Poll: Respecting her tattoo wish

[farouk]

Yea tattoo?,...... NO!. not no but heck no.,.......
Lev 19:26 "You are not to eat anything containing blood, engage in occult practices, or practice fortune telling.
Lev 19:27 "You are not to cut your hair in ritualistic patterns on your heads or deface the edges of your beard.
Lev 19:28 "You are not to make incisions in your flesh on account of the dead nor submit to cuts or tattoos. I am the LORD.
Lev 19:29 "You are not to defile your daughter by engaging her in prostitution so the land won't become filled with wickedness.
Lev 19:30 "Observe my Sabbath and stand in awe of my sanctuary. I am the LORD.

However,...... If you have one what can I do about it ?,.... Or just how exactly is it going to hurt me in any way?,.......My wife has does have one. I will never forget she got it before we started dating. And even though it really disapointed me that she would make that choice, I married her anyway. And I dont love her any less.
And if you read the scripture in context it would seem that the tattoos spoken of here are refrences to some type of ritual involving the dead. Now I'm sure that people dont normally get a tattoo to worship the dead, but some times pagan practices slip there way into our society and we think we can turn them into somethig good when the devil is bhind the scenes laughing at us the whole time.
If you do it in ignorance you have room to repent if you know its wrong and you do it anyway it is between them and God. like ive heard it written here. Just because someone has a tattoo doesnt make me like them any less. I am responsible for my action you are responsible for yours and I have absolutly no power over that. So if she want one and you are equally yoked your wishes should overide her decision. if you are not married then what can you do.

Thanks for your comments.

In the previous verse it says about not trimming beards, etc. Do preachers shave? I wonder about the overall dispesnational context of a passage where the immediate context is Old Testament Jews in the land under the law.

(Re. what you said about your wife's tattoo; I guess it's not surprising in some ways because today many women have them; in fact, 59%-70% of parlor clients in North America are women, apparently.)

Your post appreciated.

Blessings.

 

[lowrab777]

Thats rite I'm glad you noticed the verse about defacing the edge of your beard, because i myself shave my face,............But note the scriptural context about carving ritualistic patterns in your head,...
It would seem that the trimming of the hair spoken of here is in reference to some type of ritual, Just as the marking of the skin in refrence to the dead.
The difference is my hair will grow back and my face will change. Yet the tattoo is permanently there.

Just to state my view I will never want one and that is my preference. and I would never want my wife to get another one.

 

[farouk]

..Next year, I will put aside some of my recreation money once a month to save up for the next tattoo(s) I want. For now, I need to keep money aside for Christmas presents. I loooooooove Christmas!!!

Angel:

Don't let tattoo plans spoil this year's Christmas, eh?

Blessings.

 

[Sparkey]

farouk, is you ever gonna admit that there could be a difference b/w 'deface the edges of your beard' and shaving?

I know that your little twist seems to make your side of the issue sound better, it almost sounds like an apt reply, but really !?! I mean, c'mon.

 

[farouk]

farouk, is you ever gonna admit that there could be a difference b/w 'deface the edges of your beard' and shaving?

I know that your little twist seems to make your side of the issue sound better, it almost sounds like an apt reply, but really !?! I mean, c'mon.

I guess my question is whether we are really bound to have bushy beards today. If we supposedly are, then this may reinforce the moral argument for giving young men and women with Christian fish signs <>< on their wrist or arm a hard time, supposedly. I suppose we all approach subjects from different angles, sometimes; my two cents' is that it links in with dispensationalism and hermeneutics.

Blessings.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

This forum proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that the church is not ready for tattoos yet.

 

[farouk]

This forum proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that the church is not ready for tattoos yet.

...and the church - many individual congregations - are themselves made up of individuals, who are unlikely all to have the same ideas about Romans 14 issues.

Blessings.

 

[Sparkey]

I guess my question is whether we are really bound to have bushy beards today. If we supposedly are, then this may reinforce the moral argument for giving young men and women with Christian fish signs <>< on their wrist or arm a hard time, supposedly. I suppose we all approach subjects from different angles, sometimes; my two cents' is that it links in with dispensationalism and hermeneutics.

Blessings.

No.

Refusing to consider the principle behind the command does not have any bearing on the command whatsoever. We've discussed the need to avoid even the appearance of evil in the past. The children of Jacob were told to not cause themselves to look like the heathen. The sin that was being committed wasn't shaving nor was it tattoos and it included offering babies to strange gods (killing them). The abominations were so bad that God said the land itself spewed them out.

We are not to look like them. That's all.

Today? It's not the same. But the principle applies and should be considered. There is a higher principle too. Our concern is not just me, me, me. We are directed to consider the conscience of the weaker even as we know that those whom the Son sets free are free indeed.

Modifying this principle of responsibility toward others is not a lovely thing, now is it?

 

[Sparkey]

I've noticed that there is a move by certain groups to take the Rainbow as their symbol. We know that the rainbow is our Promise, given by God. What, if anything, should be done? Maybe a tattoo of a rainbow for the sake of discussion and while we are talking about doing things and justifying them "for the sake of discussion," may I ask your thoughts about rainbow tats, rainbow Tee-shirts, and rainbow hats?

Would there be some confusion perhaps? Would the confusion be worth it? I doubt that my rainbow apparel would send the message that I want it to send to those young students who see me on campus. I seriously doubt it.

Let's do a quick check, shall we? Be certain that your search results are filtered (safe search is on) and then click: Rainbow Hair

Now tell me, "Do you see any Christ centered people?"

I can almost hear the reply, "Maybe if they had a <>< fish sign tattoo?" Right? I'm just going to disagree with that assessment. Of course it's superficial and we aren't. Many are. We actually miss opportunity when we go out there in our own power.

Again, I'm not trying to say that appearance defines sin -- only that we are to be wise as serpents while we remain harmless as doves.

 

[Sparkey]

There is a need for us to continue together as we follow the Lord. That doesn't include fighting but it may include thoughtful consideration of others even those who use hair dye to augment their attention needs. It's so minor that I'm still astonished by the amount of discussion that continues.

Can this be settled? I think no. There is a certain unwillingness. Two can not walk together unless they are agreed. Let's be sure to assign the lowest of priorities to any dispute and clean the inside then not neglect the outside. It's only the inside that matters in the long run. I'm reminded of a Speck and a Log.

Pardon the appearance of the LOG in my eye; know that I strive to speak of the truth of the matter in kindness and I'm not trying to increase the stigma already encountered. I've not got a 'thing' about tattoos and would not talk about it at all except that this seems to be the favorite subjects of one of my friends here.

Why allow things that perish to come between brothers?

 

[lowrab777]

TATTOO OR NOTTATTOO? That is the question.

 

[lowrab777]

I know that was cheesy but I had to.

 

[farouk]

Sparrowhawke: Ty for your comments. Specifically in relation to the 'me, me, me' comment, it may actually be that many Christians (let's face it, at the 18th b-day the parlor visit is kind of well established as a custom) may be motivated for their tattoo design - if faith based - to be instrumental as a testimony to others. You are right that motive is a consideration; ppl's motives will vary, I guess.

Blessings.

 

[farouk]

T.. I would never want my wife to get another one.

I'm sure you guys know your thoughts and intentions well. I guess that her tattoo is not in a faith based design?

Blessings.

 

[lowrab777]

I'm sure you guys know your thoughts and intentions well. I guess that her tattoo is not in a faith based design?

Blessings.

No its not I think they call it a tramp stamp. Its not vulgar at all. Its just a tribal art band across her low back. the thing is she cant see it when she stands in front of the mirror, but I can,................................................. And older we get the bigger we get remember.

 

[farouk]

No its not I think they call it a tramp stamp. Its not vulgar at all. Its just a tribal art band across her low back. the thing is she cant see it when she stands in front of the mirror, but I can,................................................. And older we get the bigger we get remember.

I'm sure you have your own firm ideas and impressions. But anyway maybe if hers had been in a faith related design at a different placement, you might just have had slightly different thoughts, possibly.

Blessings.

 

[farouk]

...I think they call it a tramp stamp. Its not vulgar at all.

PS: I wanted to add: I don't think those ones are necessarily vulgar at all, either. (Some might be, but not necessarily.) I don't particularly like the term, though. Blessings.

 

[lowrab777]

I'm sure you have your own firm ideas and impressions

Yea I do but they are mine and they all have reasons. Me and some friends tried to burn an image into our arms when we were like 13, I still have the scar. you know I learned really early that marking the skin is dangerous, its easy to over look the gravity of the idea especially when you have peers encouraging you along,.... Even faith based art, as an idea sure it sounds great but then there is that whole WHAT IF? I have a different perspective about the whole thing. Mainly because the tats are permanent. I'm not really afraid of an image on my skin as long as I can remove it without spending large amounts of money and time and pain removing them. It is the idea that once you make the decision its very similar to a promise you make to yourself that you will allays agree to take comfort in what you have done. Now as a Stewart of our bodies and our inherited destiny or fate. One might find themselves having to change their preferences in life drastically according to their situation. A situation that perhaps may not look anything like the one they were in when they made that promise. Now the problem is that people are generally not willing to imagine the worst case scenario. Even a scripture on the arm could be dangerous in a world that hates Christians, ....Now I do not mean that you should be afraid of what you stand for or anything like that at all! but if and when the world and society around us is completely hostile to christian or even bible verses I should say why would you make it hard on yourself to do what God requires of you as a Stewart of your life and responsibility. What if you are a mom of several children and a tattoo of a scripture gets you killed in some sort jihad conflict, How clever would that have been? Often times in the new testament stories the members of Gods church even Jesus himself had to sneak out of a place or situation because they didn't want to be made or noticed by the crowds. Be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove,. says the bible,.. What does that mean exactly and how does that apply. And hear it speaks of a word given at the perfect moment. Pro 25:11 A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in network of silver. I have learned that before you go out to witness to people before you start quoting scripture you first need get a feel for the person the environment and the situation / atmosphere. There can be a down side to having a scripture tattoo on your body. What it lots of very ugly and half hearted people have faith based tats. Then you find yourselves associated with them simply by your outward appearance. You may have no ill intent but you set yourself up discrimination, How clever is that really? Shouldn't we as members of the body of Christ consider these things. What if it prevents you from getting a job what if it prevents you from getting married to a good person,... You think that just because you might have aligned yourself once to a promise that you will keep that promise for the rest of your life,.. It was written somewhere that a wise person should not make promises.
Ecc 5:4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou vowest.
Ecc 5:5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
Ecc 5:6 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thy hands?

Is it possible that God may very well not be pleased with the marking of the skin.
1Sa 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath Jehovah as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
Those are some reasoning's behind the thoughts and ideas I have about tattoos.

 

[farouk]

Yea I do but they are mine and they all have reasons. Me and some friends tried to burn an image into our arms when we were like 13, I still have the scar. you know I learned really early that marking the skin is dangerous, its easy to over look the gravity of the idea especially when you have peers encouraging you along,.... Even faith based art, as an idea sure it sounds great but then there is that whole WHAT IF? I have a different perspective about the whole thing. Mainly because the tats are permanent. I'm not really afraid of an image on my skin as long as I can remove it without spending large amounts of money and time and pain removing them. It is the idea that once you make the decision its very similar to a promise you make to yourself that you will allays agree to take comfort in what you have done. Now as a Stewart of our bodies and our inherited destiny or fate. One might find themselves having to change their preferences in life drastically according to their situation. A situation that perhaps may not look anything like the one they were in when they made that promise. Now the problem is that people are generally not willing to imagine the worst case scenario. Even a scripture on the arm could be dangerous in a world that hates Christians, ....Now I do not mean that you should be afraid of what you stand for or anything like that at all! but if and when the world and society around us is completely hostile to christian or even bible verses I should say why would you make it hard on yourself to do what God requires of you as a Stewart of your life and responsibility. What if you are a mom of several children and a tattoo of a scripture gets you killed in some sort jihad conflict, How clever would that have been? Often times in the new testament stories the members of Gods church even Jesus himself had to sneak out of a place or situation because they didn't want to be made or noticed by the crowds. Be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove,. says the bible,.. What does that mean exactly and how does that apply. And hear it speaks of a word given at the perfect moment. Pro 25:11 A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in network of silver. I have learned that before you go out to witness to people before you start quoting scripture you first need get a feel for the person the environment and the situation / atmosphere. There can be a down side to having a scripture tattoo on your body. What it lots of very ugly and half hearted people have faith based tats. Then you find yourselves associated with them simply by your outward appearance. You may have no ill intent but you set yourself up discrimination, How clever is that really? Shouldn't we as members of the body of Christ consider these things. What if it prevents you from getting a job what if it prevents you from getting married to a good person,... You think that just because you might have aligned yourself once to a promise that you will keep that promise for the rest of your life,.. It was written somewhere that a wise person should not make promises.
Ecc 5:4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou vowest.
Ecc 5:5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
Ecc 5:6 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thy hands?

Is it possible that God may very well not be pleased with the marking of the skin.
1Sa 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath Jehovah as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
Those are some reasoning's behind the thoughts and ideas I have about tattoos.

Thanks for your very interesting thoughts. I understand of course that it might be good to have a tattoo to be coverable. I'm not sure that avoiding persecution would be a strong reason not to. It depends, I guess. Re. not marrying someone whom you love (and think the Lord has led you to?) just because s/he has a tattoo: well, I'm not sure how many Christians would take it that far.

A wonderful wife or a wonderful husband can have a tattoo that is good, bad or indifferent, but I wouldn't have thought it affects whether the person is a wonderful wife or husband, anyway. (Although maybe some Christians might actually rejoice to think that their dearest has a Bible ref. tattooed.)

There are a lot of factors and variables there, I guess.

Thanks, anyhow.

Blessings.

 

[farouk]

I agree that our living testimony shows others that we belong to him above any tattoos we may have.

I also think that tattoo's are apart of my generation and that they can be used to relate and witness to others. I feel I may be more approachable by certain people because I have tattoo's.

Angel: I think what you said about being made more approchable is undoubtedly the case among younger people. This remains true whether or not some Christians like tattoos or not.

There may be some Christians who are not even particularly enamored of the thing in itself, but who choose a Christian fish sign <>< etc. because they have gotten a conviction that such a tattoo would indeed be a conversation-starter, whether or not the person contacted initially realizes s/he is going to have a faith related conversation.

Anyway, you've obviously made your decision from what you strongly feel and believe, just as other Christians might in some ways view the subject differently.

Blessings.