-Tattoos: culturally accepted norm and spite against god?
-I've always been told that (if god exists) he doesn't favor symbolism outside the christian church. Much less anything that takes away from worshiping him.
-As askew as this topic sounds, are tattoo's really that diminishing to the body spiritually?
tattooing
Moderator: Moderators
Re: tattooing
Post #11Should I Get a Tattoo?
TATTOOS are everywhere—or so it seems. Rock stars, sports figures, fashion models, and movie stars flaunt them. Many teenagers have followed suit, proudly displaying tattoos on their shoulders, hands, waists, and ankles. Andrew contends: "Tattoos are cool. Having one or not is a personal choice."
Says the World Book Encyclopedia: "Tattooing is the practice of making permanent designs on the body. It is done by pricking small holes in the skin with a sharpened stick, bone, or needle that has been dipped in pigments with natural colors."
Although exact statistics are hard to come by, one source estimates that 25 percent of all 15- to 25-year-olds in the United States have a tattoo. Sandy says: "It's the popular thing to do." Why are tattoos so appealing to some youths?
Why So Popular?
For some, a tattoo is a way of making a grand romantic gesture. Michelle relates: "On his ankle my brother has the name of a girl he used to go out with." The problem? "He's not dating her anymore." According to Teen magazine, "doctors estimate that more than 30 percent of all tattoo removal is done on teen girls who want the name of an ex-boyfriend taken off."
Some youths view tattoos as works of art. Others see them as symbols of independence. "I'm in charge of my life," proclaimed Josie, adding that getting a tattoo was "the only life decision I've ever made." Tattooing allows some youths to experiment—to feel they have control over their appearance. Tattoos can also serve as a symbol of rebellion or of alternative life-styles. Some tattoos thus contain obscene words and drawings or provocative slogans.
The majority of youths, however, may simply have become caught up in a fad. But just because it seems as if everyone is getting tattooed, does it mean that you should?
The Ancient Art of Tattooing
Tattooing is by no means a modern practice. Tattoo-bearing Egyptian and Libyan mummies have been found that date back hundreds of years before the time of Christ. Tattooed mummies have also been found in South America. Many of the tattooed images were directly related to the worship of pagan gods. According to researcher Steve Gilbert, "the earliest known tattoo that is a picture of something, rather than an abstract pattern, represents the god Bes. In Egyptian mythology Bes is the lascivious god of revelry."
Significantly, the Mosaic Law forbade God's people to tattoo themselves. Said Leviticus 19:28: "You must not make cuts in your flesh for a deceased soul, and you must not put tattoo marking upon yourselves. I am Jehovah." Pagan worshipers, such as the Egyptians, tattooed the names or symbols of their deities on their breast or arms. By complying with Jehovah's ban on tattoo markings, the Israelites would stand out as different from other nations.—Deuteronomy 14:1, 2.
While Christians today are not under the Law of Moses, the prohibition it laid on tattooing is sobering. (Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:14, 15) If you are a Christian, you would certainly not want to make markings on your body—even temporarily—that smack of paganism or false worship.—2 Corinthians 6:15-18.
Health Risks
There are also health concerns you should consider. Dr. Robert Tomsick, an associate professor of dermatology, comments: "What you're doing is breaking the skin and introducing pigmented material into the area. Even though the needle only goes in a little way, anytime you break the skin, you have a risk of bacterial or viral infection. I think [getting a tattoo] is generally a risky thing to do." Dr. Tomsick continues: "Once pigment is in, even if there's no infection, there's always the chance of contact allergies, dermatitis and allergic reactions that can cause skin to get red, swollen, crusty and itchy."
Despite the intended permanence of tattoos, various methods are used in attempts to remove them: Laser removal (burning the tattoo away), surgical removal (cutting the tattoo away), dermabrasion (sanding the skin with a wire brush to remove the epidermis and dermis), salabrasion (using a salt solution to soak the tattooed skin), and scarification (removing the tattoo with an acid solution and creating a scar in its place). These methods are expensive and can be painful. "It's more painful to have a tattoo removed by laser than to get the original tattoo," says Teen magazine.
What Will Others Think?
You should also give serious thought to how others might feel about your wearing a tattoo, as many react negatively. (1 Corinthians 10:29-33) On a whim, Li, a woman in Taiwan, got a tattoo at age 16. Now she is a 21-year-old office worker. "It bothers me the way my co-workers stare at the tattoo," Li admits. British mental-health worker Theodore Dalrymple says that to many people, tattoos "are often the visible sign that a man . . . belongs to a violent, brutal, antisocial, and criminalized subculture."
An article in American Demographics magazine similarly observed: "It is clear that most Americans consider it risky to have visible body art. Eighty-five percent [of youths] agree with the statement, 'people who have visible tattoos . . . should realize that this form of self-expression is likely to create obstacles in their career or personal relationships.'"
Consider also whether choosing to get a tattoo would enhance or undermine your claim of being a Christian. Could it be a "cause for stumbling" others? (2 Corinthians 6:3) True, some youths have had their tattoos placed on hidden areas of the body. Even their parents may not know about these secret tattoos. But beware! An emergency trip to the doctor or simply taking a shower at school could make your secret common knowledge! Better it is to "conduct ourselves honestly in all things," avoiding foolish deception.—Hebrews 13:18.
Like all fads, tattoos may lose their appeal over time. Really, is there any garment—whether a pair of jeans, a shirt, a dress, or a pair of shoes—that you love so much that you would commit to wearing it for the rest of your life? Of course not! Styles, cuts, and colors change. Unlike a piece of clothing, however, tattoos are hard to shed. Besides, what is "cool" to you when you are 16 might not be very appealing when you are 30.
Many have come to regret making permanent alterations to their appearance. "I got a tattoo before learning about Jehovah," relates Amy. "I try to keep it covered. When others in the congregation happen to see it, I feel embarrassed." The message? Think before you ink. Don't make a decision that you may regret later.
For more information about bible topics visit WWW.WATCHTOWER.ORG
TATTOOS are everywhere—or so it seems. Rock stars, sports figures, fashion models, and movie stars flaunt them. Many teenagers have followed suit, proudly displaying tattoos on their shoulders, hands, waists, and ankles. Andrew contends: "Tattoos are cool. Having one or not is a personal choice."
Says the World Book Encyclopedia: "Tattooing is the practice of making permanent designs on the body. It is done by pricking small holes in the skin with a sharpened stick, bone, or needle that has been dipped in pigments with natural colors."
Although exact statistics are hard to come by, one source estimates that 25 percent of all 15- to 25-year-olds in the United States have a tattoo. Sandy says: "It's the popular thing to do." Why are tattoos so appealing to some youths?
Why So Popular?
For some, a tattoo is a way of making a grand romantic gesture. Michelle relates: "On his ankle my brother has the name of a girl he used to go out with." The problem? "He's not dating her anymore." According to Teen magazine, "doctors estimate that more than 30 percent of all tattoo removal is done on teen girls who want the name of an ex-boyfriend taken off."
Some youths view tattoos as works of art. Others see them as symbols of independence. "I'm in charge of my life," proclaimed Josie, adding that getting a tattoo was "the only life decision I've ever made." Tattooing allows some youths to experiment—to feel they have control over their appearance. Tattoos can also serve as a symbol of rebellion or of alternative life-styles. Some tattoos thus contain obscene words and drawings or provocative slogans.
The majority of youths, however, may simply have become caught up in a fad. But just because it seems as if everyone is getting tattooed, does it mean that you should?
The Ancient Art of Tattooing
Tattooing is by no means a modern practice. Tattoo-bearing Egyptian and Libyan mummies have been found that date back hundreds of years before the time of Christ. Tattooed mummies have also been found in South America. Many of the tattooed images were directly related to the worship of pagan gods. According to researcher Steve Gilbert, "the earliest known tattoo that is a picture of something, rather than an abstract pattern, represents the god Bes. In Egyptian mythology Bes is the lascivious god of revelry."
Significantly, the Mosaic Law forbade God's people to tattoo themselves. Said Leviticus 19:28: "You must not make cuts in your flesh for a deceased soul, and you must not put tattoo marking upon yourselves. I am Jehovah." Pagan worshipers, such as the Egyptians, tattooed the names or symbols of their deities on their breast or arms. By complying with Jehovah's ban on tattoo markings, the Israelites would stand out as different from other nations.—Deuteronomy 14:1, 2.
While Christians today are not under the Law of Moses, the prohibition it laid on tattooing is sobering. (Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:14, 15) If you are a Christian, you would certainly not want to make markings on your body—even temporarily—that smack of paganism or false worship.—2 Corinthians 6:15-18.
Health Risks
There are also health concerns you should consider. Dr. Robert Tomsick, an associate professor of dermatology, comments: "What you're doing is breaking the skin and introducing pigmented material into the area. Even though the needle only goes in a little way, anytime you break the skin, you have a risk of bacterial or viral infection. I think [getting a tattoo] is generally a risky thing to do." Dr. Tomsick continues: "Once pigment is in, even if there's no infection, there's always the chance of contact allergies, dermatitis and allergic reactions that can cause skin to get red, swollen, crusty and itchy."
Despite the intended permanence of tattoos, various methods are used in attempts to remove them: Laser removal (burning the tattoo away), surgical removal (cutting the tattoo away), dermabrasion (sanding the skin with a wire brush to remove the epidermis and dermis), salabrasion (using a salt solution to soak the tattooed skin), and scarification (removing the tattoo with an acid solution and creating a scar in its place). These methods are expensive and can be painful. "It's more painful to have a tattoo removed by laser than to get the original tattoo," says Teen magazine.
What Will Others Think?
You should also give serious thought to how others might feel about your wearing a tattoo, as many react negatively. (1 Corinthians 10:29-33) On a whim, Li, a woman in Taiwan, got a tattoo at age 16. Now she is a 21-year-old office worker. "It bothers me the way my co-workers stare at the tattoo," Li admits. British mental-health worker Theodore Dalrymple says that to many people, tattoos "are often the visible sign that a man . . . belongs to a violent, brutal, antisocial, and criminalized subculture."
An article in American Demographics magazine similarly observed: "It is clear that most Americans consider it risky to have visible body art. Eighty-five percent [of youths] agree with the statement, 'people who have visible tattoos . . . should realize that this form of self-expression is likely to create obstacles in their career or personal relationships.'"
Consider also whether choosing to get a tattoo would enhance or undermine your claim of being a Christian. Could it be a "cause for stumbling" others? (2 Corinthians 6:3) True, some youths have had their tattoos placed on hidden areas of the body. Even their parents may not know about these secret tattoos. But beware! An emergency trip to the doctor or simply taking a shower at school could make your secret common knowledge! Better it is to "conduct ourselves honestly in all things," avoiding foolish deception.—Hebrews 13:18.
Like all fads, tattoos may lose their appeal over time. Really, is there any garment—whether a pair of jeans, a shirt, a dress, or a pair of shoes—that you love so much that you would commit to wearing it for the rest of your life? Of course not! Styles, cuts, and colors change. Unlike a piece of clothing, however, tattoos are hard to shed. Besides, what is "cool" to you when you are 16 might not be very appealing when you are 30.
Many have come to regret making permanent alterations to their appearance. "I got a tattoo before learning about Jehovah," relates Amy. "I try to keep it covered. When others in the congregation happen to see it, I feel embarrassed." The message? Think before you ink. Don't make a decision that you may regret later.
For more information about bible topics visit WWW.WATCHTOWER.ORG
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KitsuneShoujoAi
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Post #12
Some of the most devout Christians I know have Christian tattoos. It all depends on what you get. I once saw a guy at a water park with a cross on one arm and a naked woman on the other. I doubt God's please with that.
Personally, I would like to get Jeremiah 20:19 and Psalm 56: 12 tattooed on the inside of both wrist. Jeremiah 20:19 because that's the story of my life. I tried to forsake God multiple times. I wanted to live my life my way. And each time I couldn't help it. I have to believe. Psalm 56: 12 because I used to cut and it would be hard if I'm tempted to go back to my old habit to slit a vein when staring me in the face is a reminder that God will take care of me. Plus, it's kinda cocky, which I like.
I would also like SS63 (Song of Songs 6:3) tattooed around my left ring finger because I am not a virgin. I'm not planing on having sex with any guy in the future until my wedding night. I need a reminder of that. Knowing me, if I get a purity ring, I'll take it off and "forget" to put it on. You can't take off a tattoo easily.
The permanent thing doesn't bother me. I'm slightly mentally unstable. I have mood swings and change constantly. It's actually a comfort for me to have something stable in my life. A tattoo's not going anywhere.
Personally, I would like to get Jeremiah 20:19 and Psalm 56: 12 tattooed on the inside of both wrist. Jeremiah 20:19 because that's the story of my life. I tried to forsake God multiple times. I wanted to live my life my way. And each time I couldn't help it. I have to believe. Psalm 56: 12 because I used to cut and it would be hard if I'm tempted to go back to my old habit to slit a vein when staring me in the face is a reminder that God will take care of me. Plus, it's kinda cocky, which I like.
I would also like SS63 (Song of Songs 6:3) tattooed around my left ring finger because I am not a virgin. I'm not planing on having sex with any guy in the future until my wedding night. I need a reminder of that. Knowing me, if I get a purity ring, I'll take it off and "forget" to put it on. You can't take off a tattoo easily.
The permanent thing doesn't bother me. I'm slightly mentally unstable. I have mood swings and change constantly. It's actually a comfort for me to have something stable in my life. A tattoo's not going anywhere.
Post #13
I have a tattoo of the Trinity symbol on my right shoulder. I can hide it or show it whenever I want. Its not something I'll regret getting since it has to do with my religion. I don't think I sinned by getting it.
Post #14
I thought Christians believed that their bodies do not belong to them, that they belong to god. Aren't you basically defacing the merchandise?onefaith wrote:I have a tattoo of the Trinity symbol on my right shoulder. I can hide it or show it whenever I want. Its not something I'll regret getting since it has to do with my religion. I don't think I sinned by getting it.
The Texas Atheist: http://www.txatheist.com
Anti-Theism Art: http://anti-theists.deviantart.com
"Atheism is the voice of a few intelligent people." ~ Voltaire
Anti-Theism Art: http://anti-theists.deviantart.com
"Atheism is the voice of a few intelligent people." ~ Voltaire
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scottlittlefield17
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Post #15
As a christian God says that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost. I don't believe that we should be adorning our "Temples" in that way. That also is why i would stand against smoking, drinking, and drug abuse.
“Life is really simple as far as I’m concerned. There is no luck, you work hard and study things intently. If you do that for long and hard enough you’re successful.�
"The more well versed in a skill that someone is the luckier they seem to be."
"The more well versed in a skill that someone is the luckier they seem to be."
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music_seldruh
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Post #16
Yes, in 1 Corinthians 6:19 it says "19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;"scottlittlefield17 wrote:As a christian God says that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost. I don't believe that we should be adorning our "Temples" in that way. That also is why i would stand against smoking, drinking, and drug abuse.
But then why does Mark 9:43-47 say "43If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. 45And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. 47And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell,"
This relates to BIID which I saw in another topic:
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... .php?t=750
Post #17
For some countries, tattoo is a form of ritual and part of their culture. For others it is a taboo and can sometimes be just a statement. I respect those who have tattoo but I think that before having one, you should be emotionally ready because our body is a temple that we should als respect.
Dentist Thousand Oaks l Dentists Burbank
Dentist Thousand Oaks l Dentists Burbank
Post #18
At the moment, half of my arm is covered with tattoos, the other half is soon to be covered (once I get the money).
Before I made this choice, I heard every reason not to get a tattoo.
"Imagine what your tattoo will look like when you are 80!"
"Imagine what people will think of you"
The truth is, I got this tattoo because I wanted one. When I'm 80, my tattoos will be a testament to the (hopefully) interesting and amazing life I have lived. I don't care what people think of my tattoos, positive or negative. I got my tattoo for me, not for anyone else.
Do I think Christians should get tattoos? Sure go for it, but if your 'God' exists I don't think he will be very happy with you.
Before I made this choice, I heard every reason not to get a tattoo.
"Imagine what your tattoo will look like when you are 80!"
"Imagine what people will think of you"
The truth is, I got this tattoo because I wanted one. When I'm 80, my tattoos will be a testament to the (hopefully) interesting and amazing life I have lived. I don't care what people think of my tattoos, positive or negative. I got my tattoo for me, not for anyone else.
Do I think Christians should get tattoos? Sure go for it, but if your 'God' exists I don't think he will be very happy with you.
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McCulloch
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Post #19
I experience mild trypanophobia and have no desire to have any more needles or piercings than is medically advisable. However, I would not project my own fears on to anyone else or give them the force of law or dogma. The tatoo and piercing industry should be regulated and safe and those who are underaged should have to wait or have parental approval.
Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good.
First Epistle to the Church of the Thessalonians
The truth will make you free.
Gospel of John
First Epistle to the Church of the Thessalonians
The truth will make you free.
Gospel of John
