When we consider a migration especially when it involves a religion, let's say from Sweden to the Americas... The first generation, the 'old timers', tend to stick to the 'old ways'. They make the least effort to learn a new language and generally group together. The culture they bring with them is to be preserved.
Then comes the next generation and the next. The first generation born in the new country will have, just by living here, broken down one of the barriers: language. The Culture adapts.
Now enter the Word of God. And now also enters a greater. Now the greater includes traditions. My generation? Bikers, Convicts and Motorcycle Gangs
(I almost called them "... and Hell's Angels," but some might not understand) --these are the associations that I have with tattoos. Oh, and drunken sailors get them while in Port when they are what? When they are drunk. The association(s) that 'my generation' has isn't pristine (by a long shot). But is the Scripture clear? I mean, the one that says,
"Avoid even the appearance of evil."
It's clear enough to me.
Then we see what Deborah13 is talking about,
"They [the younger generation] don't think of them [tattoos] as being necessarily symbolic of something other than what they appear to be."
From the understanding that culture and tradition and beliefs MUST be preserved at all costs to a wider view stemming from the nature of a mixed culture may emerge:
UNDERSTANDING.
And what exactly is 'understanding'?? Understanding is to depart from evil (
Job 28:28). To this some may ask, "What? What does this mean to you? Are you saying that we are to depart from evil tattoos?
To which I reply, "No."
Then, upon inquiry, I might continue, "No, the 'evil' that I'm taking about is misrepresenting the Grace of God. There are two major traps, one on the left side and one of the right. Misrepresenting God's goodness includes the implication that He does not love YOU. He does. You belong to Him. He bought you. God loves you more than I can even imagine a way to tell you about. He is not thinking about your sin, that has been taken from you, exchanged. When you traded your shame with Jesus, he made a deal that is so remarkable that only God could conceive of it. He gave you His righteousness. He is faithful to cleanse and purge (get rid of) and ...
Wait. Ephesians chapter 2. That is from the Holy Spirit. No man can do better. Here's the link:
2nd Chapter of Ephesians.
So if this is understanding? Where does the depart from evil come in?
ANSWER: When we judge our brother. When we put stumbling stones in front of our brother, whom God loves. That's the left and the right of it. Regarding judgment? Know ye not that ye shall judge angels? It won't happen without practice. No skill sharpens from lack of use. Regarding stones? You shall be given a white stone and with this stone given to you (and you alone, Overcomer) will Jesus also give you your new name. There are better stones to consider than stones of stumbling. Okay? So just don't do it. Don't do anything that even remotely suggests an unholy flavor to your witness. That's all there is to it.
To wrap up, we may fall to the right of understanding and not include the 2nd Greatest commandment, or we may fall to the left of understanding and not include the 1st.
James 1:20
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
21
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
