Is Being Against Tatoos the Law?

[farouk]

For what it's worth, I voted yes. I think it should be cautiously approached, however.

You voted "yes" that Christians should have tattoos? Respectfully, I will choose to absent myself of this opinion and will refrain from getting a tat. Not trying to say that your opinion doesn't matter, but only that it does not matter, as it applies to me.

Just by the way, I know that is not what you meant. Just as you know that I can rightly be called a member of a stiff-necked, and stubborn people. I prefer the term, 'peculiar', and do indeed love to give regard (but not pin my hopes on) the Law.

The poll was badly worded with not the correct options. What my vote means, is that I believe Christians can get tattoos. I don't believe they should, as in they have to. It's a personal choice, IMO.

[MENTION=8274]Nick[/MENTION]: Well, yes.

Blessings.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

LOL looks like we're once again beating the dead horse!

For what it's worth, I voted yes. I think it should be cautiously approached, however.

Some of us want to make sure the dead horse stays on the side of 'don't get them--for the purpose of maintaining good Christian witness to the pagans'.

Well just so you know, it's a cultural thing. Where I live, I don't know anyone who associates tattoos with pagan rituals.

As I have said in the other tattoo threads, their origins are becoming more and more obscured by their acceptance and use by the general public. A public largely insulated from their history.

But, I also point out they are still very, very much a vehicle through which pagans worship the gods of rebellion and pride and sensuality. They are still very much the mainstay of the dark underworld of pagan pride and sensuality, and even gaining in that regard. I challenge anyone to prove me wrong.

They have no godly root or origin to justify their use in the church. In fact, the exact opposite is true. The point being, this isn't just something that popped up in life and now we have to figure out how to deal with it in Christianity. God let his people know what to do with the practice a long, long time ago.

 

[Ryan]

Let's back up for a sec and maybe you can understand my argument

So does that mean I can still drink coffee?
How about cigarettes?

Yes, as long as it has the K for Kosher brand coffee and cigarettes. Drink and smoke to your heart's content. ;)

Lol, I'll laugh with you even though you seem to be making fun of me.

No no no, no fun being poked your way. All in good fun.

This and your smoking thread has made me do some serious self reflection. As a witness tool, I am going to start up my own tobacco company called Holy Smokes. I am going to have different verses on the packets, and have 2 word phrases on each cigarette such as: Jesus Saves or Jesus Lives while I am shortening my life span by approximately 5 minutes each smoke. Great witnessing opportunities will arise as I will be around other people outside during breaks, and the opportunity to lend an unbeliever a smoke that says Jesus Saves are limitless.

Witnessing and entrepreneurial possibilities are limitless.

 

[farouk]

No no no, no fun being poked your way. All in good fun.

This and your smoking thread has made me do some serious self reflection. As a witness tool, I am going to start up my own tobacco company called Holy Smokes. I am going to have different verses on the packets, and have 2 word phrases on each cigarette such as: Jesus Saves or Jesus Lives while I am shortening my life span by approximately 5 minutes each smoke. Great witnessing opportunities will arise as I will be around other people outside during breaks, and the opportunity to lend an unbeliever a smoke that says Jesus Saves are limitless.

Witnessing and entrepreneurial possibilities are limitless.

[MENTION=91415]Ryan[/MENTION]:

I reckon that plenty of tattooed Californians are opposed to smoking...

Apples and oranges, I guess...

Blessings.

 

[Ryan]

No no no, no fun being poked your way. All in good fun.

This and your smoking thread has made me do some serious self reflection. As a witness tool, I am going to start up my own tobacco company called Holy Smokes. I am going to have different verses on the packets, and have 2 word phrases on each cigarette such as: Jesus Saves or Jesus Lives while I am shortening my life span by approximately 5 minutes each smoke. Great witnessing opportunities will arise as I will be around other people outside during breaks, and the opportunity to lend an unbeliever a smoke that says Jesus Saves are limitless.

Witnessing and entrepreneurial possibilities are limitless.

[MENTION=91415]Ryan[/MENTION]:

I reckon that plenty of tattooed Californians are opposed to smoking...

Apples and oranges, I guess...

Blessings.

Huh??? unno

 

[farouk]

No no no, no fun being poked your way. All in good fun.

This and your smoking thread has made me do some serious self reflection. As a witness tool, I am going to start up my own tobacco company called Holy Smokes. I am going to have different verses on the packets, and have 2 word phrases on each cigarette such as: Jesus Saves or Jesus Lives while I am shortening my life span by approximately 5 minutes each smoke. Great witnessing opportunities will arise as I will be around other people outside during breaks, and the opportunity to lend an unbeliever a smoke that says Jesus Saves are limitless.

Witnessing and entrepreneurial possibilities are limitless.

[MENTION=91415]Ryan[/MENTION]:

I reckon that plenty of tattooed Californians are opposed to smoking...

Apples and oranges, I guess...

Blessings.

Huh??? unno

[MENTION=91415]Ryan[/MENTION]:

I thought you were equating getting tattooed with smoking, that's all...

Blessings.

 

[farouk]

Well just so you know, it's a cultural thing. Where I live, I don't know anyone who associates tattoos with pagan rituals.

[MENTION=8274]Nick[/MENTION]: In North America it's, like you say, a cultural custom that a lot of people have done. Especially at age 18. I'll guess that the practice cuts right across religious/pagan convictions and associations.

Mind you, a person with particular values, whatever they may be, might well choose a design that in some way reflects their deeper beliefs.

Blessings.

 

[Ryan]

No no no, no fun being poked your way. All in good fun.

This and your smoking thread has made me do some serious self reflection. As a witness tool, I am going to start up my own tobacco company called Holy Smokes. I am going to have different verses on the packets, and have 2 word phrases on each cigarette such as: Jesus Saves or Jesus Lives while I am shortening my life span by approximately 5 minutes each smoke. Great witnessing opportunities will arise as I will be around other people outside during breaks, and the opportunity to lend an unbeliever a smoke that says Jesus Saves are limitless.

Witnessing and entrepreneurial possibilities are limitless.

@Ryan :

I reckon that plenty of tattooed Californians are opposed to smoking...

Apples and oranges, I guess...

Blessings.

Huh??? unno

@Ryan :

I thought you were equating getting tattooed with smoking, that's all...

Blessings.

I guess I was. Both are not profitable to a believer no matter how hard we try to inject Jesus into the message. Think about it, pull out a Holy Smokes cigarette and pass them around till the kingdom comes. I am only thinking of witnessing opportunities with smoking as I know you are thinking the same with tattoos.

 

[farouk]

Huh??? unno

@Ryan :

I thought you were equating getting tattooed with smoking, that's all...

Blessings.

I guess I was. Both are not profitable to a believer no matter how hard we try to inject Jesus into the message. Think about it, pull out a Holy Smokes cigarette and pass them around till the kingdom comes. I am only thinking of witnessing opportunities with smoking as I know you are thinking the same with tattoos.

@Ryan :

Actually I never heard of Holy Smokes before...

Blessings.

 

[Ryan]

Huh??? unno

@Ryan :

I thought you were equating getting tattooed with smoking, that's all...

Blessings.

I guess I was. Both are not profitable to a believer no matter how hard we try to inject Jesus into the message. Think about it, pull out a Holy Smokes cigarette and pass them around till the kingdom comes. I am only thinking of witnessing opportunities with smoking as I know you are thinking the same with tattoos.

@Ryan :

Actually I never heard of Holy Smokes before...

Blessings.

In the R & D stage. Looking for investors. Anyone?

 

[farouk]

I guess I was. Both are not profitable to a believer no matter how hard we try to inject Jesus into the message. Think about it, pull out a Holy Smokes cigarette and pass them around till the kingdom comes. I am only thinking of witnessing opportunities with smoking as I know you are thinking the same with tattoos.

@Ryan :

Actually I never heard of Holy Smokes before...

Blessings.

In the R & D stage. Looking for investors. Anyone?

@Ryan : You mean I can also tout for investors in a Christian tattoo parlor?

This is what another poster @mygraine said:

The area in which I live, >16000 people, has five tattoo shops. Of the five, three are owned by women, of those three, two are owned and operated by Christians. So the thought of Christian women with tattoos is just how it is. My wife is no longer intimidated by the whole dark alley tat shop scene. When the artist is a Christian woman, it makes it more accessible for other Christian women. ..
My wife had tatts before Christ.. She states that she prefers the idea of an artist with a set of morals similar to our own. We are friends with two female tattoo artists .. For my wife it seems to come down to the money, she may get more later, as the finances become available.

Actually I don't say that people ought to go get a tattoo. It's just out there, big time, and many Christians have it done, too, including for faith related designs.

Blessings.

 

[Nick]

LOL looks like we're once again beating the dead horse!

For what it's worth, I voted yes. I think it should be cautiously approached, however.

Some of us want to make sure the dead horse stays on the side of 'don't get them--for the purpose of maintaining good Christian witness to the pagans'.

Well just so you know, it's a cultural thing. Where I live, I don't know anyone who associates tattoos with pagan rituals.

As I have said in the other tattoo threads, their origins are becoming more and more obscured by their acceptance and use by the general public. A public largely insulated from their history.

But, I also point out they are still very, very much a vehicle through which pagans worship the gods of rebellion and pride and sensuality. They are still very much the mainstay of the dark underworld of pagan pride and sensuality, and even gaining in that regard. I challenge anyone to prove me wrong.

They have no godly root or origin to justify their use in the church. In fact, the exact opposite is true. The point being, this isn't just something that popped up in life and now we have to figure out how to deal with it in Christianity. God let his people know what to do with the practice a long, long time ago.

I don't disagree that they are used in pagain rituals. But my point is this: before I came across people saying that on online forums, I had no idea, and I believe most people where I live would be the same as me. Perhaps in the US, all that pagan stuff is quite prevalent, but not here.

I think we're gonna disagree on this, but I don't believe the Bible outright condemns tattoos. So therefore, it is a matter of one's convictions by the Spirit, plus considerations on what effect it will have on the Body around them, and as a wittiness to non believers.

I think we have similar ideas, but because we live in two different cultures, the implications are going to be different.

---

As a side note, my 18 year old brother is getting a tattoo today, in fact he'll be in there having it done as I type this. He's getting "Family" tattooed across his back, because that's what matters most to him. Not bad, I reckon.

 

[farouk]

I don't disagree that they are used in pagain rituals. But my point is this: before I came across people saying that on online forums, I had no idea, and I believe most people where I live would be the same as me. Perhaps in the US, all that pagan stuff is quite prevalent, but not here.

I think we're gonna disagree on this, but I don't believe the Bible outright condemns tattoos. So therefore, it is a matter of one's convictions by the Spirit, plus considerations on what effect it will have on the Body around them, and as a wittiness to non believers.

I think we have similar ideas, but because we live in two different cultures, the implications are going to be different.

---

As a side note, my 18 year old brother is getting a tattoo today, in fact he'll be in there having it done as I type this. He's getting "Family" tattooed across his back, because that's what matters most to him. Not bad, I reckon.

[MENTION=8274]Nick[/MENTION]: So is your brother kind of doing it as a rite of passage near his 18th b-day? I guess it often happens this way because even if minors can get tattooed with parental permission in some jurisdictions, yet at 18 the parental permission is no longer needed.

So is he the first in your family to go under the inking needle, maybe?

Blessings.

 

[Nick]

I don't disagree that they are used in pagain rituals. But my point is this: before I came across people saying that on online forums, I had no idea, and I believe most people where I live would be the same as me. Perhaps in the US, all that pagan stuff is quite prevalent, but not here.

I think we're gonna disagree on this, but I don't believe the Bible outright condemns tattoos. So therefore, it is a matter of one's convictions by the Spirit, plus considerations on what effect it will have on the Body around them, and as a wittiness to non believers.

I think we have similar ideas, but because we live in two different cultures, the implications are going to be different.

---

As a side note, my 18 year old brother is getting a tattoo today, in fact he'll be in there having it done as I type this. He's getting "Family" tattooed across his back, because that's what matters most to him. Not bad, I reckon.

[MENTION=8274]Nick[/MENTION]: So is your brother kind of doing it as a rite of passage near his 18th b-day? I guess it often happens this way because even if minors can get tattooed with parental permission in some jurisdictions, yet at 18 the parental permission is no longer needed.

So is he the first in your family to go under the inking needle, maybe?

Blessings.

Yeah, he recently turned 18 and it's something he's always wanted to do. I think most of the reason is that he sees it as 'cool' and a rite of passage.

I know around here you need to be 18, I'm not sure if you can do it before then even with parents' permission. They're pretty strict with things like alcohol and underage drinking around here.

 

[Sparkey]

I think we're gonna disagree on this, but I don't believe the Bible outright condemns tattoos. So therefore, it is a matter of one's convictions by the Spirit, plus considerations on what effect it will have on the Body around them, and as a wittiness to non believers.

The conscience of our brothers:
A man consulted a doctor. “I’ve been misbehaving, Doc, and my conscience is troubling me,” he complained.

“And you want something that will strengthen your willpower?” asked the doctor.

“Well, no,” said the fellow. “I was thinking of something that would weaken my conscience.”

What's the prescription for this amusing anecdote? Would it be a healthy dose of Romans 14?
Paul’s prescription in this chapter is far from that sought by the fellow just mentioned. He does not praise the overly sensitive conscience of the weak, nor does he condemn it. He accepts Christians where they are in their walk of faith and pleads with us to do the same. It's a chapter about the relationship between the strong and the weak.

Some may come and say, "But where did Paul speak about tattoos." To them, I would reply in my best Hervé Villechaize voice, "It's so plane, boss. It's so plain." (Fantasy Island TV Series).

Nick, I do understand what you're saying about cultural difference. I'm not there and am very willing to take your word for it. I know you call it as you see it. I've actually relaxed my position because of what you mention being seen here in the States too. Change is a fine line to walk. Getting stuck in the mud is too often more than a stereotype for those my age.

If the principle that is spoken of in Rom 14 considering our brothers does not directly apply to tattoos (as much as it once did)? It does not take much imagination to think of a dozen or more things it does apply to. Tats are a reasonable opportunity to teach principle vs. legalism.

Not going too far off the deep end, I hope, but what about stilettos or cross-dressing or wearing all leather, letting one's beard grow and riding Harley's (in a gang) or wearing all black clothing or other things that I know little about but may readily signify group affiliation? Looking like a blood or a crip? Or for that matter, like a skinhead, or a momma-bear or any of the other groups that can be seen readily on any campus? I've seen pseudo-intellectuals, LGBT, anarchists and have even seen Christians. I identified the Christians by their look and the fact that they openly sang praises to God on campus. I was a little taken aback when 2 of their group "laid hands" on one of the campus buildings and prayed over it, but who am I to judge? I just asked, "May I ask what you're doing?" and they told me. Seriously. I've also spotted jailbirds and 420 friendlies. It's an easy task to acquire an "eye" for it. OOPS, I almost forgot the foreign exchange students and their flair for dressing and identity. Some you don't have to see but can tell from the sound their shoes make as they walk.

In many cases, tattoos are a way to place protective or therapeutic symbols permanently on the body.

What I'm trying to say, and maybe not saying it well, is that it is good to consider God in all things. As far as I know, any one of the people that I mentioned could be a believer. Without talking and going only by what is seen by the eye? How could I know? And if they are not? They could be fertile soil. Should I stomp when the Lord does not tell me to? I would think no. But and yet, we are indeed instructed to not judge by the eye, nor by the ear, but to make righteous judgments. Only way to do this is by the Spirit of God. I know of no other way.

So if I am strong and know that idols are not my concern because they are not alive but dead and and if I am tolerant and willing to speak to many in all kinds of groups, (to become all things to all people) would it be good for me to consider the weaker brother and to ensure that my liberty does not a stumbling block make? Some are servants, that's good. Some are friends of the master of the house and that's better. What is the cost of friendship? Of brotherhood?

 

[Nick]

I think we're gonna disagree on this, but I don't believe the Bible outright condemns tattoos. So therefore, it is a matter of one's convictions by the Spirit, plus considerations on what effect it will have on the Body around them, and as a wittiness to non believers.

The conscience of our brothers:
A man consulted a doctor. “I’ve been misbehaving, Doc, and my conscience is troubling me,” he complained.

“And you want something that will strengthen your willpower?” asked the doctor.

“Well, no,” said the fellow. “I was thinking of something that would weaken my conscience.â€

What's the prescription for this amusing anecdote? Would it be a healthy dose of Romans 14?
Paul’s prescription in this chapter is far from that sought by the fellow just mentioned. He does not praise the overly sensitive conscience of the weak, nor does he condemn it. He accepts Christians where they are in their walk of faith and pleads with us to do the same.

Oh, I agree - we are to be conscious of where others are in their walk. Some of my posts in the swim suits thread in CT&A come in mind here.

 

[farouk]

Yeah, he recently turned 18 and it's something he's always wanted to do. I think most of the reason is that he sees it as 'cool' and a rite of passage.

I know around here you need to be 18, I'm not sure if you can do it before then even with parents' permission. They're pretty strict with things like alcohol and underage drinking around here.

[MENTION=8274]Nick[/MENTION]:

So have you seen his new ink yet? the first in your family to have it done, maybe?

Blessings.

 

[Nick]

Yeah, he recently turned 18 and it's something he's always wanted to do. I think most of the reason is that he sees it as 'cool' and a rite of passage.

I know around here you need to be 18, I'm not sure if you can do it before then even with parents' permission. They're pretty strict with things like alcohol and underage drinking around here.

[MENTION=8274]Nick[/MENTION]:

So have you seen his new ink yet? the first in your family to have it done, maybe?

Blessings.

I haven't seen it on him yet, he'll be in there getting it done now. I did see the design he wants. I'll post it when he gets home.

Yes, he's the first in our family to get it done.

 

[farouk]

I haven't seen it on him yet, he'll be in there getting it done now. I did see the design he wants. I'll post it when he gets home.

Yes, he's the first in our family to get it done.

@Nick : Well, ty. You thought his design that he showed you looked quite reasonable, did you? I guess it's often a matter of calligraphic style, for words, in any case.

I don't know whether your brother is also a Christian, but sometimes Christians who get tattoos get an overtly Christian theme; sometimes not, of course.

Blessings.

 

[Nick]

@Nick : Well, ty. You thought his design that he showed you looked quite reasonable, did you? I guess it's often a matter of calligraphic style, for words, in any case.

I don't know whether your brother is also a Christian, but sometimes Christians who get tattoos get an overtly Christian theme; sometimes not, of course.

Blessings.

Yes, the design is very nice.

It's not an overtly Christian theme, but it's not anti-Christian either. He is a Christian.