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Q&A

I wanted to have sort of an open mic for those who have questions about God and Christianity and any related topic. I'll open answers up to whoever has answers. But keep in mind that no man has got it all right and God is the one with the final answer... so I'll be consulting Him to the best of the ability He has given me and what is said in His word. This is not an excuse for debate but rather a place where those who have questions can recieve answers. I will probably be checking this more than anything else, and it'll force me to log on more often.. sorry for being absent!

This is Phen the Samurai reporting to you from Europe, good night my friends!

Phen

Thanks Lith, I really appreciate your input in everything. smile


Since we don't seem to have any questions, I'll post answers to questions I've heard asked before.


Question:
What does the Bible say about tattoos/piercings?

Answer:
Tattoos have become quite popular in the Christian community especially among youth. I have many friends with tattoos and it doesn't bother me. I personally wouldn't get one because of the permenance and how it could get infected and just looks painful. In any case, the Bible says no to tattoos. However, from what I remember, these tattoos that the Bible talks about were the tattoos of the gentiles and God was talking to the Jews. We all know that not all the rules that God gave to the Jews apply to us, but of course we should be careful not to throw out all of them. I think this was one of those rules that applies to certain people and certain situations.

The first thing I would consider, just because we want to start with self as we are selfish beings... is whether or not you see it as defiling your temple. This is something that we can ask ourselves and answer quickly. This is something between you and God. You need to be on your knees in every situation but this situation is a difficult thing to discern. You really need to ask Him to search your heart and if there's any wicked or meanspirited reason for getting a tattoo then I would reccomend not.

One thing to consider is your witness: are the people you are ministering to going to be offended by tattoos? are people around you going to blaspheme or slander God because of our association with Him? We should always consider this in EVERY discision we make, we want to be "all things to all people" like Paul was during his ministry. And if that means people would identify with you better with full sleeves of scripture intertwined with fire and a mural of Jesus slaying a dragon accross your back... go right ahead!

Another thing to consider is your parents. This really applies to youth and young adults who's parents are against the idea of tattoos. This falls under honoring your parents. My parents have told me that the decision to get tattoos is mine but they wouldn't particularly approve them. This is the main reason I don't, God tells us to honor our parents, regardless of their reasons or spiritual condition as long as we can honor God. Tattoos aren't required to honor God so forget it. smile Ask them, they can be more understanding than you think.

One other thing I would consider would be your brothers and sisters in Christ. Some of your friends may be desiring to get tattoos but for various reasons cannot. depending on their spiritual maturity, you must either avoid the subject with them all together, but if the subject does come up, encourage them to remain un-inked. If you are going to be stumbling your brothers and sisters because of your tattoos, don't.

Basically, you have to think of others first when in situations like this, where it's not neccissarily wrong but there's question about it.

So that's what I think about tattoos!