Poll: Respecting her tattoo wish

[Eugene]

Leviticus 19:28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.

Does such a thread need go further than this to reveal the intent of it? Does fetish come to mind? Does the question "How many earrings should one wear?" come next?

I will admit that there are many stages of Christian growth in the body of Christ, and those things should be forgiven as part of the world we are overcoming as we follow not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, but we must grow up into the perfect will of God.

To me, the very act of promoting such things as tattoos; religious or otherwise is a guise to endorse ungodliness not of sound doctrine. I refer to Titus Chapter Two where men are to be sober, women having behavior as becomes holiness, and teachers of good things, and to be discreet that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

Is there really any purpose in ever encouraging such conduct? In 1 Timothy 2:9 Paul instructs as to godly appearance. "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 1 Timothy 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."

The things we do in Christ reflects our experience, and I guarantee that which is watched by the world. I read of one explaining his frequenting bars as an excuse to reach those others would never be able to, and an associate made the comment: "Who are you trying to kid, you're as much a drunk as the rest of us."

 

[Tri Unity]

Leviticus 19:28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.

Does such a thread need go further than this to reveal the intent of it? Does fetish come to mind? Does the question "How many earrings should one wear?" come next?

I will admit that there are many stages of Christian growth in the body of Christ, and those things should be forgiven as part of the world we are overcoming as we follow not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, but we must grow up into the perfect will of God.

To me, the very act of promoting such things as tattoos; religious or otherwise is a guise to endorse ungodliness not of sound doctrine. I refer to Titus Chapter Two where men are to be sober, women having behavior as becomes holiness, and teachers of good things, and to be discreet that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

Is there really any purpose in ever encouraging such conduct? In 1 Timothy 2:9 Paul instructs as to godly appearance. "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 1 Timothy 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."

The things we do in Christ reflects our experience, and I guarantee that which is watched by the world. I read of one explaining his frequenting bars as an excuse to reach those others would never be able to, and an associate made the comment: "Who are you trying to kid, you're as much a drunk as the rest of us."

Absolutely! There are many here who have found this subject abhorent and offensive. The nature of this sin is that it really doesn't care who it offends.

 

[farouk]

Leviticus 19:28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.

Does such a thread need go further than this to reveal the intent of it? Does fetish come to mind? Does the question "How many earrings should one wear?" come next?

I will admit that there are many stages of Christian growth in the body of Christ, and those things should be forgiven as part of the world we are overcoming as we follow not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, but we must grow up into the perfect will of God.

To me, the very act of promoting such things as tattoos; religious or otherwise is a guise to endorse ungodliness not of sound doctrine. I refer to Titus Chapter Two where men are to be sober, women having behavior as becomes holiness, and teachers of good things, and to be discreet that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

Is there really any purpose in ever encouraging such conduct? In 1 Timothy 2:9 Paul instructs as to godly appearance. "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 1 Timothy 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."

The things we do in Christ reflects our experience, and I guarantee that which is watched by the world. I read of one explaining his frequenting bars as an excuse to reach those others would never be able to, and an associate made the comment: "Who are you trying to kid, you're as much a drunk as the rest of us."

Hi Eugene & thanks for your comment.

I do think that alcohol and tattoos are subjects which are apples and oranges. It's rather arbitrary to make reasons relating to one, to be imposed on the other.

The Leviticus passage also talks about men not trimming the corners of their beards. (How many preachers shave?) Particularly if the motive is for a faith related design (such as a Bible ref. on a wrist, for example), then many Christians would conclude that they be considered an individual matter in the light of Christian liberty, as described in Romans 14.

Re. your no. of earrings reference: do you actually criticize people that have doubles, etc.? because it's very widespread and not particularly regarded as either controversial or obtrusive.

Blessings.

Absolutely! There are many here who have found this subject abhorent and offensive. The nature of this sin is that it really doesn't care who it offends.

Tri Unity: Well, I'm sorry you feel this way, but as far as you and I are concerned, the reality is that it's out there; many Christians do get them, and it's also been proven that faith related ones are very effective in starting conversations with people.

(Most of the poll responses have been quite positive, too)

Blessings.

 

[Tri Unity]

Tri Unity: Well, I'm sorry you feel this way, but as far as you and I are concerned, the reality is that it's out there; many Christians do get them, and it's also been proven that faith related ones are very effective in starting conversations with people.

(Most of the poll responses have been quite positive, too)

Blessings.

You are able to put a positive spin on the worse case scenario! Are you a school teacher?

 

[farouk]

You are able to put a positive spin on the worse case scenario! Are you a school teacher?

Tri Unity:

To answer your question, no, I'm not.

Re. your reference to positive spin/worst case scenario, maybe for example if we look at the results of the poll above, we'll perhaps see that many people have expressed themselves, not all the same, but there does seem to be quite a consensus, I suppose.

Blessings.

 

[Eugene]

Leviticus 19:28 You must not slash your body for a dead person or incise a tattoo on yourself. I am the Lord.

The Leviticus passage also talks about men not trimming the corners of their beards.

That is a subterfuge to ignore the truth in my opinion. To make a case for your seeming fetish to this subject of tattoos by bringing forth other Leviticus laws does not change the fact that we are known by what we do. Either we are growing in Christ or we are not. Suggesting in any way that a tattoo is proof of that growth is ludicrous.

I'm sorry sir, but to encourage others to participate in such a practice as the norm, or even something God approves of is illogical considering all scripture instructing us otherwise in godly behavior. I'm truly amazed you find an audience on a Christian Forum to continue with this subject.

 

[farouk]

Leviticus 19:28 You must not slash your body for a dead person or incise a tattoo on yourself. I am the Lord.



That is a subterfuge to ignore the truth in my opinion.

All we need to do is read the adjacent verse which mentions beards.

..Either we are growing in Christ or we are not. Suggesting in any way that a tattoo is proof of that growth is ludicrous.

I agree with you, friend. I'm not suggesting this.

I'm sorry sir, but to encourage others to participate in such a practice as the norm, or even something God approves of is illogical considering all scripture instructing us otherwise in godly behavior. I'm truly amazed you find an audience on a Christian Forum to continue with this subject.

You characterization of what I supposedly said isn't necessarily accurate, but if you are amazed at the results of the poll, above, then the seeming consensus of the response isn't coming from me personally, as a matter of fact.

Blessings.

 

[Tri Unity]

Tri Unity:

To answer your question, no, I'm not.

Re. your reference to positive spin/worst case scenario, maybe for example if we look at the results of the poll above, we'll perhaps see that many people have expressed themselves, not all the same, but there does seem to be quite a consensus, I suppose.

Blessings.

The poll does not reflect a balanced view of the objections and offence. It is simply a vehicle for positive spin.

 

[farouk]

The poll does not reflect a balanced view of the objections and offence. It is simply a vehicle for positive spin.

Tri Unity:

It's true that such polls do not necessarily reflect a scientific cross-section. I suppose the same could be said for many polls.

But I guess it's fair to say that people, when responding to the poll, have still been expressing themselves freely.

(The response, above, might not reflect your views, either.)

Blessings.

 

[tandemcpl]

Good morning, Farouk,

As you know, I have changed my mind on this subject. I went from a supporter to one who is opposed to a Christian getting a tattoo.

I attribute this change of mind to my growth in Christ. The Holy Spirit used Romans 12:2 to convince me that as a Christian, I am to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. The more I grow in Christ, the more the ways of the world offend me.

“Do not be conformedto this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.†(Romans 12:2, ESV)

My concern is how many immature Christians are going to be convinced by your tattoo threads that it is acceptable to get a tattoo only to regret that decision when he or she matures in their faith.

Be blessed.

Toby

 

[Jethro Bodine]

Good morning, Farouk,

As you know, I have changed my mind on this subject. I went from a supporter to one who is opposed to a Christian getting a tattoo.

I attribute this change of mind to my growth in Christ. The Holy Spirit used Romans 12:2 to convince me that as a Christian, I am to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. The more I grow in Christ, the more the ways of the world offend me.

“Do not be conformedto this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2, ESV)

My concern is how many immature Christians are going to be convinced by your tattoo threads that it is acceptable to get a tattoo only to regret that decision when he or she matures in their faith.

Be blessed.

Toby

This is the most spiritually persuasive argument I've heard. Well done. What a marvelous testimony of how God spoke to one of his own through his Word to guard and to keep his own.

God is a jealous God. When he sees us getting entangled in the things and ways of the world, no matter how 'allowed' we think they are, we must realize we are not stronger than he. He will come and get us...and sometimes that's not a pleasant experience. The influences of the world are very real. And many times they come disguised in the 'I'm free to do it' argument.

 

[farouk]

This is the most spiritually persuasive argument I've heard. Well done. What a marvelous testimony of how God spoke to one of his own through his Word to guard and to keep his own.

God is a jealous God. When he sees us getting entangled in the things and ways of the world, no matter how 'allowed' we think they are, we must realize we are not stronger than he. He will come and get us...and sometimes that's not a pleasant experience. The influences of the world are very real. And many times they come disguised in the 'I'm free to do it' argument.

Thanks for the comments, Jethro and tandempl.

I guess that it's always possible that I also could see another perspective, too.

My thing is that Romans 14 does speak about Christian liberty and that someone can have strong views one way and another can have strong view another way; but they are both the Lord's people and it's not always a question of who is right or whose views must be 'enforced', but rather that people who serve the Lord can usefully learn to coexist with others serving the Lord who sometimes have quite diametrically opposed views. This is really a larger question than merely about faith based tattoos.

Some people's views will doubtless be pragmatically influenced by the effectiveness of faith based designs in bringing about conversations with people about faith, which might otherwise never have occurred.

Blessings.

 

[farouk]

Good morning, Farouk,

As you know, I have changed my mind on this subject. I went from a supporter to one who is opposed to a Christian getting a tattoo.

I attribute this change of mind to my growth in Christ. The Holy Spirit used Romans 12:2 to convince me that as a Christian, I am to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. The more I grow in Christ, the more the ways of the world offend me.

“Do not be conformedto this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2, ESV)

My concern is how many immature Christians are going to be convinced by your tattoo threads that it is acceptable to get a tattoo only to regret that decision when he or she matures in their faith.

Be blessed.

Toby

tandemplc:

My thing is actually that people may be motivated specifically to have a witness tattoo design. Not, I can just do what I feel like. But rather, though this is permanent, I'm willing to go through with it because it will doubtless bring about a lot of witness conversations with people.

 

[Destructus86]

If a someone get's a tatoo or not...it's no business of anyone else. There's nothing wrong with tattoos. I don't have any myself...but from a biblical standpoint there is nothing wrong with it. Unless of course you take a particular scripture and twist it.

 

[Destructus86]

Good morning, Farouk,

As you know, I have changed my mind on this subject. I went from a supporter to one who is opposed to a Christian getting a tattoo.

I attribute this change of mind to my growth in Christ. The Holy Spirit used Romans 12:2 to convince me that as a Christian, I am to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. The more I grow in Christ, the more the ways of the world offend me.

“Do not be conformedto this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.†(Romans 12:2, ESV)

My concern is how many immature Christians are going to be convinced by your tattoo threads that it is acceptable to get a tattoo only to regret that decision when he or she matures in their faith.

Be blessed.

Toby

That's quite a self reighteous stance. They don't agree with you...so they are immature. Also, the verse your quoted has nothing to do with tattoos. If we viewed the verse in the way you are viewing it...then it would also mean one shouldn't be conscience of what one decides to wear for clothing...because it could be seen as being "part of the world" Oh and you shouldn't style your hair because that is the way of the world.

 

[farouk]

If a someone get's a tatoo or not...it's no business of anyone else. There's nothing wrong with tattoos. I don't have any myself...but from a biblical standpoint there is nothing wrong with it. ..

D86:

Ty for your comment; and it's true that many Christians don't see them as problematic from a Biblical point of view. (Others do feel they have Biblical reasons for abstaining; and they need to be respected, too.)

Ty for the poll vote also. The question was particularly geared to tattooing by women, and I see you voted 'yes', together with many others, to respecting a woman's wish to be tattooed.

I guess it's pretty logical that if it really is okay for men, it really ought to be okay for women, too, right?

 

[tandemcpl]

That's quite a self reighteous stance. They don't agree with you...so they are immature. Also, the verse your quoted has nothing to do with tattoos. If we viewed the verse in the way you are viewing it...then it would also mean one shouldn't be conscience of what one decides to wear for clothing...because it could be seen as being "part of the world" Oh and you shouldn't style your hair because that is the way of the world.

Thanks for commenting.

I think it does actually mean one should be conscience of what he or she wears. When I accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior, I had to throw away several tee shirts because what they had on them was “of the world.â€

Be blessed.

Toby

 

[Destructus86]

Leviticus 19:28 You must not slash your body for a dead person or incise a tattoo on yourself. I am the Lord.



That is a subterfuge to ignore the truth in my opinion. To make a case for your seeming fetish to this subject of tattoos by bringing forth other Leviticus laws does not change the fact that we are known by what we do. Either we are growing in Christ or we are not. Suggesting in any way that a tattoo is proof of that growth is ludicrous.

I'm sorry sir, but to encourage others to participate in such a practice as the norm, or even something God approves of is illogical considering all scripture instructing us otherwise in godly behavior. I'm truly amazed you find an audience on a Christian Forum to continue with this subject.

You do realize the history of that verse has nothing to do with what we are talking about.......right?

 

[Destructus86]

D86:

Ty for your comment; and it's true that many Christians don't see them as problematic from a Biblical point of view. (Others do feel they have Biblical reasons for abstaining; and they need to be respected, too.)

Ty for the poll vote also. The question was particularly geared to tattooing by women, and I see you voted 'yes', together with many others, to respecting a woman's wish to be tattooed.

I guess it's pretty logical that if it really is okay for men, it really ought to be okay for women, too, right?

Of course. There is no biblical stance to be against it. It's not a sin. As long as it doesn't fall into becoming a idol. (focusing so much on tattooing your body up to extremes that it becomes really an idol for the person)

But that doesn't sound even remotely the case here.

 

[farouk]

Personally i don't like depictions of Christ, because they are
almost always stereotypical.

I have a tattoo ..

My ex-bf has tattoos ,
..
If the tattoo fits the person and isn't offensive or just ugly , ;)
i'm ok with it.

SpagLard:

Yes, a lot of people like get tattooed.

I see what you mean by images of Christ and why you don't like them. A faith based tattoo can be wording, of course, such as a Bible ref.