The world of tattoo acceptance has changed dramatically over the past 50 years. Way back when, most of the tattoo sporters were men, bikers, convicts, and those in uniformed service. Now, tattoos are on everyone -- your best girl friend, your barely legal nephew, your pastor even! How has your opinion changed?
Growing up in a religious household, I was taught that tattoos defiled God's temple (aka our bodies) and were wrong. I've judged many tattoo bearers negatively for many years for this reason. Wrongly I must say as we are guided by God's word not to judge others. But, is a tattooed body an abomination to God? Really, is it?
I'm still not sure myself because of the way I was raised, but in reality, I think tattoos are cool! (Sorry, Mama if you're reading:). Of course, there are those who overdo the art in my opinion. I definitely believe it's wrong if the art itself is placed above God, our Father. But whose to say that tattooing ourselves is wrong Biblically when we dye our hair and pierce our ears and other less accepted areas like belly-buttons and noses? Dyeing may not be permanent but piercings generally are.
I have thought about getting a tattoo, but the permanence scares me. What if it looks hideous? How will others see me? Will it look as good as it does now when I'm 85? Seriously. This has crossed my mind. And the obvious question, is it wrong? My views of tattoo bearers have changed a lot. In many cases I am accepting and sometimes even downright in awe. But, still some tattoo sporters scare me.
In my search for answers I came across this article about Christians in support of tattooing. There are some good points; however, I'm not saying that I agree with everything.
Do you believe tattooing is wrong, if so why? Would you get a tattoo? Do you have a tattoo? Do you look at others differently if they have tattooes?
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7 comments:
Wrong?! Not good...but neither is over eating or smoking or watching shows or movies that use God's name in vain or profanity. I think its between you and God...but I would never get one. I am a sissy when it comes to pain! Now one, might not be that bad, but when you get hooked on it and can't stop, then its getting to be an addiction.
I'm with you. I think that they are cool and I wouldn't mind having one in the right spot with the right image.
Well, I don't necessarily think they are wrong...but I don't think that they are a good thing either, and this is why: I still think that our culture mainly views them as a non-Christian/rebel kinda thing. And because of the way that they are still viewed in our culture, I don't think that it would be good to get one, as I think that in SOME cases it would probalby ruin my witness or my chance to be a witness to some people. And since I am a youth pastor's wife, I know that youth think tattoo's are cool...and if I had one they'd all probably want one too...even if their parents said no, and I just feel it'd be a stumbling block for them...and basically I just don't think that they are worth it. :)
I often wonder if people think about how their tatoo will look when they are 85. Glad to know I am not the only one.
No, I don't have any. I always wanted a ring of dolphins around my belly button when I was younger. Couldn't pay me to do it now, though. I don't look at people differently because of them. Some are really neat and have a nice sentiment behind them.
Yes I have one! I was careful though to put it in a place that no one else would see it so I wouldn't offend anyone. Because as Christians we are called not to offend one another or be a stumbling block. I have never regretted my decision to get a tattoo.
I have two tattoos that if I could go back in time, I probably wouldn't have gotten them. They aren't very visible, so many people don't even know. I think that it's a very tough subject! I think that if my hubby was more accepting, I'd get better tattoos! This is an area for Christians that will vary on an individual basis- if you feel convicted about it or not.
Steph
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