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| A mark of faith? |
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Thank you, Paul Ahnert and HonnieBunnie007, for suggesting this topic!
WARNING: This topic may be controversial. For all who read, please be civil and considerate of each others' thoughts and opinions. Thank you.
I believe that a number of people take scripture out of context when it comes to the subject of tattoos, a common passage to quote being Leviticus 19:28. We must be careful not to misinterpret scripture (a much, much historically older text) under our modern day lens. To avoid potential legalism, bear in mind that context is key.
WARNING: This topic may be controversial. For all who read, please be civil and considerate of each others' thoughts and opinions. Thank you.
I believe that a number of people take scripture out of context when it comes to the subject of tattoos, a common passage to quote being Leviticus 19:28. We must be careful not to misinterpret scripture (a much, much historically older text) under our modern day lens. To avoid potential legalism, bear in mind that context is key.
"Tattooing" as we know it in today's world does not resemble the concept of markings Israel would've been familiar with that were made during that time period, back when they were rescued from Egyptian slavery. According to an article from BibleStudyTools, recent archaeological evidence suggests that Egypt would make markings on "the body parts of women associated with fertility (breasts, thighs and abdomen)" as a "good luck charm to protect the birthing process", and Canaanites would "slash their bodies for ritualistic purposes", especially to honor their pagan gods. Israel was not to mirror the pagan practices of their time.
And if we were to interpret scripture without context, what does that say about makeup? Wouldn't lipstick, powder, mascara, nail polish, face paint, etc. also be considered "marking" the body? Yet rarely does anyone argue about those things.
I've seen Christians with some very creative biblically-inspired tattoo art. I've even heard at least one story in which someone even used their biblical tattoo as an opportunity to witness and share the gospel. If such acts can lead to something good long term, then what's so bad about that?
On the other hand, many believers also consider 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 when it comes to such matters. And even if we're not restricted from tattoos, there are also other points to consider and discern, such as our motives for getting a tattoo, what "message" that tattoo will communicate, and how such modifications will affect us long term (medically, financially, emotionally, etc.). "Think before you ink", as some would say.
This is why we must slow down and consider all angles before jumping to our own conclusions. And as with any subjective matter, there's also Romans 14. If it's something that makes you stumble, it's better to not go through with something than to do so with doubt in your heart. Let us approach this topic with an open mind while also bearing in mind to respect one another in our personal decisions. And remember:
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV)
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Curious Questions to Consider:
Do you think tattoos are a good or bad thing? Why or why not?
Do you have any tattoos? If so, what was your motivation for getting inked?
Have you seen or met any Christians with tattoos on their body? How did it make you feel? Did you talk to them about their tattoo(s)?
What do you think about makeup? Is makeup comparable to tattoos in any way?
What are your thoughts on piercings? Do you have any?
Are you considering getting a tattoo at some point in the future? What are your thoughts?
Do you think tattoos are a good or bad thing? Why or why not?
Do you have any tattoos? If so, what was your motivation for getting inked?
Have you seen or met any Christians with tattoos on their body? How did it make you feel? Did you talk to them about their tattoo(s)?
What do you think about makeup? Is makeup comparable to tattoos in any way?
What are your thoughts on piercings? Do you have any?
Are you considering getting a tattoo at some point in the future? What are your thoughts?
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Leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Feel free to share your own stories, experiences and insight in relation to the topic.
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding tattoos, makeup, or piercings. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding tattoos, makeup, or piercings. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
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Author's Notes:
Credit goes to Paul Ahnert and HonnieBunnie007 for both suggesting this topic.
Cover image courtesy of freetattoodesigns.org (credit: NateTheKnife).
(EDIT: Also including piercings in this discussion.)
(Written on December 08, 2019.)
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My comment is that God loves everyone but he hopes that we love him too, people tatoo for body art and stuff, but if we know better we should not tatoo because God is a jealous wonderful God and our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit but God doesn't love you any less if you have tattooed
ReplyDeleteSincerely
Sean 💜♥️🙏
In my mind, tattoos are neither intrinsically good or bad. People can get them for any number of motives. I do not have one, or have any planned in the future, but I don't condemn anyone with body art work. Christians can have existing tattoos at conversion, or get them afterward, and that is not a consideration for me. Makeup is fine too, although I believe too much may obscure natural beauty (but that's just my opinion). We should focus on the soul of the person, not the outward appearance. And as I recall, we will have a new body in glory anyway. Time is short. The eternal destiny of souls must be our focus.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you all.
Great topic and one close to my heart, literally and figuratively. I have 12 tattoos and some are for my family, some are for me and some are witness of my faith.
ReplyDeleteMany who like to quote Leviticus on this topic ignore the parts they do not keep. For instance, men are forbidden to cut the hair on the sides of their head. I do not see any anti tattoo people with long hair on the sides if their heads. We must be very careful not to forget Jesus fulfilled the Law and as believers in Christ our command is to love God and love others
As far as our bodies being Temples, tatoos adorn they do not destroy. The original temple was adorned with palm trees and cherubs.
Admittedly, my first Tattoo at the age of 18 in 1986 was designed to send a message: "leave me alone" and it was affective. The tattoo of hearts and flowers I got when I got engaged to my wife over 30 years ago intimidated at least one guy enough to difuse a fight in a parking lot.
Now my tatts tell the story of my Life and my faith. They give me access to share with people others cannot.
As with anything a believer does, getting a tattoo should be something we do after prayer and a green light from God. Anything not done in faith is sin