Posted on 10/22/2018 12:51:44 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
Among the contested issues within churches today is what the Bible says and means as it pertains to tattoos, a topic that proves challenging given that they have become normalized in culture.
The most explicit scriptural condemnation of tattoos appears in Leviticus 19:28 which reads: "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD."
Some read that passage as God expressed a desire for His people to be set apart for Himself, as tattoos were tied to occult practices like sorcery and other pagan religious practices.
The surrounding verses reveal that forbidding tattoos is but one of many things associated with pagan peoples that the God of Israel prohibits such as making daughters into prostitutes, and turning to mediums and necromancers.
"Anyone getting a tattoo really needs to ask themselves, why am I getting this and what is the meaning of this tattoo? Is the tattoo an expression of witchcraft, idolatry or pagan symbolism?" asked Jay Haizlip, pastor of The Sanctuary Church in Orange County, California, in a 2013 Huffington Post essay.
"I lean toward the belief that it is not forbidding all expressions of tattoos. Culturally and specifically here in the US, tattoos, over the last 20 years, have become more socially acceptable," he said, referencing Pew research claiming approximately 40 percent of millennials have tattoos.
Writing at Crosswalk.com, Liberty University Professor of Apologetics Will Honeycutt explained that injecting ink underneath the skin to make pictures is materially different than the kinds of tattoos referred to in the Old Testament. The passage in Leviticus, he said, is literally translated "And a cutting for the dead you will not make in your flesh; and writing marks you will not make on you; I am the Lord."
The word "writing" refers to inscribed or engraved symbols or words and it is the only time in Scripture where it is used, and the work "marks" — also used here alone — has an uncertain root, leaving its meaning uncertain, Honeycutt continued, noting that "tattoo" did not enter into the English language until the late 1700s.
"This is probably why the KJV, written in the early 1600s, is closer to the literal translation saying, 'ye shall not ... print marks upon you.'"
The cultural backdrop against which this divine prohibition was given was when Israel, after being rescued from slavery, was situated between Egypt and Canaan, he went on to say.
Archaeological findings show that Egypt routinely marked its women on the breasts, thighs and abdomen, which was thought to be a good luck charm of sorts to protect the birthing process.
Women were frequently tattooed of the pagan fertility goddess, Bes, which lends credence to this theory, Honeycutt said.
So while it is not expressly condemned, he urged Christians to think hard about their motives for getting tattoos.
"If it is in rebellion to parents, it is clearly not acceptable," he said, citing Ephesians 6:1-3, a New Testament's reiteration of the Fifth Commandment.
"And while artistic self-expression can be OK, our primary motive for anything we do should be to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31). This means seeking to honor and draw attention to him, not ourselves.
"Getting a tattoo for purposes of witness may be acceptable, but remember, this is not the primary or most effective way to evangelize. It is in no way a substitute for verbally communicating the gospel. You are not fulfilling the Great Commission simply because you have a tattoo of a Bible verse."
Unless the tattoo is indicative of military service, it is almost always the indelible mark of the lowlife.
These days, males wear earrings and females get tattoos. Used to be the other way around.
Tattoos on a woman. Just what I want, a girlfriend or wife who reminds me of a truck driver.
While I think the command was given to Israel and Israel only, I do think it’s indicative of the preference of the Lord.
Getting a tattoo in my opinion is like drawing a mustache on the Mona Lisa. And how would that artist feel about it?
God made humans beautiful (for the most part). If you take care of your body, you tend to stay beautiful. Tattoo’s almost always take away from God’s artwork. They don’t enhance it.
And don’t even get me going on nose rings. Who thinks something hanging out of your nostril is attractive?
This is another “Stupid Human Fad” like streaking or LA Highway Shootings or pants below your butt or millenials atttraction to socialism.
If you’re looking for Book, Chapter, Verse on getting/not getting a tattoo, then forget it.
If you’re a mature Christian who does NOT want to identify with the world, or portray themselves as a thug or criminal type, you do not get a tatt.
Sharp rise in tattoos corresponds to Sharp decline in Christianity. Young tattooed parents pushing baby strollers are first truly post Christian generation.
I’m not even Christian (I’m Jewish) and I can’t stand how we’ve gone from older, more religious Christians, criticizing the commerciality of Christmas decades ago, to Young, cynical agnostics, openly embracing the idea of Christmas as nothing more than a shopping and party holiday...... winter solstice and nothing more.
Was standing in a long line at Orlando airport recently, watching tourists from America, and elsewhere. Weather was very hot, and people had shorts and T-shirts, so they revealed a lot.
My unscientific survey indicated at least 70% of people under 50 had some kind of tattoo.
The iconoclast thing now should be NOT to have a tattoo.
I hope you’re a chick....
I would submit that if folks are contesting tattoos, they have a tad too much time on their hands and should considering really important issues.
Tattoos show that you are the property of Satan.
“I lean toward the belief that it is not forbidding all expressions of tattoos. Culturally and specifically here in the US, tattoos, over the last 20 years, have become more socially acceptable,” he said, referencing Pew research claiming approximately 40 percent of millennials have tattoos.
__________________________________________________________
Oh, socially acceptable so it’s all good?
Where does that path lead that’s broad and straight?
Tattoos are okay for idolaters.
Well when someone is opposed to something personally, they usually use the “it doesn’t glorify God” argument to try and turn their personal opposition into a religious argument. Heard it about long hair on men in the 60s/70s, heard it about dancing, heard it about rock and roll (yep, I’m really old).
If you enjoy driving a sports car, you don’t have to plaster it with religious bumper stickers, just drive it. If someone asks you about it, you can invite them to church while you’re talking to them, but don’t feel guilty for driving it.
My wife and are long time members of a conservative Baptist church described as ‘baptecostal’ by the pastor btw. I just remember my long, long ago youth when I got beat over the head (figuratively) by a few of the church members for things that were actually personal preferences that they disguised as religious dogma.
All those tats are going to look positively dreadful in about 30 years or so.
But what youngster ever thinks that way?
Tattoos are for people who believe in multiple deities.
It says the exact same that it says about wearing a mustache, side burns, soul patch or a goatee.
Tattoos are body graffiti.
Note to self:
If you ever get a tattoo, make sure the artist can spell...............
“What does the Bible say about getting tattoos?”
Genesis 1099-42: A tramp stamp at 20 looks like a mess of spilt wine at 40. As on the outside so it is on the inside. Woe unto the man who taps that.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.