Can A Christian Have Tattoos?

Hello Saints,

My intention of posting this up is genuinely for healthy discussion.

Can Christians Have Tattoos on Their Bodies?

I personally think it is okay. What do you think?

Why do you want a tattoo?

What is the driving motive?

Does it serve any useful purpose?

Does it promote health?

Is it money worthwhile spent?

Does the WORD have anything anywhere to say about this?

Seems to be the answers to these questions should make the wisdom of this procedure obvious.

A Christian friend asked me this while I was in college. I pointed him to the passages in the New Testament that refer to your body as the Temple of the Holy Spirit (e.g., I Corinthians 6:19-20, I Corinthians 3:16-17).

I then asked whether it would have been appropriate to plaster a mural on the side of the Temple in Jerusalem circa 500 B.C. What about the Temple at around 33 A.D.?

Remember: There were very specific instructions from God for the building and decorum of the Temple. While it was necessary to clean it and even restore it, it wasn't proper to inscribe things into the outer walls that were beyond the scope of instructions inspired given by God.

Even if well-intentioned, a tattoo is tantamount to a "mural" or, more correctly, graffiti that you commission. However, a tattoo is permanent. Even if you attempt to have it removed, there will always be a scar.

It is important to remember that you are not your own. You -- and your body -- was bought at a price (I Corinthians 6:20). Thus, you don't even "own" your own body. It belongs to God.

If you lived in a rented home or an apartment, would you pay someone to permanently carve a picture into the outer wall? I can't answer the question. However, you would first need to seek approval and permission from the owner.

The Lord is the Owner of your body, your temple. If anything, I would urge that any person who desires a tattoo first seek approval from God in this. If they don't feel that they have gained His approval or permission, then I would recommend against it.

I hope that this doesn't sound "legalistic" in an Old Covenant sense. I certainly would not tell you what to do or not to do. However, there are New Testament precedents regarding the treatment of the physical body.

-------

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

- I Corinthians 6:19-20

If you had tattoos before you were saved then that's okay, but to go and get one after being saved would be wrong.

In the world right now it is fashionable to get a tattoo but Christians should not be following the lead of the world.

Remember “You Are Not Your Own”

1 Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

A man prayed about a tattoo
"Lord, I want to run it by you."

Said the Lord, "I don't mind
If you are so inclined
But get something cool if you do."

excellent observations, just-in.

Hi just-in,

The context of "Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost" is not about tattoos. Read it again.

You can't claim that the context cannot apply to ANYTHING dealing with the physical body. Obviously, the passage references sexual sins. However, the precept does not apply SOLELY to sexual sins. It can be applied to anything that affects the body.

If we want to be legalistic about that verse, then all Christians should stop drinking sodas, and other artificial drinks, food laced with additives, popsicles with food coloring, birthday cakes, packaged foods, etc, etc. You get the idea.

Why? Such things that you listed aren't permanently damaging your body as a single trip to the tattoo parlor can do. At the same time, the Lord might very well convict a person's heart to stay away from fatty foods or other items that aren't "good" for your health. If a person is obese or facing diabetes, then they should take care of the physical "temple" that they are entrusted. The key for most people would be "moderation" (e.g., "a little wine" versus drunkenness).

Of course, there is a world of difference between a lasting permanent alteration as well. Instead of talking about a "birthday cake," a better analogy would be opium. Drugs alter your mind (sometimes nearly permanently). You cannot "undo" a tattoo without a scar.

As for the "legalism" argument: I will repeat what I said before. Since the Lord "bought" us, our bodies do not belong to us. We should, therefore, ask God whether or not we should make such a permanent and lasting inscriptions on the body.

Like you said, it is HIS approval that we should seek. It is not about "rule and regulations." However, it is also not about our own desires under some guise of "liberty." The first place that we should run to about something like this is to the Lord.

A good question might be, "What should we do if we don't 'hear' anything?" when it comes to issues like this. If we don't feel the Lord's approval over something like a tattoo, should we take that as "liberty" to get one anyway? Or, given the lasting nature of it, should we refrain from getting one UNTIL we receive the Lord's approval?

Hi just-in,

Now, we are going off the tracks into strife and debate.

I wasn't trying to "go off the tracks" but simply replying to your own response where you said:

The context of "Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost" is not about tattoos. Read it again.

I think that we can all agree with your encouragement when you said, "Brother, (the one that asked the question), you need to ask the Lord and obey His voice."

The initial poster, acarrollfan, said that he wanted to engage in a "healthy discussion." He stated that he believes that it is okay to do so. My response was to simply show him an alternate perspective -- from the Scriptures -- that is worth thinking about. At the same time, I made it clear that I didn't take a position on the matter but urged, like you, that a person seeks the Lord for the answer.

I hope that clarifies my response just a bit. It wasn't to be argumentative just as I am sure that you didn't mean to be when you said that the "your body is a temple" passage was somehow taken out of context.

We (SI) had a very heated discussion about this back in 2007ish and I still feel the same. No, I do not believe that you will go to hell to have or get a tattoo on your body. My sons have asked me about tattoo's since they've been 15 and my advice was if they could remind me in a year that they still loved that certain tattoo, I'd sign for them to get it and they never did - forgot the design every time!! Now they are both over 21 and only the youngest does have a tattoo, a very smart looking cool one that he actually did put a lot of thought into.

murrcolr wrote:
If you had tattoos before you were saved then that's okay, but to go and get one after being saved would be wrong.

But I agree with just-in and TMK that ink is ink and it is what it is.

God bless you all!!
Lisa

Quote: I don't mean to pick on you or your argument (b/c I've always liked you) but I have to say that I've heard the same argument used about divorce. "If you get a divorce b4 you are saved, it's ok." If it's a sin, it's a sin - to me there is no time constraints on sin.

Ha ha praise God at least theres one on SI... but Lysa feel free to picked up on me steel sharpens steel.

Before you came to Christ you didn't know the truth, but now you have came to Christ and are supposed to walk in the light knowing that your are not your own you have been bought with a price.

So my argument well it's not a argument really is that the brother who has a tattoo before getting saved is under grace, he cannot be condemn as he has been forgiven of his sins, but now he is saved and is under grace that does not give him licence to go and get additional tattoos.

Does that make any sense...

murrcolr wrote:

"but now he is saved and is under grace that does not give him license to go and get additional tattoos."

True-- if getting a tattoo in and of itself is a sin. That is the burning question, and one that no one here can state with any certainty.

Sure, getting a tattoo that is sexually explicit or with vile language would be a sin, but what if it is a scripture reference? Or some other sin-neutral image or word? Popeye had an anchor on his forearm. Not sure what's sinful about an anchor.

Question for everyone, what causes someone to desire a tattoo ?

excellent thoughts, murrcolr!

Quote: True-- if getting a tattoo in and of itself is a sin.

Quote: Sure, getting a tattoo that is sexually explicit or with vile language would be a sin, but what if it is a scripture reference? Or some other sin-neutral image or word? Popeye had an anchor on his forearm. Not sure what's sinful about an anchor.

Well thats something you need to settle with God, I am speaking out of the my conviction.

But I wouldn't be looking to popeye for inspiration.... lol

murrcolr wrote:
Before you came to Christ you didn't know the truth, but now you have came to Christ and are supposed to walk in the light knowing that your are not your own you have been bought with a price.

murrcolr wrote:
So my argument well it's not a argument really is that the brother who has a tattoo before getting saved is under grace, he cannot be condemn as he has been forgiven of his sins, but now he is saved and is under grace that does not give him licence to go and get additional tattoos.

God bless you!!
Lisa

This is just funny that some would choose to divide over. It is symptom of the problems in the church of Jesus Christ.

carroll,

I do not know if you are single or married although I suspect you are single...

If you are single someday you may want to get married. You should be aware that most godly females do not like tattoos. I have a cousin whose adopted son, while living in sin, got a lot of tattoos on his chest. My cousin's wife (another cousin) told me he looks awful! "I sure would hate to be married to a man with a body like that!" This lady has a valid point: if you want your body to be attractive to a godly wife someday, you are going to have to keep it pure, holy and free of the marks of selfish living.

Too many males do not agree with my point here, but they are not a woman. As a female I find them repulsive, have about them an evil look, are disgusting. Do as you please, but know your body is not your own.

ginnyrose

Hi ginnyrose,

That is a good point, what will a future spouse think ?

It could easely cause difficulty in finding a Godly spouse, in a day in which finding a Godly spouse is already extremely difficult.

I am from a generation that is covered in Tattooes.

I have many friends whom have tattooes. As they are getting older and more mature, many of them, and most of those whom are Christians have expressed to me regret for ever getting them.

I think if we examine the motives behind getting tattooed, we will have the answer rather or not getting a tattooe is a none issue for a Christian.

For those whom have been tattooed in the past, lets embrace them with the same Love and respect as any one else.

We all have done imature things in the past that we came to regret.

I do not have any tattooes. but their are things in my past that I would gladdly exchange the regrets for, for just the regrets of a tattooe.

But lets attempt to raise the next generation as regret free as possible

Wow!

I just left the computer for about 12 hours and there are already 22 replies with 530 views. I wasn't expecting that this thread could be such a heated topic.

Thank you everyone for the input.

Just for your information, I am a single man and I am not intending to get a tattoo for myself.

Like I mentioned in my opening post, this is only for healthy discussion and exchange of ideas.

Maybe I should post more questions like this more often so that we can exchange more ideas.

=D

And oh, how about ear-piercing?

I know this is not biblical information, but found some of these findings rather interesting-

In his research - TATTOOING: MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT. THE INNER ESSENCE OF THE ART
Frankie J. Johnson from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford conducted open-ended interviews, over a period of six months, with four tattoo artists and thirteen people that have tattoos. He also spent time in a local tattoo studio talking with people who were getting a tattoo or who had already been tattooed.

The reasons and the meaning behind getting a tattoo were found to vary as much as the number of people getting tattoos. THE SIMILAR THREAD RUNNING THROUGH THE REASONS FOR GETTING A TATTOO, HOWEVER, WAS THAT TATTOOING IS A FORM OF SELF-EXPRESSION.

His conclusion was that the reasons for getting a tattoo and the meaning behind what is visibly seen are as varied as the people involved. Whether a person gets a tattoo “just because he likes how it looks” or because it symbolizes something for them, THE TATTOO IS A FORM OF SELF-EXPRESSION. The purpose of wearing this art on one’s body rather than hanging it on a wall signifies a total commitment to what it stands for. IT IS THE MOST PERMANENT FORM OF SELF-EXPRESSION, with no escape from it. It is everywhere they go, they carry it with them, and it is a part of them. It is connected to one’s mind and one’s body for their time spent here on earth, AND CONNECTED TO THEIR SPIRIT, THEIR INNER ESSENCE FOREVER.

http://www.pasocsociety.org/johnson.pdf

On this secular site, under Tattoos – A spiritual perspective - Mrs. Yoya Vallee, who has advanced sixth sense ability studied the spiritual effect of tattoos. And found that regardless of where on the body a tattoo is made, it has the following effects –

1 a Distressing energy covering is created around the person
2 a ring of Emotion is activated on the forehead
3 distressing energy is attracted to the back of the neck
4 a ring of Enticing energy is created and emitted from the person
5 spiral waves of Distressing energy is transmitted into the body
6 and activated Distressing energy particles is emitted into the environment

The site also states the following reasons why tattoos have harmful spiritual effects:
1 Most people tattoo their body out of fashion and this causes Enticing energy (Mohini-shakti) to be attracted to it. As a result, emotionalism and attachment to the external world or the Great Illusion (Maya) increases.
2 The majority of tattoo designs are not sāttvik .That is why they activate distressing energy.
3 Tattoos increase the proportion of distressing energy in the environment and make the individual physically and spiritually restless. Also, the covering of distressing energy around the individual’s body increases by 1.5%.
4 The possibility of negative energies (ghosts, demons, devils etc.) affecting the body, mind and intellect of the individual who has a tattoo on their body increases due to the tattoo.
5 Tattoos also increase heat in the body. An increase in heat can represent an increase in the proportion of Raja-Tama in the body (coolness represents an increase in the proportion of Sattva).
6 SHOWING THE TATTOO TO OTHERS CAN INCREASE EGO.

http://www.spiritualresearchfoundation.org/spiritualresearch/tattoos

If the context of this discussion is having the liberty to do whatever you want or the context of the Western church, then of course it is acceptable to get a tattoo. Neither of these pathways requires anything of those who follow.

However, you mention the word "Christian". If that means a Jesus follower, if that means a person who the Son of God shed his blood for, if that means one who is entering the narrow way that only a few will find, if that means a person whose entire life revolve around God and Jesus, then the answer is simple. There is no good reason for a Christian to have a tattoo.

You asked in the original post, "What do you think?" but it really doesn't matter. The question to ask is, "What does God think?" And the will of God is not different for every person on basic subjects. The will of God for a saved person is to be pure, lovely, right, and able to minister to all. A person seeking to get a tattoo after coming to Jesus is no longer seeking to please the one who saved them.

If we are saved, the Bible says we know God. The God of the Bible will never tell one of his children to get a tattoo. Do you think if Jesus came to earth today, one of the first things he would do when beginning his ministry is to get a tattoo? Such a though has no connection with anything written in the gospels about Jesus.

Some people say a tattoo is just ink. Yes, and marijuana is just a plant, guns and knives are just steel, and pornography is just pixels. No one thinks plants or steel or pixels are wrong, at least not when used for good purposes. A tattoo has no good purpose (apart from the medical uses). Just because tattoos are ink does not mean they are without morality. A tattoo is a permanent image on the body, something which is definitely not neutral. Tattoos are always sin.

Of course, God always allows that we can recognize what is wrong and repent of it, but a person who is close to God and becoming more like Jesus will never want a tattoo.

How can you say that you know what God thinks regarding this?

My dear friend, I am a Christian, and God is my Father and Christ is my brother. I put God in no box, but God does box himself in. He says that he cannot lie, he cannot look upon evil, and that he tempts no man. If I say that God is in such a box, it is only because he has revealed himself. God is not black and white, holy and unholy, good and evil. He is holy, uncompromised, pure, and dwells in light that no man is able to approach.

Is God in a box because he says drunkenness is wrong? Yes, he is. Is God in a box because he says adultery is wrong? Yes, he is. God is a God of boxes, if you will. Boxes, so to speak, just mean right and wrong.

So, back to the subject of tattoos. With God, they are always sinful and wrong. Tattoos are of great consequence, because they reveal the heart. No one ever chose to have a tattoo, but that it revealed their heart.

It is not possible to be "all things to all men" when you have a tattoo. First, it excludes "all men" and reduces it to "some men". Second, Paul never recommends any choice that permanently restricts you to one group or subgroup, something tattoos do. To think this verse has anything to do with tattoos is just taking license with the gospel, something that Jude called "licentiousness" (which means taking license or excuse to do whatever you want). This is always sin.

You can make the judgment for yourself, but not others.

These are the words of men, certainly not found in the Bible.

Rather, the Bible says, "Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more matters of this life?"

Dear friend, the Bible so clearly says that the one who knows God should speak for God. To all who have come to Jesus, he says with authority that we shall be his witnesses. Paul says we are ambassadors for a heavenly kingdom. Ambassadors have authority to speak and to judge. And Sons know their Father. I can speak about my Father and his heart anytime.

Do not be deceived by the lax spirit of this age. It is always right to judge and to discern. The spirit that cries that we should neither judge nor discern is of the devil. Choose this day which spirit you will serve.

Bottom line, just-in: It matters to real Christians what God thinks about a thing.

God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. When He clearly expresses his displeasure for a thing in the Old Testament, if we really love Him with all of our hearts, we cannot dismiss it simply because we do not find it spelled out in the New Testament:

Lev 19:28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.

In the New Testament, He clearly says: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. – Rom. 12:2
If the world does tattoos, and then we do tattoos … what is the motive? Are we not conforming ourselves?

The Old Testament clearly forbids bestiality.
The New Testament doesn’t mention it (to my knowledge). If it becomes popular in the USA (as it is in Germany) it will probably be a discussion on SI some day with some “Christians” trying to justify it like those that are trying to justify tattoos.

When your earnest desire is to please God first, there are some things that after researching His historic will, you cannot simply cannot even think of doing.

If God were to tell you to marry a whore, then you had better marry a whore, or your disobedience will take you to hell.

God commanded Hosea to do so to show his people how that their continual return to the customs of those around them was like whoredom to Him.

Did you even get it, just-in???

If we start tattooing ourselves like the pagans around us, in God's eyes we are in bed with them!

Let's revisit this in a couple of years.

Oh, I hear you ... revisit it in a few years when this kind of body art becomes "normal":

http://files-cdn.formspring.me/photos/20130115/n50f5e2047d9de.jpg

Then, it will seem a "small" thing to have a simple tattoo, and it will seem not so bad.

I have a friend that I used to take to church when she was a little girl. She is now wildly into body piercing suspension. She flashes pictures on her facebook hanging from hooks.

Does anything in the New Testament condemn it? Maybe in a few years "God" will tell some "Christians" that they need to start doing suspensions in order to win the suspenders back to Him.

Jesus said: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:" John 10:27

Jesus' sheep are not going to hear nor follow voices that tell them to tattoo, pierce, suspend, nor any other of the demonic practices that become popular ... today, tomorrow, nor in a few years from now.

I understand many of the Coptic Christians in Egypt have a small cross tattooed on either their wrist or arm. Some have had them forcibly removed by angry Islamics either by having acid poured on them or literally cut off.

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
~ Col 3:17 (NASB)

Just sayin'.
REJOICE! =)
Mary

Some of the posts here really grieve my spirit. God's name is dishonored to a great extent here. Especially someone saying God will ask you to have cool tattoo. The same God who said - 'Your adornment must not be merely external (1 Peter 3-3)' He Will never ask someone to have a cool or fashionable tattoo. Absolutely no reverence for God at all.

The simple answer to the question is do not have a tattoo on your body, because tomorrow if you get convicted by the spirit that you are dishonoring God and his temple then you will not be able to revert it easily. Also do not confirm to the pattern of the world (Romans 12:2). Dare to be different for God.

How do you want the world to identify you? As a part of them or different from them? Greg Gorden is identified by many for his beard. Does he grow his beard to look cool or thinking it will get him to Heaven? No.

just-in wrote:

"Sree, the person that talked about "cool tattoos" was using satire."

I thought that was obvious-- guess not. I must say that Christian satire- like that found in the "Wittenburg Door" did a great service to me by helping me to get rid of a religious spirit, although I still struggle with it.

By the way, I don't have any tattoos either, nor would I ever get one, but if I did it would simply say: "Luke 24:32"

by acarrollfan on 2013/7/8 17:37:32

Wow!

I just left the computer for about 12 hours and there are already 22 replies with 530 views. I wasn't expecting that this thread could be such a heated topic.

Thank you everyone for the input.

Just for your information, I am a single man and I am not intending to get a tattoo for myself.

Like I mentioned in my opening post, this is only for healthy discussion and exchange of ideas.

Maybe I should post more questions like this more often so that we can exchange more ideas.

=D
_______________________

If I may submit this question to you in love as a sister in CHRIST, what has posting this topic and having this exchange done to glorify JESUS? How has HE been lifted up? How has the work of HIS KINGDOM been accomplished in this thread? Are others being pointed toward JESUS with the words written here??

Just something that came upon my heart as I read through the thread...

God bless
maryjane

Original Question Was

Can A Christian Have Tattoos?

Of course they can. To suggest that salvation is dependent on something as totally insignificant as ink on skin is an absolute mockery of Christ's blood and work on the cross.

Perhaps a better question at this point would be -

Can those who view a persons standing before God to potentially be affected by ink on skin actually ever see things from God's perspective?

How accurately did the prophet say

the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” -

Give me people covered in tattoos if they are on fire for God, worshipping, praying, and winning their communities to Christ!

God Himself cares not a whit that you are tattoo free if all you are doing is sitting around casting verbal stones at those who have them.

It ISN'T the tattoos that matter. It IS the condition of the heart!

Spend a lot more time checking your own heart ..... and a lot less time deciding that a person is in sin because they have ink on their skin.

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? - Matt 7:3 ESV

JUst-in wrote:Simply another thread that could potentially help someone identify their self-righteousness and hypocrisy and then make adjustments. And that's always a good thing.
______________

Far to often these threads end in ill will and being locked by the mods. As Lisa mentioned this topic is not new to SI it has been discussed much over the years. I do not believe anyone from either side has ever come back and said, "Oh now I see things differently" after these kinds of discussions. Of course I could be wrong and perhaps there have been those whose thoughts have been changed one way or another??

Sadly there are often times when threads are started for no other reason then to stir up debate or strife among the brothers and sisters that come here. I will admit I posted my response after reading some posts that seem to have a spirit other then love and CHRIST behind them, but perhaps I was hasty in my view and misunderstood what others were attempting to say. I do pray this thread will not go the way that so many others have...

God bless you just-in
maryjane

Solomon wrote:

"Give me people covered in tattoos if they are on fire for God, worshipping, praying, and winning their communities to Christ!"

Amen to that! I know several people who fit that description quite well.

MaryJane-- I can appreciate your concerns, but after all this is a "discussion" forum. Sometimes threads do devolve into something undesirable, but I do not think that has happened here-- at least not yet. Are there differing opinions on the matter? Obviously! But if there were not, there would not be much to discuss.

I don't think it is necessarily about trying to change another person's viewpoint-- as you noted this is extremely difficult to do! I can honestly say that some of my viewpoints on theological issues have in fact changed over the years due to bible forum discussions. However, even when they have not changed, I have learned from reading other people's opinions, even if I am not convinced to change my mind about something.

Wow more inputs!

Should I start more threads like this for discussion?

Of course, it will be in different topics.

Hi Solomon101,

Of course they can. To suggest that salvation is dependent on something as totally insignificant as ink on skin is an absolute mockery of Christ's blood and work on the cross.

I don't think that anyone here was suggesting that a person's salvation was dependent upon various images that they had etched into their skin with ink.

Perhaps a better question at this point would be...

The way that I approached this thread was a question more in tune with a purpose for a "healthy discussion" probably sought by the original poster:

"SHOULD a Christian GET tattoos?"

With this wording, this becomes a very different question that the one in the first post. However, it was how I approached the discussion.

As for whether or not a person with tattoo become a Christian? Of course they can. Can a person who was a drunkard...adulterer...gossiper...etc... be a Christian? Of course. Any sin can and will be forgiven.

However, the tone that seems to be approached in this discussion is whether or not a person who is a believer should go out and get tattoos AFTER having come to Christ.

Obviously, this issue -- like every issue -- is a condition of the heart. Yet, the "healthy discussion" sought by the original poster could include the question about whether or not current believers should go out and get a tattoo.

No one should be accused of being "self-righteous" or "hypocrite" simply for holding to a belief -- derived from what they see in the Word of God -- about whether or not a believer should get a tattoo. Nor should a believer condemn someone who has received a tattoo.

Personally, I believe that a Christian's physical "temple" belongs to God. I feel that they should treat it with every bit of respect as the Temple was treated. For me, the issue of a tattoo is similar to other permanent "alterations" made on the body. Would we chop off a finger if having three fingers and a thumb was suddenly vogue?

We belong to our Creator. This includes our bodies. This ownership came at a great cost. We don't own our bodies to the point of doing whatever we please. We are caretakers here to fulfill our Lord's wishes. As most everyone has pointed out, it is His approval that we should seek in all things.

As a husband, I wouldn't want my wife to get a tattoo. My wife would never want me to get a tattoo. Once we have children, I would never want my son or daughter to get a tattoo. I would simply urge believers to seek the Lord's desires in regard to our physical bodies.

Like I said, we are just caretakers of our bodies. If I am leasing a building, I can change the paint, door knobs or drapes. However, I can't make permanent changes to that house or building without first seeking permission from the owner. I think that we should seek permission from our Owner before we permanently alter our "temple."

Like I said, we are just caretakers of our bodies. If I am leasing a building, I can change the paint, door knobs or drapes. However, I can't make permanent changes to that house or building without first seeking permission from the owner. I think that we should seek permission from our Owner before we permanently alter our "temple."

My wife asked me about wearing Jewels. I asked to wear Jewels if she feels that wearing them does not become her identity. If she feels she remains the same person irrespective of whether wearing them or not. Based on this she Judged her heart and took a decision. Can a Christian have tattoo without that becoming his identity?

I know a sister who got convicted to remove Jewels that she was wearing by reading God's word. She kept hiding this conviction. One day she could take it no longer, she removed the Jewels that she was wearing, with a decision not to wear them anymore. Immediately she received the Baptism of Holy Spirit and she started speaking in Tongues.

We cannot write a theology based on this Sister's experience, though I know that it is true. In the same way if this Christian who chooses to get a tattoo today gets a conviction tomorrow that this tattoo has become his identity then how will he remove it? Won't it be painful? Why should someone be guided into this mess without giving any warning?

On a side note, it is not good for a Christian to take God's name in vain even for the sake of sercastic quotes. Will Jesus take the name of God in vain this way?

TMK wrote:
I thought that was obvious-- guess not. I must say that Christian satire- like that found in the "Wittenburg Door" did a great service to me by helping me to get rid of a religious spirit, although I still struggle with it.

God bless,
Lisa

1 Peter 5:5 (NKJV)
5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."

I have been studying this scripture and realize how much we as Christians need to be clothed in humility. This means to have a humble and servant attitude toward one another.

This is so important because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. We all must experience His grace from beginning to the end.

Let's all strive not to be a stumbling block to one another but truly a blessing in helping one another be formed to the image of Christ.

Talk about reading a book to not have a religious spirit, why not read the bible with an open and humble heart to obey the Spirit of the Word.

Blessings...from brother rbanks

____________________________________________________________
QUOTE:
"A tattoo is a permanent image on the body, something which is definitely not neutral."
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Am just jumping in here - have not read much on this thread in the recent days, but this statement caught my eye.

My sister, Ruthie, is an registered nurse, has practiced it for years. She was telling me about an scientific, medical exhibit that features real human cadavers. The organs are displayed, explained how they function in the human body. She said you can tell which ones had tattoos: they look awful. The ink not only penetrates the skin but also tissue beneath it. She said it is gross!

Heath wise - getting a tattoo puts you at risk for hepatitis. You may not get it, but if you do you will rue the day you gave in to your vanity!

Texas House approves sweeping abortion restrictions 1 reply..77 views.....

Can A Christian Have Tattoos? 53 reply's....1716 views...

“True” Christians Are A Mess!
http://epistle.us/articles/christianmess.html

by MrBillPro on 2013/7/11 3:39:03

Texas House approves sweeping abortion restrictions 1 reply..77 views.....

Can A Christian Have Tattoos? 53 reply's....1716 views...

“True” Christians Are A Mess!
http://epistle.us/articles/christianmess.html

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Greetings MrBillPro

I have notice myself over my time spent here on SI. I know I can be guilty as anyone in getting caught up in debating so I do pray about that often.

I am thankful that these restriction were put in place I will continue to pray that the deception would be pulled back and people would see the truth. Abortion is nothing less then murdering of unborn children and grieves the heart of our LORD so it should grieve us as well.

God bless
maryjane

Great article, MrBillPro.

oops.. that is another reply.

nonetheless a good article we all should read.

Texas House approves sweeping abortion restrictions 1 reply..77 views.....

Can A Christian Have Tattoos? 53 reply's....1716 views...

Hi MrBillPro,

I think that there can be reasons why one article is heavily discussed while another has fewer replies.

First of all, in this thread, the original poster asked a question. He wanted input and even stated that he wanted to begin a healthy discussion on the topic.

Secondly, the article regarding anti-abortion legislation in the Texas House that you posted -- although extremely important -- is also well-published in various news sources. Many people might glance over it simply because they had already read it.

An article in the News and Current Events section is often seen as just that -- an article. If you look through that section, you'll notice that all such articles typically elicit few responses.

I do understand what you're saying. However, while I agree that all that seemingly falls under the category of "the Church" can seem to be in a mess, we shouldn't assume that there was more interest paid to this topic solely because some deemed it more important or more interesting.

It could simply be that others were already aware of the article and that it is "news" rather than "discussion."

I am not sure that we should even assume any message, just-in.

There are many other issues that are discussed at length on SermonIndex. It seems to me that the "issues" threads where people with varying and different perspectives on certain issues or doctrines tend to attract the most amount of discussions in terms of actual posts.

This was merely a discussion as elicited by the original poster. People shared their views because they were asked to. I don't think that anyone got "carried away" with bitterness, strife or wayward assumptions.

I certainly don't think that entering into this discussion should be an indictment on whether or not those believers care about people, other issues or long for God to move in their lives.

Hi just-in,

I understand what you're saying. The Gospel is not made up of rules and regulations. Christ didn't replace the Old Covenant rules and regulations with a somewhat smaller and less comprehensive set of rules and regulations. There is liberty apart from the Law in Christ Jesus. It is found in the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus.

However, I hope that you also understand that those who might urge caution or even adhere to (and share) a particular concern about professing believers seeking a tattoo are not somehow adhering to "rules and regulations."

Jesus explained the purpose of the Law on the Mount of Olives. While the Law had rules for just about everything, Jesus "condensed" them to, as someone described, the "condition of the heart." If a person isn't lustful, he won't commit adultery. If a person isn't bitter and hateful, he won't murder. The principle stands even before the Law.

I have met churchgoers who freely use profanity, smoke, drink (and not just in moderation), watch/read all sorts of filth, wear the most immodest of clothes (e.g., yoga pants, "daisy duke" shorts, bikini tops, etc...), and even argue for the legalization of marijuana. Whenever these things are discussed, they often become annoyed and adhere to a "we aren't under the law" or "there is freedom in Christ Jesus" argument.

For me, the principle is what matters most. Even apart from my concerns about what permanent alterations are done to the "Temple of the Holy Spirit" (which belongs to God), I am a bit more perplexed by the underlying motivation.

What would motivate or compel someone to permanently etch something into the body that God is lending them?

I can't pretend to know the answer. However, when I consider motivation AND the New Testament admonition about a person's physical body, I come to a conclusion that a believer shouldn't seek a tattoo (at least until they get a clear "okay" from God). As for those who already had existing tattoos, I would count it as "B.C." history. At the same time, I wouldn't treat a believer that I know with tattoos any differently.

For me, this really isn't about "rules" or "regulations" at all. I hope that this makes much more sense. Sometimes, what I write is not as clear as I hope it to be.

The Lord bless you and keep you!

Hi just-in,

"Urging caution" as you say, (and you say it a lot) can sometimes be a code phrase for "watch out for that guy".

I suppose that it can be...but in dealing with some other issue and with some other person. I have no problem with urging caution just as I have no problem receiving someone's words that urge caution.

In this case, it has nothing to do with a person or "watching out" for any person. It is simply about an ACTION and whether or not it is wise to participate in it.

The original poster asked a question. People responded to that question. No one here said that we should avoid individuals who have gotten tattoos. Most who urged caution (yes, I was not the only person -- because "caution" was urged on both sides of the issue) in regard to tattoos were speaking of current believers getting a new tattoo.

What's a "churchgoer"?

A person who attends a church. This is different from a person who is part of the Church as defined by the Word of God.

Many people are "churchgoers" -- including people who have never repented or placed their faith in Christ. Since I have heard individuals who went to church but confided that they questioned their relationship with God and also did the aforementioned things (e.g., getting drunk), I didn't place them in the "believer" category.

The law had rules and penalties. Let's not penalize people for not fitting into our rules.

What does this even mean? Who is setting up their "own rules?" What rules are those? What people are being "penalized?"

It almost seems that you're insinuating that anyone who shares something that they feel -- after being asked about it -- that they have learned or perceived from the Word of God is somehow "penalizing people" for not fitting into their own "rules." You could take this same sort of warning and apply it to EVERY discussion in SermonIndex and elsewhere.

There is no reason to turn the initial poster's question -- and subsequent responses -- into something that they are not. I didn't read any judgment or condemnation. It certainly wasn't my intent. In fact, I refrained from it altogether. I simply read a question where a person asked for input...and I replied. The same is true of others. People are simply responding to a question about tattoos.

You know, we all can't minister to "everybody." My personality will grate on some people's nerves as will some peoples personality will grate on mine. We are made to love one another. It was the Lord who made each one of us.

Some people will never see past my tattoos and that is why He made all of you who hate tattoos so you can minister to those! So be happy about it and praise God!

But please know that there are those who will never hear what you have to say because of "whatever" it is about you and just possibly that is where me and my friends come in!!!

In the end, I am nothing and you are nothing because it's God who gives the increase! (1 Cor 3.7)

God bless us all,
Lisa

Hi just-in,

Chris, lets not make unspoken or spoken rules (judging on appearance) that marginalize others (not worthy of your fellowship).

James 2

That's all.

I am not being facetious with this question, but did you actually see anyone here doing this?

I didn't see anyone "judging on appearance" or implying that others were "not worthy of your fellowship." Perhaps you can quote those specific instances?

The brother in the first post asked about getting TATTOOS.

All of us are able to separate the act of getting a tattoo marked into your body from the person who did it or considers doing it.

The question was whether a Christian can have a tattoo. I shared a different perspective -- considering whether or not a Christian should go out and get a tattoo. I shared my perspective -- not judging anyone -- and urged that believers considering such a think should wait until they received approval from the Owner of their physical temple (their body) before paying for such a permanent mark or alteration upon the Lord's temple.

I apologize if anything that I said sounded even remotely judgmental -- because that was neither in my heart nor the intent. At the same time, I didn't see anyone else that invoked some sort of marginalizing of others either.

We are brothers here. A brother asked a question and desired input. Things like this shouldn't "divide" the body. Yet, I don't think that anyone was really all that divisive with any responses to that question. They simply shared what they felt from their own prayerful study of Scriptures and walk with God.

Obviously, we do look through such things to the heart of the matter. That doesn't mean that we don't notice it or that we can't discuss it as brothers in a loving, civil tone. There can be strong disagreements without fellowship or love being broken.

As I tried to indicate, I do have strong feelings derived from my own searching of God's Word and walk with Him. I certainly wouldn't impose it upon others (although, thankfully, my wife and I are in agreement when it comes to my body and her body and the bodies of our future children).

I know believers who have tattoos. Most received them prior to coming to Christ or while they were young in the Lord. A few received them after becoming a Christian. I don't see them as "lesser" believers even if I may disagree with a believer getting a tattoo. I don't even think about it or bring it up...unless they ask my thoughts. I have never had any of them get angry or even frustrated when I share my thoughts about it. I guess that they know that I value them as a brother or sister. Besides, I'm sure that they may disagree with me about something too.

Thank you everyone for the input.

Shall we have more discussions like this?

It's gonna make the forum more lively.

I appreciate your response. I just want to post my understanding on this subject. It does not mean that you are wrong and I am right. Just an alternate view.

I do not believe that Christians are expected to work in their own groups, like those with Tattoo will work together etc. Though I agree the practical aspect of what you said, I feel God's will is different.

Isaiah 11-6:-And the wolf will dwell with the lamb,
And the leopard will lie down with the young goat,
And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together;
And a little boy will lead them.
Also the cow and the bear will graze,
Their young will lie down together.

Animals of totally different character which normally hunt the other are explained here to dwell together. This is the symbol of Church in God's vision. If the Spirit has united us together then we can all live and dwell together.

A man of God whom I respect has a tattoo which he always tries to hide. I think he hid it so that I won't be offended to fellowship with him or consider it appropriate for Christian to have one. I know his testimony and his past life as a gypsy. So I had zero judgmental thought on it. It did not bother me even 1 bit that he had a tattoo. We always enjoyed our fellowship with one another and talked for hours.

In CFC churches in India, you can see the professor of top university in India working together as elder with a bus driver or daily laborer. One who is extremely intellectual and other who has never got any formal education. But they are brothers in Christ and united in 1 spirit, working as fellow elders for edification of Church.

This is oneness in Spirit that Jesus prayed for believers (John 17). I am sure there are those who get offended to fellowship with people of different status but they do not understand the full gospel.

I think Andrew your response contains wisdom

the stumbling block principle is of utmost importants
thanks for your honesty

blessings to all