Catholics Getting Tattoo'ed?

[Circle_Master]

I know a friend who used to be in the biker gangs in new york. He went to a biker convention with all the huge guys with tattoo's and whatnot and one gave him a tract. When the dude walked away it was 'Bikers for Christ' on the back. The tract said on the front 'What do you need to do to go to hell?', the inside was empty, the back merely had his number on it.

Tattoo's can be used to glorify Christ today, they can be used for personal desires as well. Paul writes that he becomes all things to all men so that all might be saved - we may do the same if it helps.

The command in the pentateuch is slightly different anyway - it is dealing with a culture that thought tattoo's brought power, and they were symbols of their God's and whatnot

[Paladin D]

I gotta ask, but what is wrong with the plain old skin God gave you? Why defile what was pure to begin with?

I know some who say "Tattooing is defiling God, since your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit". I believe it depends on a couple factors...

1. What is the intention for getting the tattoo.

2. What is the image of the tattoo.

[Matty_boy]

Why did cavemen draw/carve on the walls of caves? Weren't they happy with the cave walls God created? Why did the Constantine build Cathedrals? Why did Rembrant, Picasso, Degas, etc. paint? Why climb Everest, learn to fly a plane, travel, sculpt, listen/write music, etc.?

Also, I'm sorry I'm so hard on you, bruce. Usually when someone is quoting someone else it's because they have the same beliefs or are trying to argue their point with someone elses words.

Edited January 5, 2004 by Matty_boy

[socalscout]

Here is an interesting link on the matter.

http://www.xtat.org/

[socalscout]

I know a friend who used to be in the biker gangs in new york. He went to a biker convention with all the huge guys with tattoo's and whatnot and one gave him a tract. When the dude walked away it was 'Bikers for Christ' on the back. The tract said on the front 'What do you need to do to go to hell?', the inside was empty, the back merely had his number on it.

Tattoo's can be used to glorify Christ today, they can be used for personal desires as well. Paul writes that he becomes all things to all men so that all might be saved - we may do the same if it helps.

The command in the pentateuch is slightly different anyway - it is dealing with a culture that thought tattoo's brought power, and they were symbols of their God's and whatnot

Nice group. Here is their website and forum if it at all interests you.

http://www.bikersforchrist.org/

http://forums.delphiforums.com/bikersforchrist/messages

[mp15]

I know some who say "Tattooing is defiling God, since your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit". I believe it depends on a couple factors...

1. What is the intention for getting the tattoo.

2. What is the image of the tattoo.

Well I don't look at it quite like that. But I do believe that someone is taking something that God gave them and defiling it with ink. Then again some just think of the skin as a different form of canvas.

Look, all I'm saying is this. God gave you something that was/is perfect when you are born. Altering that which is already perfect is sorta messed up logic to me.

[mp15]

Oh, and for the record. I can think of much better ways of evangelizing then using a tattoo to do so. I'm still convinced that tattoos are just a form of vanity for most people.

[Paladin D]

Well I don't look at it quite like that. But I do believe that someone is taking something that God gave them and defiling it with ink. Then again some just think of the skin as a different form of canvas.

Look, all I'm saying is this. God gave you something that was/is perfect when you are born. Altering that which is already perfect is sorta messed up logic to me.

But the Church does not condemn it, the Church only condemns excessive tattooing.

[mp15]

But the Church does not condemn it, the Church only condemns excessive tattooing.

That's all well and good. But just because the church doesn't condemn it doesn't mean it indorses it either.

Hey, it's your life. Free will, more power to you and stuff. I just ask those that are thinking about doing it to examine their reasoning for doing so. Are they doing so to truely worship God? If not then I would advise against it.

Edited January 5, 2004 by mp15

[mp15]

Here is an interesting link on the matter.

http://www.xtat.org/

Yea, it is interesting. Read the section "Tattoos and the Bible". Read it and ponder on it awhile. What does this guy sound like at the beginning of the article?

I will tell you that I sure came away with certain perception of the writer ;)

[Ellenita]

Interesting debate. It could equally apply to piercings too couldn't it since these were originally done to 'ward off evil spirits'?

I wish more people adhered to Leviticus 19:32....I might get a seat on the tube during rush hour then! :D

[Sojourner]

Hey, it's your life. Free will, more power to you and stuff. I just ask those that are thinking about doing it to examine their reasoning for doing so. Are they doing so to truely worship God? If not then I would advise against it.

mp15,

I wouldn't say that I got mine in an attempt to worship God, or to evangelize, but I also wouldn't say that I did it out of vanity. I enjoy each of the designs I have, but I don't make an effort to show them off. My closest friends know I have them, and have seen them, but most of the time I dress so they aren't showing -- even if I'm not at work. My tattoos serve as a reminder to me of the work God has done and continues to do in my life, and that's why I got them. They are a permanent picture for me marking specific times in my life that were significant.

Those are only my reasons, though, and I know many other people that got them when they were drunk, or out of rebellion, or because it was cool to their friends, or on a dare. So for what it's worth, those are my reasons, condensed.

Peace,

Sojourner

[socalscout]

Yea, it is interesting. Read the section "Tattoos and the Bible". Read it and ponder on it awhile. What does this guy sound like at the beginning of the article?

I will tell you that I sure came away with certain perception of the writer

I did not post it to justify tattooing just as an outside reference to the subject matter. Draw whatever conclusions you want on it.

[cmotherofpirl]

To get back to your original post, most people could care less about the origins of the tattoo, thery do it because other people are doing it, its a means of a permanent identification with a group, or it has a personal meaning behind it.

Do you have problems with earrings?

[mp15]

To get back to your original post, most people could care less about the origins of the tattoo, thery do it because other people are doing it, its a means of a permanent identification with a group, or it has a personal meaning behind it.

Do you have problems with earrings?

On me? No way

I dunno, never really thought about it. On a whole I would have to say no as the ear will fill itself in over time if one was to quit wear them. With a tattoo once it's there it's there. I know that they can be removed but it is expensive to do so. I can say that for me personally I find no extra atraction for a girl that wears earrings or not. Beauty to me is the human form, not what is hanging or inked onto it. My wife rarely wears earings, and has no tattoos. She considered getting one once durring her not so religious faze. I told her she would regret it but that she was free to do as she pleased. Well she didn't do it and has thanked me ever since for being her voice of reason.

Anyway, like I said. Anyone is free to do what they want. I just think those that are contemplating getting one should examine the reasons for doing so first. If it hints of any form of vanity then I would caution against it.

Edited January 6, 2004 by mp15