[Smokin' Joe]

I guess it depends on how you look at it.

What level of alteration is OK?

Circumcision--cleared by The Almighty.

Piercings (ears, eyebrows, lips tongues, belly buttons, etc.)?

Tattoos?

We accept the medically necessary that might otherwise be considered mutilation, in order to save life itself.

Liposuction?

Face lifts, tummy tucks, etc.?

Is this just another optional modification, albeit extreme?

While other optional modifications are generally done to make a person feel more beautiful (keeping in mind that our Creator made us as He would have us), is it sinful to make the lesser changes, and if not, why the greater ones?

It still does not change the person--the DNA remains the same.

Mind you, I'm NOT arguing for such self-mutilation, even at the hands of a qualified surgeon, I'm just trying to look at the whole issue of optional body modification. Is there a point where the modification becomes a sin, and if so, where?

[Nea Wood]

I’ve often wondered that, too. Even little things like dying one’s hair, putting on makeup, wearing a toupee, even dressing to hide one’s figure flaws, aren’t we saying we aren’t happy with the way God made us?

[RedMonqey]

What level of alteration is OK?

I believe the act of "sex change"(actually just genital mutilation)is a sin but once done is not an unforgiveable sin. Just as an alcoholic with liver damage isn't forbaden from salvation even though the damage is irrepairable.

However that brings up the question of that person is still the genetically male/female pre-operation state and thus the sin of homosexuelity is still a sin.

Wonder how PR got around THAT issue?

[ExTxMarine]

Is there a point where the modification becomes a sin, and if so, where?

Therein is the ignorance of Pat's response. He basically said, "I (and God) don't care if you mutilate yourself." But, that wasn't the question.

The question was do I have a moral obligation or is it a sin to play along with the delusional misgivings of people who mutilated themselves?

Hey, I think people who put loops in the ears are idiots and look pretty damn stupid, but do I have a moral obligation to tell them they "look great?" Is it a sin to tell them (or not tell them) that they look stupid?

I think the funniest thing is when people cut themselves or slash their arms/legs, they are put into mental hospitals and are "treated." But if you pay someone else to do it, or you call it "body art" then, hey, you are just fine and normal. As you stated, where is that line?