Christians with Tattoos

I have never seen anyone, man or woman, with any tatoo that to me didnt make the person look trashy.

I'm not saying they ARE trashy. They may be as fine and classy and godly a person as there is on this earth, but I just think tatoos look trashy.

I've never been able to understand how anyone can want one.


:godisgood:

 

A friend of mine had a tattoo on his ankle, a nice stylized cross with a verse.

He had to get it covered over with another another tattoo when he went overseas as a missionary, it was considered inappropriate in rural China.

I'd suggest that you consider your mission field before getting one,
Will the tattoo be a witness or a burden in the long run.

Perhaps get a henna (temporary) tattoo and live with it for a year to see if your opinion of it changes over time.

Rob

 

I think tatoos are silly---------but if you have it in your mind to get one I seriously doubt if any of us "na" sayers will be able to talk you out of it

The Old Testament Levitical law forbids any markings on the skin of the Hebrew people(Adolf Hitler was well aware of the law that foribidded markings on the Hebrew Jews, thus he added insult to injury for them by having had each marked(tatooed) with numbers on wrists)--------I challange you to find the verse that speaks of the forbidding and examine the reasons why God forbid it(both physical and spiritual reasons) and then make application to yourself in the present world.

I know that many folks here are going to say something like

"Well----thats Old Testament! This is New! And Old doesn't apply to New! We are not bound by Old Testament laws and commands!!"

Well----last time I checked----I am still bound by Command #6----Thou shalt not steal"--------I mean---you try stealing something today and get your sorry self caught---buddy---its the "Slammer" for you!!!

Find the scripture that speaks of markings on the skin----and make application to your present self--both physical and spiritual

Oh, and by the way----that tatoo WILL come off on Resurrection day---the dust of your body will rise up and leave anything manmade behind!!!

 

Bet you would look great with a tattoo of a butterfly on the end of your nose.

 

My advice is to pray about it and ask God what he wants you to do. Tat's aren't cheap. Think about why you want one. Is it to show everyone you are a Christian? If so, maybe your deeds would better show that than a tat. Think about the money you would spend on it. Is there something better you could spend your money on that would glorify God?

I'm not picking on tattoos. These are questions we should ask before buying "Christian" clothing or bumper stickers, I think.

 

It's between you and God.

 

I have a few tatoos and I regret ever having them put on me. It seems that no matter what message the tatoo depicts. The one that's received by those who like them is very different. They perceive you as the same part of the world as they belong to. I went to see a doctor to have mine removed only to find out that since they were put in so deep the doctor could not guarantee a complete removal. Not to mention it was going to cost me about $30,000.00.

I first regreted having them when I found out it's not God's will for us to brand ourselves when He is the one we belong to. We are not our own. If God would have wanted us to be branded He would have made us with a brand already on us.

A tatoo is always permante.
A doctor can remove them sometimes but, there is always a scar afterwards. So your left with a mark on you no matter what.
MB

 

HankD

You and I finally agree on something!:thumbs: :thumbs:

Actually, I am sure we agree on a great many things.:smilewinkgrin:

 

Who said there were no prophets in DC?

 

Three of my tatoos are gang-related. One on the left leg says "d'saints", and the one on the left hand, on the fleshy part of the hand between the index finger and the thumb is of an anchor with the letters "NE" on top and a small dot on the right of the anchor, which is the symbol for the "d'saints" on my leg.
That was high school.
After high school, I got to be so much of a troublemaker with a very mean reputation in our district of the city that some jailbirds who've been let out recruited me and I got one on the right leg which is a picture of a flying saucer with the word "sputnik" beautifully scripted on the saucer side of the ship and the number 1 on top of the saucer between the antennaes.
Both tatoos got me into a lot of trouble.
Then in my late teens I met my wife, and we dated, and, of course, I saw other girls, too, and was seeing one who had a reputation of being able to "sock it to ya" when she was feeling mean.
Happens I had a fourth tatoo of my wife's (then my girlfriend) name and mine on my left shoulder and went swimming with the mean chick. Forgot about the tatoo. Took off my shirt, next thing I know I was being stung by yellowjackets (pinches so small they actually make you bleed).

Lately I'm thinking of having a BIG REALLY BIG American Bald Eagle done on my chest to kinda cover my scars from the quadruple I'd had back in 03, except that it's gon' cost me more or less $500.00 and in these times ? that's a crime.

 

To Tattoo, or Not To Tattoo...

To Tattoo, or Not To Tatoo...that is the theological question.:laugh:

I can see both sides of the information provided to you, and ultimately, the decision is yours. I have seen people in churches with tattoos, mostly guys, and I've heard some very snide comments and gossip from the elderly folks. As a pastor, it was something that always came back to me, and I had to tell the young guys that it was best to keep the tattoos covered when around members of the church.

The reasoning behind this request was simply based upon the need to not cause another to stumble. If the tattoo would cause so much talk and pure gossip, than the tattoo was the root of causing another to sin. And while the persons who complained and gossiped about the tattooed guy, it was the responsibility of the guy with the tattoo to be careful to not cause another to stumble.:tonofbricks:

Like Tiny Tim, I don't care one way or another, but, I too am squeamish about blood, especially when it comes from me. I also don't need any additional pain.

Thanks for such an interesting topic. I've enjoyed the responses. And to end this on a positive note, I'd have to say that you'd get no judgment from me for a tattoo.

Pastor Paul :type:
Remove the Haze Ministries

 

I know this isn't something I should say, but what if you lose/change your faith - just on the off chance? It does occasionally happen :tonofbricks:

 

At least I only paid fifty cents for my tattoo............:saint:

It has been used as a tool to present the gospel as well as facing the critics. I did cover mine for most of my ministry, but it is hard to wear long sleeves ALL the time.

In the early days people immediately asked if I had been in the navy.....No, army...end of discussion. To-day is different, but I just skip over it.

Cheers,

Jim

 

Nicholas,

It's intersting that you mention this now. I got involved in a thread on this board a year ago, we were talking about tattoos. I wanted one back then, and I was looking for that thread last night because yesterday I got it.

It took me 18 months to decide if I really wanted one. I did my search, asked for advice, pray about it, and studied any and everything I could find about them.

I came to the conclusion that, it's not a sin.

I came to the conclusion that I wanted a tattoo for a just and right reason. (not a fad of peer pressure).

Like I said, it took me a 18 months to get it, but with a thoughful approach, I don't see why you too can't reason why you're getting it, and if it's right for you.

I am 41, and this is my first and last tattoo. I didn't do it for body art, I myself needed a reminder of where I came from and where I am headed. My life is sorted at best.. criminal, cheating, stealing, homesexual, you name it I have lived it. I found Christ, or I should say refound him a couple of years ago and now I am headed in the right direction. I wanted to remind myself of that every day.

I got a cross, with some Greek around it stating Jesus Christ Conquers. I am very happy that I took my time, gave it thought and made my decision.

Start slow, if you want one now and you are serious, you will want one a year from now. Find a shop that has a waiting list.(don't go anywhere near a "walk in" place. Talk to other with tattos and find an artist that will do exactly what you're looking for. Take your time.

Here is a link to my tattoo. LINK

Edited to add, that this is on my upper arm (from the pic it looks like my leg!), and a short sleeve will cover it if needed.

Good luck!
Jamie

 

Then you've got bigger problems than a tattoo.

 

Or you can tell St Peter at the pearly gates, "but I got the tatoo esa' "...

 

Four pages and counting.....

 

Oh no! Marcia is planning another frivilous five............:saint:

Cheers,

Jim

 

No, I'm not! I'm just counting the pages since I predicted we would get lots of pages on this topic, as we usually do. :laugh: