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| What do you think? |
| I think its okay and i would never judge someone because of it. |
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69% |
[ 9 ] |
| I disagree with it and i try to stay away from them.. |
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0% |
[ 0 ] |
| I disagree with it, but i DONT judge. |
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15% |
[ 2 ] |
| Im in the gray area and have not formed an opinion ._. |
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15% |
[ 2 ] |
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| Total Votes : 13 |
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 Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 6:31 pm
Sorry to disagree with the popular opinion and rock the boat, but...
Actually scratch that, I LOVE disagreements...
That's fine and good, witnessing, and all, but be that as it may, you're still basing all those reasons outside the Bible. You're giving valid points, but fact is, G-d says no tattoos. You're making good points, but they're still in direct opposition to the Bible. The simple truth is, the Bible is against tattoos. End of story. And if you want to debate whether or not we have to follow the Torah, that's another thread.
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Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 6:49 pm
I have struggled with this question for a long time. I have 5 tattoos myself and got them since I have been a Christian. I had scripture to back me up that is was o.k., but I just couldn't seem to feel at peace about it. I'm an easy one to make feel guilty anyway. But, finally, I read an article in "Today's Christian Woman" magazine, titled "Christians and Tattoos". It is written by Lisa Harper, who has a Masters in Theology with an emphasis in biblical studies from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis. She backed me up biblically on all the arguements I had and could back up with scipture. She states "Ink opponents typically ignore the verse that says that God "inscribed" a picture of His people on his palms (Is. 49:16, NASB; the Amplified Bible says "tattooed"), and instead ominously quote another Old Testament verse: "You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord" (Lev. 19:28, ESV). Understanding the context of the Leviticus verse, however, is imperative."
She then goes on to tell how God gave this command to the Israelites right around the parting of the Red Sea, to forbid them from practicing the pagan ways of the Eygptians of whom they had lived amongest for so many, many years. The Eygptians cut themselves to express grief and to appease their imaginary gods. They also tattooed themselves with images of pagan gods. So, God was basically telling the Israelites that He didn't want them practicing those silly superstitions anymore and that they were His people and He loved them. It wasn't about body art or modification it was about reminding them that they belonged to Him, the One true God.
She then goes on to say, which I also figured out, that if we stuck to every literal application of every moral and ceremonial rule handed down to the Israelites no one could eat shrimp or cheesesburgers (Lev.11), moms would be unclean after birth, seperated from society for 40 days or more depending on it being a girl or a boy (Lev.12), all of us girls would have to seperate from family and friends once a month for 7 days because of our lovely little friend that visits (Lev.15), no one could wear clothes with mixed material like being woven from both linen and wool. (Lev. 19) and she states "and everyone who went out to eat after church could merit a possible stoning (Exodus 31)."
The great news is that the Old Testament law no longer binds us as Christians.So, avoiding tattoo parlors or McDonald's doesn't make us righteous, Jesus' death and ressurection does! She also, says that while we need to remember that our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit, we don't have to let other people's sense of religious propriety constrain us. But, she also recommends reading through Psalm 139 to remind ourselves that God thinks we are beautiful with or without embellishments. Plus she says to examine your motive for getting a tattoo. If it to rebel against authority, then you need to remember that while something may be permissable, not all things are beneficial (I Cor. 10:23). But, on the other hand you could have something tattooed on you that will help lead others to Christ, they may never have stepped into a "conservative" church, but because of a tattooed Christian they came to know Jesus.
In the end she says to not worry so much about how we decorate our exterior as long as we devote our interior to Christ.
I know that this post is long, but this is such a contraversial subject and this was such a wonderful, peace bearing article for me that I really wanted to share it with others in hopes of bringing understanding and peace. Hope it helped.
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Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 7:34 pm
I doubt G-d has any problems with tattoos and body piercings
I like them and would never judge anyone about what kinds they have
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Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 8:36 pm
Quote: She states "Ink opponents typically ignore the verse that says that God "inscribed" a picture of His people on his palms (Is. 49:16, NASB; the Amplified Bible says "tattooed") The amplified Bible is a paraphrase, the Hebrew word used doesn't mean tattooed. It means inscribed. Quote: context of the Leviticus verse, however, is imperative." And do you understand the context? The Law was given to make G-d's people holy. He forbids them to do unholy things. Including tattooing themselves. Quote: The Eygptians cut themselves to express grief and to appease their imaginary gods. That would be the Canaanites. Quote: She then goes on to say, which I also figured out, that if we stuck to every literal application of every moral and ceremonial rule handed down to the Israelites no one could eat shrimp or cheeseburgers (Lev.11), moms would be unclean after birth, separated from society for 40 days or more depending on it being a girl or a boy (Lev.12), all of us girls would have to seperate from family and friends once a month for 7 days because of our lovely little friend that visits (Lev.15), no one could wear clothes with mixed material like being woven from both linen and wool. (Lev. 19) and she states "and everyone who went out to eat after church could merit a possible stoning (Exodus 31)." Yup. Very true. It's not as hard as it you might think to follow those Laws. However, the rules about uncleanness of humans and seclusion no longer matter because Yeshua has made us clean. He hasn't made the food clean though... and He himself said that Shabbat was made for men, and not the other way around, in addition to the fact that the death penalty has already been served by Yeshua, so the punishments are no longer applicable. Quote: The great news is that the Old Testament law no longer binds us as Christians. So, avoiding tattoo parlors or McDonald's doesn't make us righteous, Jesus' death and resurrection does! True, but beCAUSE you have been MADE righteous, you should try to live by G-d's standards of righteousness. And the Law NEVER made us righteous, it says so in Hebrews. Our faith makes us righteous, but that faith is dead without works, e.g. following the Law. (See James.) Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." Quote: In the end she says to not worry so much about how we decorate our exterior as long as we devote our interior to Christ. But if you don't do as He asks in His word, how dedicated can you really be?
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Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 9:29 pm
Silver Wingling Atomic Pixie7 ...context of the Leviticus verse, however, is imperative." And do you understand the context? The Law was given to make G-d's people holy. He forbids them to do unholy things. Including tattooing themselves. Silver Wingling Atomic Pixie7 She then goes on to say, which I also figured out, that if we stuck to every literal application of every moral and ceremonial rule handed down to the Israelites no one could eat shrimp or cheeseburgers (Lev.11), moms would be unclean after birth, separated from society for 40 days or more depending on it being a girl or a boy (Lev.12), all of us girls would have to seperate from family and friends once a month for 7 days because of our lovely little friend that visits (Lev.15), no one could wear clothes with mixed material like being woven from both linen and wool. (Lev. 19) and she states "and everyone who went out to eat after church could merit a possible stoning (Exodus 31)." Yup. Very true. It's not as hard as it you might think to follow those Laws. However, the rules about uncleanness of humans and seclusion no longer matter because Yeshua has made us clean. He hasn't made the food clean though... and He himself said that Shabbat was made for men, and not the other way around, in addition to the fact that the death penalty has already been served by Yeshua, so the punishments are no longer applicable. Silver Wingling Atomic Pixie7 The great news is that the Old Testament law no longer binds us as Christians. So, avoiding tattoo parlors or McDonald's doesn't make us righteous, Jesus' death and resurrection does! True, but beCAUSE you have been MADE righteous, you should try to live by G-d's standards of righteousness. And the Law NEVER made us righteous, it says so in Hebrews. Our faith makes us righteous, but that faith is dead without works, e.g. following the Law. (See James.) Silver Wingling Atomic Pixie7 In the end she says to not worry so much about how we decorate our exterior as long as we devote our interior to Christ. But if you don't do as He asks in His word, how dedicated can you really be?
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Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 10:11 pm
Quote: Do you think it matters to God what is worn on the outside? Not that it's anything that will affect your salvation, but would He have given instructions on how to act if He didn't care? Clarify. Are you saying I'm passing judgment, or that I should stop condemning the practice? If the former, then I am not passing judgment on anyone, I am stating my opinion. I really don't care if you want to go get one, I'm saying why I think they should be avoided. If you disagree, fine by me. I'm going to question that disagreement a bit, but more out of curiosity and a love of debate than that I think it's a sin. I actually DON'T think it's a sin, because I don't think the Law is binding. I think it's a set of guidelines to live by that G-d finds pleasing. Quote: Works/deeds in the context of James are the actions motivated by one's faith. You said yourself that Hebrews says that the Law never made us righteous. However, our faith does. Works, not how well we can follow the Law, are the evidence of our faith. Living ones life in a way pleasing to G-d is the most important action motivated by faith, is it not? See above.
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Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 11:09 pm
Silver Wingling Priestley Do you think it matters to God what is worn on the outside? Not that it's anything that will affect your salvation, but would He have given instructions on how to act if He didn't care? Silver Wingling Clarify. Are you saying I'm passing judgment, or that I should stop condemning the practice? If the former, then I am not passing judgment on anyone, I am stating my opinion. I really don't care if you want to go get one, I'm saying why I think they should be avoided. If you disagree, fine by me. I'm going to question that disagreement a bit, but more out of curiosity and a love of debate than that I think it's a sin. I actually DON'T think it's a sin, because I don't think the Law is binding. I think it's a set of guidelines to live by that G-d finds pleasing. Silver Wingling Priestley Works/deeds in the context of James are the actions motivated by one's faith. You said yourself that Hebrews says that the Law never made us righteous. However, our faith does. Works, not how well we can follow the Law, are the evidence of our faith. Living ones life in a way pleasing to G-d is the most important action motivated by faith, is it not?
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Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 7:54 am
I'm not a debater. I find that it just leads to arguments more than debating. But Priestly, I have to say you are doing great against Silver Wingling. What I don't understand is how you can present truth and someone still be so focused on being right that they won't even begin to see the other persons side. Silver Wingling, you even say you don't think it is a sin, you just like a debate. Why argue? Biblical truth has been given to you, why won't you examine it for yourself and see that it is true? By the way Silver, do you have a Masters in Theology? The woman who wrote the article I quoted does. Plus, she had every scripture to back what she said up and they were the same ones I have had for years. To me, when I read the article it was God's way of giving me peace for something I didn't think was a sin, but allowed other people such as yourself to make me doubt.
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Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 8:23 am
Atomic Pixie7 I'm not a debater. I find that it just leads to arguments more than debating. But Priestly, I have to say you are doing great against Silver Wingling. What I don't understand is how you can present truth and someone still be so focused on being right that they won't even begin to see the other persons side. Silver Wingling, you even say you don't think it is a sin, you just like a debate. Why argue? Biblical truth has been given to you, why won't you examine it for yourself and see that it is true? By the way Silver, do you have a Masters in Theology? The woman who wrote the article I quoted does. Plus, she had every scripture to back what she said up and they were the same ones I have had for years. To me, when I read the article it was God's way of giving me peace for something I didn't think was a sin, but allowed other people such as yourself to make me doubt.
Oh, and you don't need a Masters in Theology to have a relationship with God. It's just that different people are at different points in their relationship with Him.
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Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 9:24 am
Priestley Atomic Pixie7 I'm not a debater. I find that it just leads to arguments more than debating. But Priestly, I have to say you are doing great against Silver Wingling. What I don't understand is how you can present truth and someone still be so focused on being right that they won't even begin to see the other persons side. Silver Wingling, you even say you don't think it is a sin, you just like a debate. Why argue? Biblical truth has been given to you, why won't you examine it for yourself and see that it is true? By the way Silver, do you have a Masters in Theology? The woman who wrote the article I quoted does. Plus, she had every scripture to back what she said up and they were the same ones I have had for years. To me, when I read the article it was God's way of giving me peace for something I didn't think was a sin, but allowed other people such as yourself to make me doubt.
Oh, and you don't need a Masters in Theology to have a relationship with God. It's just that different people are at different points in their relationship with Him.I never said that anyone needed a Masters in Theology to have a relationship with God. What I asked him was did he have one to have that kind authority. Pastors and Biblical Scholars most of the time do have more knowledge than the typical layman. I always believe in reading God's word for ourselves and trust in His Word and not in man, but God does have leaders, teachers and each other as Christians to help and guide one another. Again, I am not here to argue or debate, I just put out knowledge that I have come across to hopefully help others as it has me.
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Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 10:04 am
Atomic Pixie7 Priestley Atomic Pixie7 I'm not a debater. I find that it just leads to arguments more than debating. But Priestly, I have to say you are doing great against Silver Wingling. What I don't understand is how you can present truth and someone still be so focused on being right that they won't even begin to see the other persons side. Silver Wingling, you even say you don't think it is a sin, you just like a debate. Why argue? Biblical truth has been given to you, why won't you examine it for yourself and see that it is true? By the way Silver, do you have a Masters in Theology? The woman who wrote the article I quoted does. Plus, she had every scripture to back what she said up and they were the same ones I have had for years. To me, when I read the article it was God's way of giving me peace for something I didn't think was a sin, but allowed other people such as yourself to make me doubt.
Oh, and you don't need a Masters in Theology to have a relationship with God. It's just that different people are at different points in their relationship with Him.I never said that anyone needed a Masters in Theology to have a relationship with God. What I asked him was did he have one to have that kind authority. Pastors and Biblical Scholars most of the time do have more knowledge than the typical layman. I always believe in reading God's word for ourselves and trust in His Word and not in man, but God does have leaders, teachers and each other as Christians to help and guide one another. Again, I am not here to argue or debate, I just put out knowledge that I have come across to hopefully help others as it has me.
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Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 4:38 pm
Silver Wingling Sorry to disagree with the popular opinion and rock the boat, but... Actually scratch that, I LOVE disagreements... That's fine and good, witnessing, and all, but be that as it may, you're still basing all those reasons outside the Bible. You're giving valid points, but fact is, G-d says no tattoos. You're making good points, but they're still in direct opposition to the Bible. The simple truth is, the Bible is against tattoos. End of story. And if you want to debate whether or not we have to follow the Torah, that's another thread. Leviticus 19:28 'Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD. Besides, would God care if you got a tattoo?
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Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 10:27 pm
xxPromarkxx Silver Wingling Sorry to disagree with the popular opinion and rock the boat, but... Actually scratch that, I LOVE disagreements... That's fine and good, witnessing, and all, but be that as it may, you're still basing all those reasons outside the Bible. You're giving valid points, but fact is, G-d says no tattoos. You're making good points, but they're still in direct opposition to the Bible. The simple truth is, the Bible is against tattoos. End of story. And if you want to debate whether or not we have to follow the Torah, that's another thread. Leviticus 19:28 'Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD. Besides, would God care if you got a tattoo?
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