Tattoos/Piercings

From a strictly scritptural view, they're not forbidden, but scripture forbids idolatry and disrespecting of the temple (body). Hence, we can surmise from scripture that tattoos/piercings that are done for idolatrous reasons, or in a manner that disrespects the body, or in any other way abusive, are scripturally forbidden.

From a personal view, I kissed a girl with a tongue piercing once. Seriously, though, I wouldn't frown on a person simply because they have tattoos or piercings, but if they're excessive, abusive, or disrespectful, then I'd be against small tattoo of a cross on my back. I got it when I went through a very traumatic divorce. It was my way of having something that could not be taken from me, and I wanted something to reflect that I was the Lord's. But unless you're hanging out with me the gym steam room, you probably won't see it. I don't regret getting it, but I don't think I'll ever get another.

My wife has three pierce holes on her ears each, and I have my left ear pierced (a leftover from my early 20's rebellious days). I've never deemed either of these to be in any way a compromise to our faith, or a violation of scripture.

 

I'm against a saved person doing stuff like this. I had a tongue ring and tattoo before I got saved. As soon as I got saved, I was so convicted over it I took the tongue ring out. Of course, the tattoo is still there but thank the Lord it's in a spot that only my husband sees. And even in that manner I am ashamed. I have been seriously thinking lately about getting it removed but I lack the funds.

As far as other people getting them...people can and will do what they want to do. I can't judge them for that. It is simply "my opinion" that Christians shouldn't indulge in those practices after they are saved. There are teens who have come to the church with their tongue rings and nose rings and I love them just the same as if they were my own.

 

I applaud you for your personal conviction, and further applaud you for pointing out that this is strictly your opinion, and not meant to be a judgement upon all.

 

Thanks Johnv...

 

I'm for any tattoo showing the cat getting kicked.

Erin, what do you think about it? Do you have any?

 

I don't like tattoos at all. My ears are pierced for one ear ring for each ear.

My personal opinion.

 

Tattoos, no.
Piercings,
depends on what your piercing.
Ears are fine,
everything else
not fine.
I have 3 earrings in my right ear, and 4 in my left ear. These aren't to show off or anything as my hair is long enough to cover them, most people never see them. they are for me because I like earrings and I don't wear any other jewelry except my wedding ring.

 

I think God knew what He was doing when He made us.

And as was pointed out, our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Many fail to look at the next verse though, Therefore glorify God in your body and in your Spirit, which are God's.

I cannot see tattoos or piercings as bringing glory to God.

As to a tattoo of a cross, many who are not saved wear cross pendants, cross rings, etc., and do not even know what the cross stands for.

And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God

 

I have a tattoo on my right forearm. It is crossed flags. It is well faded now, and I am not ashamed of it and never tried to cover it up.

I was dared by soldiers.."that a chaplain would never get a tattoo..." Take me to the shop, and I got it for fifty cents. All those men showed up on church parade the following Sunday. It was during the Korean War.

Would I get one to-day? Prolly not!

Now piercings! I would never stick a needle through my ear, nose, tongue or any other place, let alone multiple punctures...just my ouch. I couldn't care less wot others do, and I certainly don't put any biblical take on it one way or the other.

Cheers,

Jim

 

Scarlett, you know I love you, but you're a freak...in a good way

 

I have one earring hole in each ear. Daddy said "as long as you live under MY roof..." lol. By the time I got outta the house, i didnt want a second hole any more. Still dont. I dont think its necessarily a sin to get pierced/tattoos, but I think they just arent very attractive. I hate seeing young girls with them on their backs (with low pants and short shirts) or anywhere for that matter. I tell Christian girls that they are gonna be really cute when they are old and as leader of the WMU, they got a sagging sunshine hanging down for all to see.

 

LOL, TT I was early 30's when I got my second holes, mid 30's for the third ones, and late 30's when I got the fourth one in my left ear.
hummm, wonder if it was that midlife thingy?

 

I have always been curious about this, I have heard many ladies have this same stance. I do not understand it. What makes ears ok, but everything else bad?

It always seems to me a way to justify what "you" want or like. If it is wrong, should it not be wrong in all places?

 

Good point SBC,

Why do people consider it ok to have ears pierced and not tongue, eyebrow, or other part of the body?

 

I agree as well fellas. My wife and daughter both have ear piercings. My wife was very gracious and did not do so until I finally conceded after many years.

Even with that I see it as a matter of confusion when people say "Ears are okay, anyplace else is not." Since I agreed to ear piercing, what reason could I have for objecting to anything else?

Is there a rational explanation as to why this statement has validity?

 

body piercing is self mutilation. Point blank.

We are to be faithful stewards of all that God has given us. That includes our bodies. Take care of 'em. Don't poke 'em full of holes that God never intended man to have.

 

no offense to anyone here, but i do not see body piercing as self-mutilation. many countries do it as art and for spiritual beliefs. people do it for self-expression. i see self-mutilation as cutting, burning, pulling out hair, scratching, perging, binging, and abuse of pills.
piercings close and even if we have them, they are memories. at the point in time that someone gets a piercing, they won't forget it.