Sunday, March 24, 2013

Taboo of Tattoos

To Tatt or not to Tatt

 So goes the controversy... the next couple weeks we will be digesting the issue of Tattoos, among a few other similar controversies.  Piercing, Branding, and other Body Art... just what does the bible say about them?


For starters... 
lets get familiar with Leviticus 19
seasoned with Galatians 6
with a pinch of 1Peter 1


 Note: Three Part Mini-Series to Follow
  1. Marked by the Cross
  2. Pure Light
  3. Touch of Heaven
It’s a good series taking a look at what the real "alternative" lifestye of a Christian should look like, filled with grace but marked by holiness.  Interesting sidenote: this series was kicked off after Louie surfed around MySpace and read profiles of college-age students claiming to know Christ, to go to church or have Jesus as their hero but whose profiles, comments, language, preferences and photos reflected a love and preference for darkness, not holiness and light.



Podcast Link: 

* Part 1 "Tattoo" - Marked by the Cross

 

Additional Links: Suggested Research Sites *

 

Christians with tattoos, Christian tattoos and Christian tattooists, what does the Bible teach about the current style of body décor?   If the Scriptures tell us that tattooing is a behavior that God says is wrong in any way, then it's certainly off limits for God's followers. But does the Bible teach that God forbids tattoos and other cosmetic body modifications?  Read more at the following link:

  *  Sacred Ink - Tattoo and the Bible

For a further, in depth study of Tattoo origins and the ethics from a biblical perspective the following PDF link is most helpful: 

*  The (Im)Morality of Tattoos

 

Our Conclusion - that Tattoos, piercings, and the like are less about the external branding, ID marks, body decor/art, etc...It's more about the deeper internal motives of the heart.  The links above give us a balanced biblical view and lend credit to both camps to tatt or not to tatt...  The danger is that our passion and conviction in one camp or the other may lead us to prejudice the motives of others.  As followers of Christ the ultimate question is how is Jesus made known through our own declarations which should be seasoned with grace and gentle speech, not demonstrative or militant persuasion.