Poll: Respecting her tattoo wish

[one truth]

Good afternoon, Faruok,

I really don’t think having a tattoo will help bring others to Christ. If a person won’t listen to someone without a tattoo it is unlikely that person would listen just because a tattoo was introduced into the scenario.

In fact I think it could possibly hinder evangelism. From experience, I have found people with tattoos could care less if others had one or not. This is not the case for the un-tattooed.

Just because it is not a sin doesn’t mean it’s right.

First Corinthians 10:23 declares, “All things are lawful,†but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,†but not all things build up.â€
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Be blessed
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Toby

This is untrue. For example: I worked in a youth outreach center for troubled kids. A lot of them wouldn't talk openly and honestly to staff members. Because of my tattoo I was able to open up a conversation with these kids. They saw that I wasn't like your typical churchy Christian. You make think it's silly, but it does help in witnessing. I've gotten lots of respect from those kids for having a tattoo that was faith based.

 

[farouk]

This is untrue. For example: I worked in a youth outreach center for troubled kids. A lot of them wouldn't talk openly and honestly to staff members. Because of my tattoo I was able to open up a conversation with these kids. They saw that I wasn't like your typical churchy Christian. You make think it's silly, but it does help in witnessing. I've gotten lots of respect from those kids for having a tattoo that was faith based.

Hannah:

Interesting impressions.

For the increased witness opportunities you have had, far from regretting it, you seem to be glad you went under the tattoo gun for a faith based design.

Blessings.

 

[one truth]

Hannah:

Interesting impressions.

For the increased witness opportunities you have had, far from regretting it, you seem to be glad you went under the tattoo gun for a faith based design.

Blessings.

The fact is that it has helped me witness, and it has helped me talk to individuals who normally wouldn't give me the time of day.

 

[farouk]

The fact is that it has helped me witness, and it has helped me talk to individuals who normally wouldn't give me the time of day.

Hannah:

Well, this is excellent.

Blessings.

 

[shfam]

I love pretty and tactful tattoos. I don't like tattoos everywhere. Just doesn't look good to me, that's my opinion. I think it isn't healthy for your body but I've considered getting one. Perhaps my favorite scripture or something small.

To me, it is no different than women getting their ears pierced.

 

[farouk]

I love pretty and tactful tattoos. I don't like tattoos everywhere. Just doesn't look good to me, that's my opinion. I think it isn't healthy for your body but I've considered getting one. Perhaps my favorite scripture or something small.

shfam:

Yes, it goes to show that it can be both pretty and a good witness. And you know, re. health, the inks have been improved a lot in recent years, so there is less of a health risk. (Talk to a good local parlor and they'll tell you about it.) And a favorite Scripture has the advantage of already being on your heart, so that when it goes on your skin, you'll have all the more reason to want to witness if people comment about it.

To me, it is no different than women getting their ears pierced.

Yes, I think so, too.

Blessings.

 

[farouk]

Another point I would clarify would be that the act of marking was what was specified, making the actual markings and their substance irrelevant.

Therefore, the argument (strong as it may be) would have to stand on the merit of the original law today under the covenant of grace. If it's allowed, then, barring any immoral or evil tattoos, I think it becomes a moot point if the tattoo is faith based or not.

I hope that make sense????

p78:

The context of 'cutting' in Lev. 19 seems to be 'for the dead'.

Dispensations come into it, too, I guess. If one's whole aim is to re-create some kind of neo-theocracy, then I guess that imitating Jewish customs would play a large role. But if the church is taken up with the coming Rapture and meanwhile tries to take every opportunity to testify, then some Christians might well see it as one of many means to use.

(I guess you would follow the train of thought?)

Blessings.

Interesting comments, anyway.

Blessings.

 

[pdpilgrim78]

p78:

The context of 'cutting' in Lev. 19 seems to be 'for the dead'.

Dispensations come into it, too, I guess. If one's whole aim is to re-create some kind of neo-theocracy, then I guess that imitating Jewish customs would play a large role. But if the church is taken up with the coming Rapture and meanwhile tries to take every opportunity to testify, then some Christians might well see it as one of many means to use.

(I guess you would follow the train of thought?)

Blessings.

Interesting comments, anyway.

Blessings.

Not sure I quite follow, but will respond with what I believe you were trying to relay. So forgive me if I'm completely off target
I don't know that it's necessarily re-creating a neo-theocracy? Nor do we imitate Jewish customs for the sake of tradition.
Regarding using 'one of many means', this (to me) conjures up images of an "exterminate with extreme prejudice" mentality... A let's use all means necessary, regardless of limitations, in order to accomplish our goal?
I know that's not what you're saying... for some reason that's just what popped into my head.

I read a book by Mark Cahill entitled "The One Thing You Can't Do In Heaven". It really changed my perspectives on what is acceptable and not acceptable in sharing our gospel. He shattered my misconceptions of where we can witness, and how we should witness. A man willing to go to the bars, to the homeless, the prostitutes, the lost and the broken where ever he found them. And that when he spoke, it was with compassion for them, seeing the road they're on and loving them, not judging them.
So this could simply be a continuation of that.
Many of those passages in Lev 19 were re-affirmed by NT, some were not (including the one we are discussing) so I would say if it's being used as a means to spread the Gospel, then I'll take Christs advise:
Luke 9:50
"And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us."

 

[abide]

Tri Unity:

Thanks for your question. Let me just quote from mygraine, who posted in another thread:

"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."

Significantly, mygraine says: So the thought of Christian women with tattoos is just how it is. Not 'whether' or 'if I think they ought to', or 'recommend', or whatever. The plain fact is that many Christian women do get tattoos. (Indeed, 18 is often the age when young people go for their first tatt.) That being said, having a faith based tatt has been proven to be effective to get into conversations about faith with people.

So it's not what I might prefer, or anything like this: but it's about plain realities and about what is effective.

Blessings.

Just because a few Christians own tatoo shops does that make it right. A Christian is more than a person who attends church or call themselves Christian. I am not judging their sincerity, but as I say, of all the job that people can find, why a tattoo shop. There are those who work for tobacco shops and alcohol establishments. Do you see anything wrong in people working there.

I believe we need to ask ourselves what kind of behaviour does Christ expect from his people. What if a woman comes in and ask for a tattoo on her private parts...do you see anything wrong in that. What does the word edify means to your, or as Christ said, being the salt of the earth. Would the early apostles and Christians partake in the pagan rites and cutting of their skin in Rome and the other nations.

I believe that people want acceptance and are desperately trying to see whether they will get a significant amount of posters to agree. I am one that will not agree. Marking one's skin is worldliness. You may not agree, I am amazed that these Christians would want to be part of this pagan custom. The marking of a person's skin goes back to Satanic rites.

 

[abide]

The fact is that it has helped me witness, and it has helped me talk to individuals who normally wouldn't give me the time of day.

I thought the Holy Spirit is the person that helps us witness. Why on earth would a tattoo cause a person to want to follow Jesus and change their ways JUST BECAUSE A CHRISTIAN HAS ONE. The whole argument makes no sense to me.

As believers we have to preach the gospel, let the word of God speak to the hearts of the non believers. The Holy Spirit will work with them. A tattoo is not a substitute for the Holy Spirit. If a non believer who has a tattoo and comes to Jesus just because he sees a Christian with one, I would say without a shadow of doubt that the person is not converted. The word of God is what convicts people not the markings on a person's skin. People need to see Jesus in us not our tattoos.

 

[one truth]

I thought the Holy Spirit is the person that helps us witness. Why on earth would a tattoo cause a person to want to follow Jesus and change their ways JUST BECAUSE A CHRISTIAN HAS ONE. The whole argument makes no sense to me.

As believers we have to preach the gospel, let the word of God speak to the hearts of the non believers. The Holy Spirit will work with them. A tattoo is not a substitute for the Holy Spirit. If a non believer who has a tattoo and comes to Jesus just because he sees a Christian with one, I would say without a shadow of doubt that the person is not converted. The word of God is what convicts people not the markings on a person's skin. People need to see Jesus in us not our tattoos.

You are misinterpreting what I've posted. I was saying that my tattoo has helped me to witness to people I wouldn't normally have been able to talk with. A tattoo is a TOOL, not a substitute for God and I never claimed it was. There are many things that we use as tools to help us in witnessing. It's your opinion that Christians shouldn't get tattoos. OK. But don't judge others for having them.

 

[Tri Unity]

Why on earth would a tattoo cause a person to want to follow Jesus and change their ways JUST BECAUSE A CHRISTIAN HAS ONE. The whole argument makes no sense to me.

I could say I had success with a drunken while I preaching down at the pub; he really listen to me during our drunken stupor... therefore I am going to get drunk with the drunkard and have lot's of meaningful discussions with him. Actually, people do use this argument based on Jesus being 'friends of publicans'. This argument is just as distorted, as the "publicans" were the Apostle Matthew and Zacchaeus ("Matthew the publican" - Luke 5:27; 19:2 - AKJV). Scriptures are always manipulated to give justification why we should not change for Christ. Apparently it brings more people into the Kingdom who don't need to repent of their former lives.

 

[txgirlmaddy]

think tattos are cute if they dont get out of control. u dont want to be covered in them, but maybe a butterfly or a wave is cool

 

[abide]

You are misinterpreting what I've posted. I was saying that my tattoo has helped me to witness to people I wouldn't normally have been able to talk with. A tattoo is a TOOL, not a substitute for God and I never claimed it was. There are many things that we use as tools to help us in witnessing. It's your opinion that Christians shouldn't get tattoos. OK. But don't judge others for having them.

Explain to me in simple terms how a tattoo is a tool.

Definition of TOOL




1
a : a handheld device that aids in accomplishing a task
b (1) : the cutting or shaping part in a machine or machine tool (2) : a machine for shaping metal : machine tool
2
a : something (as an instrument or apparatus) used in performing an operation or necessary in the practice of a vocation or profession <a scholar's books are his tools>
b : an element of a computer program (as a graphics application) that activates and controls a particular function <a drawing tool>
c : a means to an end <a book's cover can be a marketing tool>
d often vulgar : penis
3
: one that is used or manipulated by another

I am not judging someone who has one, the point I am making is that your argument is baseless. Why would I have to get a tattoo to PROVE something to someone. A non believer needs the message of the gospel. If you were in Africa would you do some of the things that some of them do just to get them interested in the gospel. The fact of the matter is that you along with others here have your minds made up. You do not see anything wrong in it...but I see and I have no apologies to make. The gospel must not fit the custom of the world. The problem today with us is that we want the world's customs and the way of the bible. The two cannot mix. That is the same reason why God was angry with ancient Israel. They wanted to be like the nations around them.

Why not go with a cigarette in your mouth and let the non-believer see you smoking too. The argument holds no water. It would be good if you can check the real origin of tattoos. The fact that you and others are making such an issue out of this shows that you want to be like the world. What is so wrong being different. No wonder the homosexual REFUSE to change their ways. They want others to accept them JUST AS THEY ARE. By the same token some on here dont want be different, they believe that by acting like the non believer we can win them to Christ.
I have said my piece and have no more comments to make.

 

[one truth]

Explain to me in simple terms how a tattoo is a tool.


I am not judging someone who has one, the point I am making is that your argument is baseless. Why would I have to get a tattoo to PROVE something to someone. A non believer needs the message of the gospel. If you were in Africa would you do some of the things that some of them do just to get them interested in the gospel. The fact of the matter is that you along with others here have your minds made up. You do not see anything wrong in it...but I see and I have no apologies to make. The gospel must not fit the custom of the world. The problem today with us is that we want the world's customs and the way of the bible. The two cannot mix. That is the same reason why God was angry with ancient Israel. They wanted to be like the nations around them.

Why not go with a cigarette in your mouth and let the non-believer see you smoking too. The argument holds no water. It would be good if you can check the real origin of tattoos. The fact that you and others are making such an issue out of this shows that you want to be like the world. What is so wrong being different. No wonder the homosexual REFUSE to change their ways. They want others to accept them JUST AS THEY ARE. By the same token some on here dont want be different, they believe that by acting like the non believer we can win them to Christ.
I have said my piece and have no more comments to make.

This discussion is no longer productive. I respect your opinion and I don't want to argue. Blessings to you.

 

[farouk]

Explain to me in simple terms how a tattoo is a tool.

Definition of TOOL




1
a : a handheld device that aids in accomplishing a task
b (1) : the cutting or shaping part in a machine or machine tool (2) : a machine for shaping metal : machine tool
2
a : something (as an instrument or apparatus) used in performing an operation or necessary in the practice of a vocation or profession
d often vulgar : penis
3
: one that is used or manipulated by another

I am not judging someone who has one, the point I am making is that your argument is baseless. Why would I have to get a tattoo to PROVE something to someone. A non believer needs the message of the gospel. If you were in Africa would you do some of the things that some of them do just to get them interested in the gospel. The fact of the matter is that you along with others here have your minds made up. You do not see anything wrong in it...but I see and I have no apologies to make. The gospel must not fit the custom of the world. The problem today with us is that we want the world's customs and the way of the bible. The two cannot mix. That is the same reason why God was angry with ancient Israel. They wanted to be like the nations around them.

Why not go with a cigarette in your mouth and let the non-believer see you smoking too. The argument holds no water. It would be good if you can check the real origin of tattoos. The fact that you and others are making such an issue out of this shows that you want to be like the world. What is so wrong being different. No wonder the homosexual REFUSE to change their ways. They want others to accept them JUST AS THEY ARE. By the same token some on here dont want be different, they believe that by acting like the non believer we can win them to Christ.
I have said my piece and have no more comments to make.

abide:

Thanks for your contributions.

At the beginning of your post you asked One Truth: 'Explain to me.. (etc.)' At the end of your post you say you 'have no more comments to make'. Both aspects of your post are just fine, but taken together they seem to mean that you want One Truth to read what you say to her but you don't want to engage with what she might have to say to you about her own positive experience of witnessing with a faith based tattoo.

Well, okay, fine, but we are all continually learning things, I would submit in a friendly way.

Blessings.

 

[heymikey80]

Some reactions, only having skimmed this thread.

Tattoos don't help. I know plenty of Christians in decline with edgy Christian tattoos. In fact I know more Christians in decline with tattoos, than Christians advancing. Maybe the constant reminder from a perfect word is too much for them, as Romans 2-3 states, or Romans 7 states. The bar set by God's Word is immensely high.

Individuals have rights I respect, and one is to inject their bodies with ink. I just don't see the point. It doesn't make someone internally any better, it doesn't seal a thought any closer. It's just picture, writing.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

I stopped following the tattoo threads, but I had to stop in and see what Mikey had to say about it. He's got a good head on his shoulders.

 

[farouk]

Some reactions, only having skimmed this thread.

Tattoos don't help. I know plenty of Christians in decline with edgy Christian tattoos. In fact I know more Christians in decline with tattoos, than Christians advancing. Maybe the constant reminder from a perfect word is too much for them, as Romans 2-3 states, or Romans 7 states. The bar set by God's Word is immensely high.

Individuals have rights I respect, and one is to inject their bodies with ink. I just don't see the point. It doesn't make someone internally any better, it doesn't seal a thought any closer. It's just picture, writing.

heymikey80:

Ty for your comment.

Would you discount as of no blessing value any witness conversation which might arise as a result of a Bible ref. design (e.g., on a wrist, etc.)?

Blessings.

 

[heymikey80]

Would you discount as of no blessing value any witness conversation which might arise as a result of a Bible ref. design (e.g., on a wrist, etc.)?

Would you discount carrying a Bible to work, or wearing a prominent cross? They do not seem particularly different to me.

Have you ever had a conversation with someone who had left the faith but still had the tattoo? I have. So it's not so much a discount to me as a warning.