Poll re. good tattoo artist career for a Christian woman

[vocalyocal]

vocal: But it's hard to equate, for example, a preacher's daughter getting a favorite Bible reference on her wrist, with a risquée, nude artiste.

(And what about Christians working in health care, who need to perform pap smears, etc? I'm not advocating the particular piercings you refer to, and not all tattooists do the whole range of piercings, if any.)

being that I am by far the weakest Christian on this forum, I don't see why any Christian would want to participate in a procedure that clearly has its roots in paganism and occult, much the same reason I would frown upon the idea of a "christian ouji board" for contacting departed brothers and sisters in Christ..........you can always put a "christian spin" on any form of pagan practices

the Catholics were notorious for these kinds of practices, renaming pagan god statues the names of apostles, then dragging these idols into the church and pretending there no longer the pagan god but merely a statue of one of the great apostles, people do what they think is a good idea somtimes, and even somtimes they think its for a good reason

tattoos are for people who really live for the flesh and not for the Spirit

 

[farouk]

vocal:

I'm not saying to people, Go get a tattoo.

And I agree with avoiding unhealthy associations.

But the fact is that many Christians have them; at 18 it's so often customary for young people to go to the tattoo parlor on their birthday as a sign of attaining their majority; it's reckoned that 60% and in some places 70% of clients at parlors are women (often the more God-fearing of family members).

What I am suggesting that given the preponderance of tattoos, if Christians are going to get them, why not consider a faith related design that might provoke witness conversations?

What I am also suggesting is that one cannot discount the value of a testimony discussion which may have come about as a result of a Bible reference tattoo design, or whatever.

The OP might also helpfully shed light on the background to this thread.

 

[vocalyocal]

vocal:

I'm not saying to people, Go get a tattoo.

And I agree with avoiding unhealthy associations.

But the fact is that many Christians have them; at 18 it's so often customary for young people to go to the tattoo parlor on their birthday as a sign of attaining their majority; it's reckoned that 60% and in some places 70% of clients at parlors are women (often the more God-fearing of family members).

What I am suggesting that given the preponderance of tattoos, if Christians are going to get them, why not consider a faith related design that might provoke witness conversations?

What I am also suggesting is that one cannot discount the value of a testimony discussion which may have come about as a result of a Bible reference tattoo design, or whatever.

The OP might also helpfully shed light on the background to this thread.

I don't need a tattoo to provoke a conversation about my faith, and if 70% of Christians are getting tattoos, I'll be in the group thats not. I just normally don't do what the majority does, I know what its like to travel the broad road, and today I'm on a narrow path, its not a well traveled path to be sure,

If people want tattoos like the rest of the world, then go get yourself one, the statistics of people who regret later in life getting a stupid tattoo is pretty high, not to mention there is an addiction that occurs for some people who get them, they're pretty easy to pick out of the crowd

 

[farouk]

I don't need a tattoo to provoke a conversation about my faith, and if 70% of Christians are getting tattoos, I'll be in the group thats not. I just normally don't do what the majority does, I know what its like to travel the broad road, and today I'm on a narrow path, its not a well traveled path to be sure,

If people want tattoos like the rest of the world, then go get yourself one, the statistics of people who regret later in life getting a stupid tattoo is pretty high, not to mention there is an addiction that occurs for some people who get them, they're pretty easy to pick out of the crowd

vocal:

Well, I agree, Sir, with your statement I highlighted. They are strictly not necessary for this purpose. Although many Christians also find them to be useful in this way.

BYW, I didn't say that 70% of Christians get them, either.

Blessings.

 

[vocalyocal]

vocal:

Well, I agree, Sir, with your statement I highlighted. They are strictly not necessary for this purpose. Although many Christians also find them to be useful in this way.

BYW, I didn't say that 70% of Christians get them, either.




Blessings.

your right! I misread your post, I thought that was really high 70%..........but in todays world of Christianity its probably not far down the road, considering how many Christians are also in bondage to sexual sins, I guess a tattoo is the least of their worries, as tattoos are not mentioned as a deal breaker for inheriting the kingdom of God, yet sexual immorality is

 

[farouk]

Anyway, I do agree with the point quoted above, #137, from for_his_glory, when she states the gender aspect should be the same for a woman or a man, because of the tattoo equality which now exists. I think this tattoo equality has altered some people's perspectives, and rightly so, and including among Christians, if only because of the witness potentials of some designs.

(Further two cents'.)

 

[Sparkey]

"The reasons why puncturing the skin should be regarded with some degree of awe are not far to seek, for in the first place, there is the drawing of blood, which to the savage world over is full of significance as a rejuvenating and immortalizing factor. There is in addition to the opening of numerous inlets for evil to enter. . ."
(Hambly Wilfrid D. 1925. The History of Tattooing and its Significance, p. 233, cited in Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 162)

And the bible reeference would be Lev 19;28 and

Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
1 Corinthians 10:21

So I guess the Red Cross should never ask you for a donation. And of coarse you would never get a transfusion in surgery as it would have come from the demonic drawing of blood.

There are many things that the Law of Moses prohibits and many reasons that various students of the Bible may come up with for each of them. I remember my mom telling me that the prohibition about unclean meats was about their inability to cook it well enough (for instance). That one always puzzled me because I heard later that if pork was overcooked it became carcinogenic. Pardon the interjection, because nobody needs me to remind them about all the various commandments, or the 613 mitzvots when all they need do is Google it for themselves.

When I seek to understand more about this, it becomes clear (just by reading the text) that the Lord commanded the children of Israel to avoid various practices of the heathen. He even told them to avoid the appearance of evil. Some may want to come into the conversation and state the obvious, that we are comparing two different cultures. To these, I would reply that there is one thing that remains and is a concern for all.

The Lord taught that we (all of us) were to consider Him in all things. That's basically part of what the Greatest Commandment of All says and means. So what we find here is Christians who struggle to consider Him in all things. This is the view from the top, so to speak. As we do this we can also find guidance through what the Holy Spirit said by the pen of Paul. How we should seek to edify and how we should consider the conscience of the "weaker brother" so that he is not caused to stumble, but most of all how we are free, as the Lord Jesus declared.

We may well want to consider other admonitions and not to enter into arguments that have no point to them; while abiding in the command to love our brothers and sisters as we love ourselves.

 

[farouk]

There are many things that the Law of Moses prohibits and many reasons that various students of the Bible may come up with for each of them. I remember my mom telling me that the prohibition about unclean meats was about their inability to cook it well enough (for instance). That one always puzzled me because I heard later that if pork was overcooked it became carcinogenic. Pardon the interjection, because nobody needs me to remind them about all the various commandments, or the 613 mitzvots when all they need do is Google it for themselves.

When I seek to understand more about this, it becomes clear (just by reading the text) that the Lord commanded the children of Israel to avoid various practices of the heathen. He even told them to avoid the appearance of evil. Some may want to come into the conversation and state the obvious, that we are comparing two different cultures. To these, I would reply that there is one thing that remains and is a concern for all.

The Lord taught that we (all of us) were to consider Him in all things. That's basically part of what the Greatest Commandment of All says and means. So what we find here is Christians who struggle to consider Him in all things. This is the view from the top, so to speak. As we do this we can also find guidance through what the Holy Spirit said by the pen of Paul. How we should seek to edify and how we should consider the conscience of the "weaker brother" so that he is not caused to stumble, but most of all how we are free, as the Lord Jesus declared.

We may well want to consider other admonitions and not to enter into arguments that have no point to them; while abiding in the command to love our brothers and sisters as we love ourselves.

Sparrowhawke:

So for instance, if a person wants a God honoring tattoo design that is likely to provoke witness conversations, would you say this is in keeping with considering the Lord in all things?

Blessings.

 

[Sparkey]

Sparrowhawke:

So for instance, if a person wants a God honoring tattoo design that is likely to provoke witness conversations, would you say this is in keeping with considering the Lord in all things?

Blessings.

Who has said that Sparrow speaks cryptically? That sometimes the meaning behind his words are obscured? Answer? An observant individual. I think this particular question is best asked prayerfully of God; knock, seek, ask. Me personally? If the person considers this prayerfully and honestly, then yes - that act alone (if it is honest and devoid of manipulations, like some of MY prayers have been) that act demonstrates the definition of considering the Lord, does it not?

 

[President]

I know it's Old Testament, but there is that verse about not putting marks on your skin.

Personally, I find tattoos to be ugly. When I was single, they were a real turn-off. A tattoo could remove a woman from my consideration set. For looking for a mate, it's a bad idea. It narrows who might consider you as a partner to those who like tattoos. So let's say 30% of people of the opposite sex don't like tattoos. That lowers your appeal by 30%. If you find someone who likes tattoos, and you don't have any, you can always get one.

Boyfriend or girlfriend names tattooed on your skin is a really bad idea of course.

It hurts to get tattoos. The artist could sneeze and mess your up. And you can't undo the damage. You can remove the tattoo, but then you have a light scar there where the pigment is removed. Why not just get one of those kiddie temporary tattoos, several copies of it, and use it for a few months and change it later when you get bored of it.

 

[farouk]

Who has said that Sparrow speaks cryptically? That sometimes the meaning behind his words are obscured? Answer? An observant individual. I think this particular question is best asked prayerfully of God; knock, seek, ask. Me personally? If the person considers this prayerfully and honestly, then yes - that act alone (if it is honest and devoid of manipulations, like some of MY prayers have been) that act demonstrates the definition of considering the Lord, does it not?

Sparrowhawke:

So by extension, I guess, if a young adult Christian has thought about it and prayed about it a lot and wants to honor the Lord in this way, it's something that others need to respect (whether or not they feel the Lord would have led them to do the same). Anyway, it's kind of become a tradition for 18 year olds to go to the parlor for their 18th b-day, hasn't it.

And I suppose it wouldn't be surprising if some young Christians, by further extension, might want to consider it as a career option.

Blessings.

 

[farouk]

I know it's Old Testament, but there is that verse about not putting marks on your skin.

Personally, I find tattoos to be ugly. When I was single, they were a real turn-off. A tattoo could remove a woman from my consideration set. For looking for a mate, it's a bad idea. It narrows who might consider you as a partner to those who like tattoos. So let's say 30% of people of the opposite sex don't like tattoos. That lowers your appeal by 30%. If you find someone who likes tattoos, and you don't have any, you can always get one.

Boyfriend or girlfriend names tattooed on your skin is a really bad idea of course.

It hurts to get tattoos. The artist could sneeze and mess your up. And you can't undo the damage. You can remove the tattoo, but then you have a light scar there where the pigment is removed. Why not just get one of those kiddie temporary tattoos, several copies of it, and use it for a few months and change it later when you get bored of it.

President:

Well, I appreciate that this might be your own personal attitude, which is fine. But there are also many Christians with tattoos, and many young Christians don't think in the same way as you have said, anyway. Some would generally feel that a Christian woman can actually be further dignified by a tasteful, God honoring tattoo, obtained with a view to testimony opportunities. (Bible ref. on a wrist, or whatever.)

So we are all different, and it's kind of subjective, I'm sure; for some people it's done with positive witness in mind.

Blessings.

 

[Sparkey]

Sparrowhawke:

So by extension, I guess, if a young adult Christian has thought about it and prayed about it a lot and wants to honor the Lord in this way, it's something that others need to respect (whether or not they feel the Lord would have led them to do the same). Anyway, it's kind of become a tradition for 18 year olds to go to the parlor for their 18th b-day, hasn't it.

And I suppose it wouldn't be surprising if some young Christians, by further extension, might want to consider it as a career option.

Blessings.

With my kids, they still considered themselves bound by their conscience regarding "Honor thy father and mother" and they understood my feelings on the subject. I think out of respect for me (because I used to preach a harder line on the subject) they waited. My oldest son (29 years next month) did get his tongue pierced but since has let it heal. Neither he nor my younger have been tattooed but they would not encounter strong objection from me should they choose to do so. More along the lines of "are you sure," and the good ol' "it's not a temporary tattoo," kind of thing. I actually like this thread because it does cause me to think and examine things, hopefully as I grow (or as some might say, 'mature').

 

[farouk]

With my kids, they still considered themselves bound by their conscience regarding "Honor thy father and mother" and they understood my feelings on the subject. I think out of respect for me (because I used to preach a harder line on the subject) they waited. My oldest son (29 years next month) did get his tongue pierced but since has let it heal. Neither he nor my younger have been tattooed but they would not encounter strong objection from me should they choose to do so. More along the lines of "are you sure," the good ol' "it's not a temporary tattoo," kind of thing.

Sparrowhawke:

I'm not talking about under-18s, of course, but adults. (In some states under-18s can get them with parental permission but anyway it would seem to me to be common sense to wait at least until they are in a position to know their minds, or not.) A tattooist (and the thread is at least partly about working as a tattoo artist) should have some discretion as to whether s/he feels it's appropriate, anyway.

(Great they honored your wishes when they were younger, in any case.)

Blessings.

 

[Sparkey]

Sparrowhawke:

I'm not talking about under-18s, of course, but adults. (In some states under-18s can get them with parental permission but anyway it would seem to me to be common sense to wait at least until they are in a position to know their minds, or not.) A tattooist (and the thread is at least partly about working as a tattoo artist) should have some discretion as to whether s/he feels it's appropriate, anyway.

(Great they honored your wishes when they were younger, in any case.)

Blessings.

I wasn't speaking about my children when they were under 18 either. They are still my children. There is no expiration date on the command to bring honor, is there? Sure, it's addressed to children but it is also the commandment with a promise, that they may have their lifespans extended. Seems to me this implies a lifelong habit. No, not obedience, but honor. Eph 6:2,3

 

[farouk]

I wasn't speaking about my children when they were under 18 either. They are still my children. There is no expiration date on the command to bring honor, is there? Sure, it's addressed to children but it is also the commandment with a promise, that they may have their lifespans extended. Seems to me this implies a lifelong habit. No, not obedience, but honor.

Sparrowhawke:

Yes, I see what you mean. There is also the aspect in the other direction: respecting those who are now adults. I know we don't really disagree on this; there are just the different aspects from various directions, I guess.

And, then, what if a daughter was set on a career as a tattoo artist? (Kind of hypothetical, but Deborah13 was commenting on this a while back on this thread.)

Blessings.

 

[evenifigoalone]

Why not just get one of those kiddie temporary tattoos, several copies of it, and use it for a few months and change it later when you get bored of it.

Me, I'm an artist. I can just grab a pen and draw on myself.

 

[farouk]

Me, I'm an artist. I can just grab a pen and draw on myself.

questdriven:

So do you like the idea of drawing a faith related design that could be useful in starting witness conversations, maybe?

Blessings.

 

[Sparkey]

Sparrowhawke:

Yes, I see what you mean. There is also the aspect in the other direction: respecting those who are now adults. I know we don't really disagree on this; there are just the different aspects from various directions, I guess.

And, then, what if a daughter was set on a career as a tattoo artist? (Kind of hypothetical, but Deborah13 was commenting on this a while back on this thread.)

Blessings.

Well, in the next verse that we see in Eph 6:4 there comes an instruction to fathers, that they are not to exasperate (more often translated "provoke") their children. The word carries a meaning of parorgizó, "I provoke to anger, exasperate." Again, I'm not the one you want to talk to about this. We're entering into the realm of the hypothetical and I have little to say about that. I can appreciate your desire to consider the thoughts of others, but really? I don't think about it much.

I live in WA state, for instance, and recently a change was made to the law regarding marijuana (so that it is legal for recreational use now). Sure, this may be a big deal to those who actually use the stuff, but not so much for me. Same goes for being a tattoo artist. It doesn't effect me. I would be concerned with the types of people these groups seem to hang out with, but you've already covered that in your conversation with others. I've read it, but merely skimmed those parts, sorry.

 

[evenifigoalone]

questdriven:

So do you like the idea of drawing a faith related design that could be useful in starting witness conversations, maybe?

Blessings.

Yeah, I guess that's a possibility.