Are Tattoos Biblical? &nbsp;

3/30/2006 5:22 am

Last Read:
4/5/2006 5:40 am

vp04

256 posts

3/30/2006 5:43 am

I'd have to abstain from this vote, just because I have numerous tattoo's. I am interested in seeing how this vote turns out, though.

Rebekka

3/30/2006 6:09 am

Man looks at the outside, God looks at the heart!

Elizabeth

dulee

3/30/2006 7:02 am

I can't vote either because I have a tatoo from before I was saved, most people won't see it but once I wore a top that would lift up slightly when I reached up. I reached up to get my coat on and a little girl from church asked her Mom if she could get a pretty drawing on her. I tell you, I could not have been more embarrassed.

I will give you some Bible verses that helped me, from there you can make the decision. God loves us regardless but remember that alhough all things are permissable not all things are beneficial.... Talk to a spiritual mentor or someone that can actually explain to you WHY you shouldn't have a tatoo in relation to God's word and what he wants from us, this makes all the difference. For me personally it was frustrating to just hear NO NO...BAD BAD, understanding why was crucial.

1 Corinthians 3: 16,17
2 Corinthians 5: 1-10

Take CAre

P.S. You have the coolest poles!

DuLee

TeaKitty
(TeaKitty )

1178 posts

3/30/2006 7:30 am

LOL, I like how you are posing the question Reallysaved! Good for you!

If you go back biblically, the men of God never tattooed themselves. Those who followed foreign gods did. Just some bible history.....But I think this is a non-issue. God loves the tattooed, God saves the tattooed....And I agree with Rebekka

IF one is tattooing in respect and loyalty to a foreign god, then yes it is wrong...Or tattoo something that is unGodly on themselves that might pose a problem.

If a young couple gets each other's names tattooed on their behinds, that's just plain ol' foolish.

When being tattooed becomes an obssession, then healing of the mind is in order.

I would never tattoo, because they never ever go away, and cost tons of money to remove. Tattoo eyeliner? For a season it will look nice, but what if they mess uP? Also, when my eyes are old and crepey....that eyeliner will look like I put it on in the dark!

I might be wrong on this, but I don't think that God cares whether someone has a tattoo or not.

WaterLvr
(Shiney )

3/30/2006 7:51 am

read the blog "it's been a week" dejavous... it's about getting another tatoo and how she feels about them.... : )

3/30/2006 8:53 am

The Bible forbid people from doing that in the Old Testament. I have seen in practice many who have came to Christ wished they never got the tatoos. It is hindrance to one's testimony. As the book of Hebrews puts it, it is more of a "weight" than a sin.

3/30/2006 8:54 am

Rebekka,
You are right. The problem is that both the lost and saved people we deal with are not God. Hence our testimony is visible to them by how we appear. Our appearance should be a reflection of our heart.

Sarridrina
(Julie )

15 posts

3/30/2006 9:07 am

we are permited to have tattoos. as long as they are of good and holy things. but anything occultic if you have you are suposed to have them removed if that is not possible like a mark from an initiation into witchcraft or the such that is burned into your skin is suposed to be blacked over.

3/30/2006 3:20 pm

Quoting dulee:

DuLee

Thanks for stopping by. I did look up the two passages that you put down here, but don't see the relevance. Sorry. The first one is talking about not defiling our temple. I don't think a tattoo defiles the temple. I think sin that we commit does. The second one is talking about fornication. Is that the same as a tattoo? I am confused. You seem to thing that we shouldn't have tattoos, but you haven't really told me any Scriptural reasons why not. I am looking to find out what the Bible says about this, since this is to be our only yardstick in things. Be blessed!

3/30/2006 3:22 pm

Quoting Rebekka:

Man looks at the outside, God looks at the heart!

You know what? I think I agree with you! I am beginning to think God doesn't give a rip about whether or not I have a tattoo on my body. I haven't seen any Scriptural evidence yet that would convince me otherwise. Thanks for stopping by and for your wise words!

3/30/2006 3:23 pm

Quoting TeaKitty:

I think I agree with you about God not caring either way! Thanks so much for your words of wisdom!

3/30/2006 3:32 pm

Quoting bsk1971:

I don't agree with you. What a surprise, huh?! The Old Testament forbid people to get tattoos showing their submission to other god's as far as I can see. Do you have any New Testament verses for me?

I have seen some in my ministry that wish they hadn't gotten them, but they were the ones with marijuana leaves or skull and cross bones, etc. on them. I never had anyone who got a Christian one wish they hadn't.

I also disagree that it is a hindrance to one's testimony, unless it was of something evil. I have heard of people who use them as witnessing tools. Their Christian tattoos open the door for them to share the gospel with people.

So, Mr. Legalist, what is the Biblical definition of a "weight"? It is either right or wrong. Which is it?

3/30/2006 3:41 pm

Quoting bsk1971:

How in the world does a Christian tattoo say something bad about our heart? You are one of the most legalistic people I have ever known! You are all about appearances and it seems to me that you don't have a clue about what true holiness is. You try to put heavy weights around the people's necks here that you can't even bear up under, I am sure. You try to look good. I would really just once like to see you write a post about one of your weaknesses or faults or problem areas in your life. Maybe you have and I have just missed it. I don't know. You just remind me of the white-washed sepulchers Jesus talked about. As Brother Rod would say, "Lighten up a bit!"

3/30/2006 3:42 pm

Quoting Sarridrina:

Thank you so much for stopping by and for your wise words. I agree with you.

casturcares
(EMA )

3/30/2006 9:26 pm

Hey Jean,

I did a blog on this a while back when my nephews got traditional tattoos from my home island and I was proud of them and their identity and time they put into understanding why they wanted to do this - neither however are Christians. Anyway it was an interesting discussion.

Personally I believe that the type of tattoo you choose and why you want it specifically are what determines the wisdom or not of having it. For instance I'm not sure that an 'angel' really says that much about God these days as they are common symbols even in non-Christian circles. However you may not have a 'statement' in mind or you may have very good reasons for your choice. Only you and God can know your intent.

Now I just have to comment to bsk1971 (hope you don't mind).

......

bsk1971, I just have to comment that you think a tattoo ruins your witness. I have a brother-in-law who at one time was a biker, so as you can imagine he has a lot of very visible and not terribly God honouring tattoos. However this has opened doors of witness for him to a vast array of people; people who would otherwise remain closed to what they percieved as the stuffy, boring, Christian in the suit who has not sense of humour or grasp on reality. The Christians he interacts with don't seem to have an issues and he now goes to a very conservative church. So I'm wondering what your comment is based on?

Please understand I'm not encouraging a Christian to go out and do this because it could be a tool for witnessing, but for those who have tattoos already, God can and does use them.

Indescribeable

8009 posts

3/31/2006 12:00 am

I personally would not get a tatoo or condom my son to get one, however, I do know of some who have gotten them for spiritual or cultural reasons. I believe that in this situation it is acceptable in the eyes of the Lord. However, if someone plasters there bodies with profane ungodly things it could be considered a blastmany to the Lord.

BLOG COLOR FOR BEGINNERS

3/31/2006 3:28 am

Quoting casturcares:

Casturcares, thanks very much for your words of wisdom. I will take what you said into consideration. Also, I don't mind what you said to bsk1971. You said what I wanted to say in a much kinder and loving way. Thank you!

3/31/2006 3:33 am

Quoting Indescribeable:

Oh, now you have me thinking! Would I allow my 14 year old get an kind of tattoo? Let me think...Yes, I would, if it was a Christian one. I allowed her to get her nose pierced like three years ago. I don't have a problem with nice tattoos, I guess. If I am wrong here, I pray the Lord will show me. Thanks for your thought provoking words! Be blessed!

gracenhealing06
(Anne )

34 posts

3/31/2006 9:04 am

The only thing I can find in the bible is Leviticus 19:28

Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD. (KJV)

You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD. (NKJV)

Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD. (NIV)

Don't gash your bodies on behalf of the dead.Don't tattoo yourselves. I am GOD. (The Message)

You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead nor print or tattoo any marks upon you; I am the Lord. (Amplified)

Never cut your bodies in mourning for the dead or mark your skin with tattoos, for I am the LORD. (NLT)

If you take this in context, to me, it looks like God is saying not mark your skin in mourning of the dead. It really doesn't say anything about tattoos in general. I really don't know the answer...I think it is probably one of those things that is between yourself and God...if it feels wrong to you...DON'T DO IT...

If is is not written in black and white in the bible(ie: the 10 commandments)...then I think that different people will be convicted of different things. What is wrong for one person may be ok for someone else.

2 other passages of interest...

Romans 14:12-14 (NIV)

12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. 13Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. 14 As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food[a] is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean.

1 Corinthians 8:8-10 (NIV)

8 But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. 9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols?

Now both of these passages refer to eating unclean foods BUT I think that it can pertain to other things too. If you feel that something is wrong for you...it probably is.

Tropical_Guy
(Dennis Thompson)

3/31/2006 2:20 pm

Quoting gracenhealing06:

What a wise woman! I think you are so right! I think it depends upon each individual - their motives, reasons, etc. Thanks for your comment. I appreciate it!

3/31/2006 4:10 pm

I dont have any. I dont think I want anything so permanent. I see some that some people have and I think it looks cute on them...like small ones on the small of a gals back. But usually they are a big turn off to me. I cant imagine getting up and seeing something on me every day even if it was an I Love Jesus. I dont look down on those who do. You really should look at a persons heart.

As far as what the world thinks. It really doesnt matter and here is why...for each 60 or so people you please there will be just about as many that you will offend. I dont want one.

Tropical_Guy
(Dennis Thompson)

4/1/2006 7:24 am

Quoting Tropical_Guy:

Thanks, my dear Brother, for taking the time to come and comment on my blog. What an honor! Thanks for your thoughts. I appreciate you sharing them!

myrrh777
(PJ Z)

3789 posts

4/1/2006 8:29 am

OH OH I KNOW I AM GOING TO GET SLAMMED ON THIS ONE!!!.......BUT OH WELL LOL!!!

Leviticus 19:28
Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any l marks upon you: I [am] the LORD.
(l) By whipping your bodies or burning marks in them. (Geneva Notes)

Nor print any marks upon you - by tatooing; imprinting figures of flowers, leaves, stars, and other fanciful devices on various parts of their person. The impression was made sometimes by means of a hot iron, sometimes by ink or paint, as is done by the Arab females of the present day (D'Arvieux and Burckhardt's 'Travels among the Bedouins;' Lane's 'Manners and Customs of Modern Egypt,' pp. 25-35), and the different castes of the Hindus. It is probable, from the association of Lev 19:29, that a strong propensity to adopt such marks in honour of some idol gave occasion to the prohibition in this verse; and they were wisely forbidden, for they were signs of apostasy, and, when once made, were insuperable obstacles to a return. (See allusions to the practice, Isa 44:5; Rev 13:17; 14:1.)
(Jamison, Fausset and Brown Commentary)

I personally have tattoos, some I got when I was out in the world and three others AFTER I SURRENDERED to the LORD JESUS. Two of those tattoos that I have AFTER I surrendered are on my forearms. One says JESUS CHRIST and the other says ABBA GOD. I knew working at a very busy convenient store was a great oppurtunity for me to evangelize. It has been an AWESOME evangelizing tool and ABSOLUTELY without a doubt have my TATTOOS SERVED THEIR PURPOSE!!!The other tattoo is MARK 16:15 and that is tattooed on my chest signifying what is in my HEART.

Good Poll really saved!
Myrrh777

good Po

4/1/2006 11:01 pm

Myrrh I wouldnt care what anyone else thinks if I were you. In the midst of what matters....tattoos really dont. God calls us to believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Robyn2006

4/2/2006 5:01 am

Quoting bsk1971:

I understand where you are coming from on this point. But I will say that when I see a a man or woman at church worshiping with a tattoo, it says to me, "That person is an overcomer." They are stronger with Christ than those vices in their past. That is a message that I love to hear and see every day.

I attend a church with an outstanding outreach program, on any given Sunday you could sit next to a business leader from the community in a three piece suit or a reformed or reforming gang member or a biker in full leather etc.. In short every walk of life is present and accounted for. Their common bond? A love of God and a desire to overcome their past. For many those visible tat's are a common ground that breaks the ice so that another soul can be saved.

No, I am not saying that you should get one if you don't have one already, but I am saying that a Christian that has one can be a very vital and strong missionary.

myrrh777
(PJ Z)

3789 posts

4/2/2006 4:28 pm

Thanks Tropical Guy!!!
GOD CALLS US TO BELEIVE IN THE FINISHED WORK OF JESUS CHRIST that is AWESOME!!!
Myrrh777

4/3/2006 5:59 pm

Quoting Robyn2006:

I know some preachers and missionaries with tattoos. They don't let it stop them from serving God. I said nothing about that in my previous comments. But I will say this - each and every one of them have told me that they wish they had never done it.

4/3/2006 6:08 pm

reallysaved,
You asked: “How in the world does a Christian tattoo say something bad about our heart?”
Most people associate it with a particular culture, usually a darker or seeder element. For example, if I was wearing a baseball uniform, it would say something about me and people would make certain assumptions.

You wrote: “You are one of the most legalistic people I have ever known!”
When have I ever said that salvation is earned or maintained by works? That is the definition for legalism, unless it has changed overnight.

You wrote: “You are all about appearances and it seems to me that you don't have a clue about what true holiness is.”
No, I am about the heart. Once the heart is right with God, the appearance will take care of itself. Remember the demonic man that Jesus cast the demons into pigs? How did the people find him? Clothed and in his right mind – there was a change on both the inside and in his appearance.

You wrote: “You try to put heavy weights around the people's necks here that you can't even bear up under, I am sure."
No, I am trying to promote freedom in Jesus from the bondage of sin and the world.

You wrote: “You try to look good. I would really just once like to see you write a post about one of your weaknesses or faults or problem areas in your life. Maybe you have and I have just missed it. I don't know. ”
I have done that before. I can list my struggles out again for you if you are really interested.

You wrote: “You just remind me of the white-washed sepulchers Jesus talked about. As Brother Rod would say, "Lighten up a bit!"”
It really saddens me that you have to make this so personal. The truth of the matter is that I don’t take myself serious – just God and His ways.

4/3/2006 6:15 pm

"So, Mr. Legalist, what is the Biblical definition of a "weight"? It is either right or wrong. Which is it?"

First, what have I done to get you into such a point that you feel that you must insult me like this? Have I sinned against you in some fashion that I am unaware of? And when have I ever promoted legalism? I am guessing you didn't read my post that described legalism and my opposition to it?

Second, let me give you an illustration to show you the difference between a weight and a sin. Imagine two guys getting ready for a race. One guy is wearing traditional running clothes and running shoes. The other guy comes up wearing three sets of clothes, metal-toed boots, and a 60-pound backpack. Now, is the second guy sinning? No. Is he going to run as fast as he could if he didn't have all the "weights"? No. There are many things in life that are not sinful but they hinder us as we run the good race for the Lord.

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us," [Hebrews 12:1]

dulee