ALL THE WORLD IS AN INKBLOT: THE EVOLUTION OF THE TATTOO

TheCypressTimes.com ^ | 12/17/2009 | Sherry Castelluccio

[Patriot1259]

Tattoos have held a prominent place in society for centuries. From culture to culture and age to age, the evolution and history of the tattoo goes beyond the boundaries of the physical or spiritual. When a person decides to get inked, the reasons are uniquely personal.

In modern America, they have made counter cultural statements and aroused controversy in every walk of life. Whether for the sole purpose of evangelizing or simply to honor a loved one, the bearer of the tattoo has a story to tell and delights in the telling. Opponents and skeptics in the Christian faith have debunked, criticized, and argued over whether tattoo is an acceptable form of human decoration. When all is said and done, tattoo remains a constant source of inspiration, fascination, and refutation.

[Patriot1259]

To Ink or not to Ink? And what does the Christian say about Tattoos?

[chickadee]

I guess the kids of today don’t think tattooing is all that desirable as they have nicknamed that ubiquitous tattoo on the lower backs of females “tramp stamp”.

[gimme1ibertee]

I have ink,and i'm an inker. I also happen to be a Christian. Some have the "body is a temple" belief;I personally think that,if the worst thing you ever do in your life is get ink,I see no problem with that.
I don't assume to speak for My Father,but something tells me that,if He can forgive Mary Magdalene for being a prostitute,He can forgive a guy with a scantily-clad girlie on his chest.
Some designs I would not endorse,or have on my own skin,and I do have my personal limits (NO skinhead or demonic worship crap,for example).
Some of the sweetest,nicest and most goodhearted people I have ever met were heavily tattooed people,and Jesus says that you will be judged by your works,and what is in your heart,not what's on your skin.
The body is a shell,a house for the soul...nothing more.JMHO.

[NC28203]

Well, there is this.

“You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord.”
Leviticus 19:28

But since Christians are not under the Law Code:

“Now we are discharged from the Law and have terminated all intercourse with it, having died to what once restrained us and held us captive. So now we serve not under [obedience to] the old code of written regulations, but [under obedience to the promptings] of the Spirit in newness of life.” Romans 7:6

You might consider this passage below and ask yourself, can a tattoo be considered to glorify God? Can a tattoo be considered appropriate adorning to the Temple of the Holy Spirit? It depends on your answer to that question.

“Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God and you are not your own? For you are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in you body and in your spirit which are God’s”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20

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And what does the Christian say about Tattoos?

Good question. I've heard all kinds of responses - from the 'Thou shalt not get a tattoo!' all the way to the inked-out street preacher telling me, 'ain't no deal.' In terms of adding something ornamental to our bodies that we were not originally born with, what is the difference between a tattoo and pierced ears?

[NMEwithin]

Agreed...I have many tattoos as do most of my friends. Most of the tattoo artists and other heavily tattooed people I know are good people and many are Christians.

I see nothing wrong with it...

[Manic_Episode]

" I saw a man with tat on his big fat belly

It wriggled around like marmalade jelly

It took me a while to catch what it said

Cause I had to match the rhythm

Of his belly with my head

'Jesus Saves' is what it raved in a typical tattoo green

He stood on a box in the middle of the city

And he claimed he had a dream "

[PalmettoMason]

Mary Magdalene as a prostitute is a myth. Even the Church has admitted that Pope (Clement?) was mistaken.

[gimme1ibertee]

Wasn’t she in the process of being stoned for adultery or prostitution when Jesus interceded?

[clintonh8r]

I believe the body is a temple, not just a shell, so....draw your own conclusions.

My brother-in-law is a dermatologist and makes a very good living removing tatts from those who decide they've made a mistake (and health insurance doesn't cover it).

[ErnBatavia]

Well, Tide football is pretty much of a religion in those parts....

[behzinlea]

I despise tats and consider them a form of self-mutilation or disfigurement--like day-glo graffiti sprayed on the walls of a fine building. That's my personal opinion and I'm sticking with it.

Similarly, in my opinion, the verse you just quoted is quite clever and well done. I enjoyed it.

[paulycy]

[gimme1ibertee]

Thanks for sharing,and I appreciate the scripture lesson.
However....I cannot for one moment believe that a God who loves us unconditionally,and who wants us to love one another,and tells us we will be judged by our good works,would turn us away from the Kingdom Of Heaven because we are “marked”.

[gimme1ibertee]

There are some rather dedicated fans out there,aren’t there? LOL
We have a highly-decorated Redskins fan who makes the rounds in DC as well....and my neice’s son had me tattoo the NE Patriot’s logo on his bicep. He’s a good kid who goes to church and lives as good a life as this world will allow him to.

[Eagle Eye]

Pleats with those hips? C’mon man....

[gimme1ibertee]

Yep,there are some who just don't think it through....if you want some real insight into that,go to badtattoos.com and you'll see! LOL
I don't regret any of mine (my grandson's name,my tigers,my "Molon Labe" and my Gadsden flag)and I believe that if you aren't sure,don't be cajoled or pressed in any way to get one. They're not for everybody.
As far as I go, my clients are
A) of legal age;
B)Not under the influence of anything other than a desire to get ink; and
C)Made aware that the design they're getting is going to be with them even after death,and getting rid of it is much more expensive-and painful!-than getting one to begin with,so choose wisely.

[catchem]

WTF DO I CARE ABOUT WHAT YOU, OR ANYONE ELSE, DOES WITH YOUR BODY? TATS ARE ARE PURELY ABOUT ‘LOOK AT ME’.

[Skenderbej]

Girls with ink; it’s not a matter of if, but when...

[gimme1ibertee]

You’re entitled to your opinion,and I respect your right to opine.Thanks for sharing.