Posted on 04/28/2008 8:59:26 AM PDT by ChurtleDawg
No, it doesn't.
I just find them ugly and think it is a fad that will pass and leave a lot of people asking "What was I thinking?".
Actually, it is quite common as an act of piety, and of defiance against the Muslims, for Coptic Christians to have a cross (usually of the all-arms-equal-length variety favored by both Greeks and Copts) tattooed on the back of one hand.
Probably depends on what you’re getting inked on beside it and where you’re putting it. Bicep, okay. Gluteus...not so much.
Don’t do it. It’s called body mutilation and it isn’t to be done.
A tattoo is a statement. You must ask yourself “what kind of statement am I making with this tattoo?” After you have answered that question ask yourself “does every facet of my life reflect that same statement?” If it does not, then you should consider why are you taking the easy way and not following the narrow path?
“..I wanted to mark myself as a Christian.”
Tattooing a cross on your body doesn’t automatically mark you as a Christian. Waste of ink and pain.
If piercings are on the list there will be few women who get in. Unless there is some waiver for the ears. Anyone know of such a waiver existing?
I don’t think it’s sacrilegious. I tend to think prominent non-military tattooes are tacky, but tacky is not sacrilegious.
28 Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.
Old Testament stuff, whether it applies today, you make the call!.
BINGO!!!
Since it is forbidden in law, it doesn't really matter what tat you get. It's kinda like having a fish on the trunk of your car while giving the "bird" to someone that pulls in front of you. The fish on the trunk actually HARMS your wittness, if you ever had one. You would spend the rest of your days explaining "it was when I was young and foolish".
There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that talks about wristbands, trunk fish, door mat's, refer magnets, etc, but where is the change? You could end up with just being another guy with a tattoo that is divorced and doesn't pay child support. If you want to symbolize your dedication to Christ, then witness to a stranger, give some food to the hungry, visit someone in jail. It makes a mark deeper than a needle and stays forever. If God has ever given you a divine appointment and they came to Christ over something you said or did, it is the most unforgettable occurrence you can have. God calls it "treasure" in Heaven. God would rather have your obedience than a sacrifice of blood.
Tattoos used to be considered body mutilation, and like all “unncessary surgery,” were frowned upon by the Church. This is probably no longer the case, although looking at the ugly tattoo-covered guys and gals at the gym, I wish it were...
Personally, I’d say you should wear a cross. That gets you a lot more criticism and snickers than a tattoo, probably because people assume that when you got the tat you were (a)drunk or stoned, (b) much younger or (c) just doing it as a gesture. Wearing a cross, however, makes it clear that you still believe the Faith and you’re willing to show it.
There was no pain, it certainly did leave a mark - displaying the cross may be a waste to you, it is not on me.
Obeying from this command in the Old Testament “You are not to make gashes on your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves; I am the LORD.” (Lev. 19:28) Jewish tradition has always not allowed tattoos. Jesus Himself would not have gotten a tattoo, since it is against Jewish law.
Christians too, honoring the Jewish tradition, have always disallowed tattoos. It’s not an absolute law now (since it was a part of Jewish ceremonial law) but, none-the-less Christian practice for 2000 years has been uniform: No tattoos.
Historically tattoos have been associated with pagan cultures, and occultic worship...hence the Old Testament law.
It’s only been in the 20 years that tattoos have become fashionable....and this amidst a very hedonistic, selfish, live-for-today generation at that. I would argue that part of the fashion is that tattoos are permanent, and therefore shocking (even ex-hippie parents), and rebellious. Shocking people and being rebellious are NOT Christian virtues...and your body, if you are a Christian, is not your own (1 Cor. 6:19), it is God’s. Therefore to mark up your body—is like graffiti on God’s temple.
Therefore due to old Jewish law...and how the Church has followed it for 2000 years, and the culture surrounding tattoos in general, and the fact that your body is God’s temple...I would advise that even getting even an attractive cross tattooed on you would be a bad idea.
There’s even a practical aspect. Lets say you were around a Muslim, who may otherwise be open to hearing the good news of Jesus—but your (permanent, only symbolic) cross offended him—well, there goes your opportunity to witness to him.
This is why, as a Christian, I don't drive around with a fish on my car - I know there are times I'd embarrass Jesus with my reactions to city traffic.
BTW, I like your screen name. ¿Tu habla español?
Well, "the Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." :)
BTW, I like your screen name. ¿Tu habla español?
¡Absolutamente! Soy un parte Mexicanita. ¿Pero no me vas a dar una prueba, verda? Mi español no es perfecto. ¿Cómo sabes español?
Does that mean that I think that everybody with tats are wrong..no, never...especially those who have never read that passage, but it is why you do not see a lot of conservative Christians with tats. Usually the ones you do see came to the faith later in life or after rebelling in youth or no deep knowledge of the Bible.
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