attempting a blanket 'prohibition' of even small, tasteful faith related tattoo designs among Christians would just be unrealistic, whatever might motivate it. Such an attitude might have been more widespread decades back, but I guess really it would be similar to the somewhat culturally imperialistic notion that Christian women should only be 'allowed' one ear piercing per ear, for example, which today, similarly, would be unrealistic.

2c...

Blessings.

i am not beholden to the legalistic or ultra-conservative demands placed upon women (or christians) when it comes to the expression of self in matters of modesty, dress or other aesthetic choices.

considering some of the ways that i've not treated my body very well, i consider my choice to go without tattoos as an expression of acceptance and appreciation for the body God has given me. i don't feel the need to express my faith or communicate with others using my body as a canvas. i can do that quite effectively with my words and actions.

but my decision to not have a tattoo is no more right or wrong than anyone else's choice to do what they think is right for them. : )

and i wouldn't use the word prohibition. who knows? maybe in the future i'll feel differently.

 

[faroukfarouk]

i am not beholden to the legalistic or ultra-conservative demands placed upon women (or christians) when it comes to the expression of self in matters of modesty, dress or other aesthetic choices.

considering some of the ways that i've not treated my body very well, i consider my choice to go without tattoos as an expression of acceptance and appreciation for the body God has given me. i don't feel the need to express my faith or communicate with others using my body as a canvas. i can do that quite effectively with my words and actions.

but my decision to not have a tattoo is no more right or wrong than anyone else's choice to do what they think is right for them. : )

and i wouldn't use the word prohibition. who knows? maybe in the future i'll feel differently.

Ms just_monica: Yes, I wholeheartedly agree that maybe my use of the word prohibition - hypothetically in any case - was somewhat of a misnomer.

And yes I also agree with what you say about not being 'beholden to the legalistic or ultra-conservative demands placed upon women (or christians) when it comes to the expression of self in matters of modesty, dress or other aesthetic choices'; this is an excellent way of putting it. It does a disservice to the testimony particularly when intelligent and professional women are treated in this way.

And I also agree with you strongly about the testimony emphasis being in words and actions. This is exactly so, how it should be.

That being said, do you see that for some Christian men and women the use of maybe even a small area of their skin needled with an effective conversation-starting faith based design is basically legit?

I find it hard to argue against, ultimately, anyway.

Blessings.

 

[just_monicat]

That being said, do you see that for some Christian men and women the use of maybe even a small area of their skin needled with an effective conversation-starting faith based design is basically legit?

I find it hard to argue against, ultimately, anyway.

Blessings.

i wouldn't presume to judge anyone's decision to get a tattoo that they felt was an acceptable choice for them. i have dated several guys with tattoos, and in most cases, found them to be attractive. i have both female and male friends who choose to go with tattoos--several of them are interesting and reflective of who they are and often their faith as well.

as i often say, the Holy spirit doesn't talk to me about what's "permissable" for the others' and so i don't put myself in a position to criticize OR endorse such choices--only that they should enjoy the freedom and grace the bible gives in matters such as these.

 

[Richie_2uk]

Leviticus 19:28
You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.

But the thing is, we are not under law, we are under grace. I would say, its your choice. longs its not demonic and represents any form of evil, then maybe yes it is ok to have a tattoo. As long it not demonic and in view when you go to church. its down to respect then,

 

[faroukfarouk]

i wouldn't presume to judge anyone's decision to get a tattoo that they felt was an acceptable choice for them. i have dated several guys with tattoos, and in most cases, found them to be attractive. i have both female and male friends who choose to go with tattoos--several of them are interesting and reflective of who they are and often their faith as well.

as i often say, the Holy spirit doesn't talk to me about what's "permissable" for the others' and so i don't put myself in a position to criticize OR endorse such choices--only that they should enjoy the freedom and grace the bible gives in matters such as these.

Ms just_monicat: Thanks; sounds anyway like you have in some measure reached the stage of being capable of aesthetically appreciating how some tattoos can be quite vividly expressive of some people's personalities and in some cases of their faith.

I saw a guy with the entire verse John 3.16 on his arm, and I talked to him about it as a result.

As regards the men and women that you know with faith based tattoo designs, do you recall any occasion when your appreciation of the design in question led directly or indirectly to your having a spiritual discussion with the person?

(From a pragmatic point of view, at any rate, their effectiveness in achieving this would be significant in some Christians' view, at least.)

Blessings.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Leviticus 19:28
You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.

But the thing is, we are not under law, we are under grace. I would say, its your choice. longs its not demonic and represents any form of evil, then maybe yes it is ok to have a tattoo. As long it not demonic and in view when you go to church. its down to respect then,

While some tattoos should be covered, depending on what they are, I'm not sure how realistic - especially in warm climates - it would be to insist always on someone wearing pants (if it's a woman) or long sleeves.

 

[faroukfarouk]

..who knows? maybe in the future i'll feel differently.

PS:

monica: I'm not suggesting that you should feel differently in the future. (But never say never...)

Blessings.

 

[wisebeardman]

not a fan of them.

 

[biscuit]

[h=1]What does the Bible say about tattoos / body piercings?[/h][HR][/HR][TABLE="align: center"]
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Question: "What does the Bible say about tattoos / body piercings?"

Answer: The Old Testament law commanded the Israelites, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:28). So, even though believers today are not under the Old Testament law (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:23-25; Ephesians 2:15), the fact that there was a command against tattoos should raise some questions. The New Testament does not say anything about whether or not a believer should get a tattoo.

In relation to tattoos and body piercings, a good test is to determine whether we can honestly, in good conscience, ask God to bless and use that particular activity for His own good purposes. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). The New Testament does not command against tattoos or body piercings, but it also does not give us any reason to believe God would have us get tattoos or body piercings.

An important scriptural principle on issues the Bible does not specifically address is if there is room for doubt whether it pleases God, then it is best not to engage in that activity. Romans 14:23 reminds us that anything that does not come from faith is sin. We need to remember that our bodies, as well as our souls, have been redeemed and belong to God. Although 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 does not directly apply to tattoos or body piercings, it does give us a principle: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” This great truth should have a real bearing on what we do and where we go with our bodies. If our bodies belong to God, we should make sure we have His clear “permission” before we “mark them up” with tattoos or body piercings.

Recommended Resources: How to Make Choices You Won't Regret by Arthur, Lawson, & Lawson and Logos Bible Software​

 

[faroukfarouk]

What does the Bible say about tattoos / body piercings?

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Question: "What does the Bible say about tattoos / body piercings?"

Answer: The Old Testament law commanded the Israelites, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:28). So, even though believers today are not under the Old Testament law (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:23-25; Ephesians 2:15), the fact that there was a command against tattoos should raise some questions. The New Testament does not say anything about whether or not a believer should get a tattoo.

In relation to tattoos and body piercings, a good test is to determine whether we can honestly, in good conscience, ask God to bless and use that particular activity for His own good purposes. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). The New Testament does not command against tattoos or body piercings, but it also does not give us any reason to believe God would have us get tattoos or body piercings.

An important scriptural principle on issues the Bible does not specifically address is if there is room for doubt whether it pleases God, then it is best not to engage in that activity. Romans 14:23 reminds us that anything that does not come from faith is sin. We need to remember that our bodies, as well as our souls, have been redeemed and belong to God. Although 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 does not directly apply to tattoos or body piercings, it does give us a principle: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” This great truth should have a real bearing on what we do and where we go with our bodies. If our bodies belong to God, we should make sure we have His clear “permission” before we “mark them up” with tattoos or body piercings.

Recommended Resources: How to Make Choices You Won't Regret by Arthur, Lawson, & Lawson and Logos Bible Software​

...and what about Ezekiel 16.12, where the Lord Himself gives Zion earrings and a nose ring? can we conclude that piercing is inherently wrong, and that what Ezekiel 16.12 says is out of harmony with Leviticus 19? No, we cannot.

...and what about Isaiah 49.16: "I have graven thee upon the palms of my hand" (Amplified Bible: graven, tattooed). Can we conclude that the Lord was supposedly wrong to do this? Of course not.

1 Corinthians 10.31 indeed says, do all to the glory of God. One does not have to identify personally with this, but if a young Christian honestly wanted a faith based tattoo design which s/he was going to use in witness, to be to the glory of God, one would want to respect his intention, whether or not other Christians would act in the same way.

Blessings.

 

[theneko]

this topic has appeared alot of late, question your motives before god and follow the answer

I have one myself with plans to get more.

 

[faroukfarouk]

this topic has appeared alot of late, question your motives before god and follow the answer

I have one myself with plans to get more.

Hi there. Is it faith based in design, maybe?

 

[theneko]

the one I have now, not realy at least most wouldnt think so, I plan to get a lion next which kinda is. However I do not plan to overtly use tattoos or indeed my body as testimony.

 

[faroukfarouk]

the one I have now, not realy at least most wouldnt think so, I plan to get a lion next which kinda is. However I do not plan to overtly use tattoos or indeed my body as testimony.

I guess it could be asked whether there is something about your design that could be made a talking point about your convictions.

 

[theneko]

I testify by my treatment of others, my tattoo(s) is/are a statment for my self.

 

[Toska]

While some tattoos should be covered, depending on what they are, I'm not sure how realistic - especially in warm climates - it would be to insist always on someone wearing pants (if it's a woman) or long sleeves.

I put a lot of thought into my tattoos and they each have very special meaning to me. I did not get them to keep them covered up all the time. I have 3 and none of them contain anything offensive....except for the people who are just offended by a person with a tattoo. I could cover them all if I wanted to but, I don't. I am not ashamed of them and I am one of those people who have no regrets about my tats.

 

[blue_ladybug]

Mckerracher, I dont understand the point of tattoos. They mark up your body, their EXPENSIVE, and they will just rot off your body after your dead!! Waste of time and money, I say. :/ Read Leviticus 19:28.

 

[blue_ladybug]

Leviticus 19:28 refers to ALL marking/ cutting of the body, not just modern day tattoos. And how exactly are old day tattoos different from the ones today?? Still applies today.

 

[faroukfarouk]

I put a lot of thought into my tattoos and they each have very special meaning to me. I did not get them to keep them covered up all the time. I have 3 and none of them contain anything offensive....except for the people who are just offended by a person with a tattoo. I could cover them all if I wanted to but, I don't. I am not ashamed of them and I am one of those people who have no regrets about my tats.

Toska:

So as a tattooed woman with no regrets, it makes sense that you may well prove to be an ideal person to wear a faith based design also that may be a testimony that you will be glad to talk about with others.

Blessings.