Anyone considering a faith related tattoo?

[farouk]

Okay so is anyone considering a faith related tattoo? I'm new here and there doesn't seem to be another recent discussion about the subject so this is why I've started this one.

Some ppl find that, depending on the placement, a tattoo design that refers to faith can lead to ppl talking about faith.

Or I guess you could put it another way: why should unbelievers have all the best designs?

(Thoughts, guys?)

 

[Nick]

Hehe, this topic comes up regularly but it has been a while.

I am considering getting a faith-related tattoo. Nothing too big, and probably in a few years, but it's on my radar.

My issue with tattoos is seeing old people with them, starting to sag and look terrible. So I'd be careful where I'd put it.

I don't believe the Bible has much to say about tattoos. I have certainly not got the 'vibe' that it is against such things. There is the idea that our bodies are the Lord's Temple, which is correct. I don't see tattoos really damaging that Temple, and if it's a Christian tattoo then it can help bring Glory to God, and indeed may reach some people. I reckon coffee does more damage to one's body that a tattoo would. But I LOVE my coffee!

General what I've found on these issues that I don't believe the Bible specifically addresses is that Romans 13 is nicely applied, and also to use our common sense. I don't think going to extremes is a good idea; moderation seems to be a theme in the Bible, except when it comes to Living for the Lord. And tattoos may be a part of that.

 

[sherri2]

There's a scripture in the OT that forbids it, although the wording can be phrased to claim it isn't specific, and without further study, I don't know myself. To me it just looks like a blanket statement. But until I'm sure, I'm not for it.

 

[stovebolts]

I think I'm done with the tattoo's

I know I struggled with one of my tattoo's.. actually I still do at times since it's the prime symbol for a particular cult that I was in. I've thought about having it drawn over with something "Christian", but then decided that I'd keep it as a reminder of what God's brought me through.

So no, I'm no longer thinking about any more tattoo's, and in an odd way, the ones I have could be considered as "faith" related tattoo's... in my mind anyway

 

[Theofilus]

This is the only mention of tattoos in the Bible, as far as I know:

You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard. You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the LORD. (Lev. 19:27-28 ESV)​

All the other things in those verse - cutting the hair on the side of your head, shaving, cutting yourself - were Pagan mourning practaces. I believe it is the same with tatoos. We find nothing wrong with getting a haircut or shaving, so why should getting a tatoo be any different? As long as it's not done in mourning or remembrence of the deceased, I see no problem with it.

I've heard (although I haven't seen it myself) that, since September 11 2001, people have been getting tatoos of people's names that died that day. I think that would qualify as being "for the dead", and so I wouldn't recomend that. A cross would be in remembrence of Christ's death, so I would have my doubts about that also. However, if it's not connected with death in any way I think it would be ok.

 

[theLords]

This is the only mention of tattoos in the Bible, as far as I know:

You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard. You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the LORD. (Lev. 19:27-28 ESV)​

All the other things in those verse - cutting the hair on the side of your head, shaving, cutting yourself - were Pagan mourning practaces. I believe it is the same with tatoos. We find nothing wrong with getting a haircut or shaving, so why should getting a tatoo be any different? As long as it's not done in mourning or remembrence of the deceased, I see no problem with it.

I've heard (although I haven't seen it myself) that, since September 11 2001, people have been getting tatoos of people's names that died that day. I think that would qualify as being "for the dead", and so I wouldn't recomend that. A cross would be in remembrence of Christ's death, so I would have my doubts about that also. However, if it's not connected with death in any way I think it would be ok.

Quite beautifully spoken, I haven't seen anyone explain it in such a way. I appreciate your intellectual and logical posts.

However, when I see the cross, I see life! So, that's the only place where I would respectfully disagree with you ;)

 

[farouk]

There's a scripture in the OT that forbids it, although the wording can be phrased to claim it isn't specific, and without further study, I don't know myself. To me it just looks like a blanket statement. But until I'm sure, I'm not for it.

sherri:

Hi and thanks for the reply.

I wonder if the context there is Old Testament Jews in the land under the law? Maybe I'm wrong, but Galatians has a lot to say about the New Testament believer not being under the (ceremonial?) law.

Otherwise, have you seen tasteful faith related tattoo designs that you quite like, maybe?