Seems like that means tattoos are a definite no, doesn't it? Actually, from what I understand, this is referring to a mark put on the body to signify devotion to a god (or, a mark an owner would put on his slave.)
In fact, that is what a tattoo shows. It shows what you are devoted to, or what you identify yourself with. So, I don't think tattoos are necessarily wrong, or necessarily right. It depends on what it depicts. What is it a symbol of? Just as displaying a flag shows patriotism or love for your country, so your tattoo identifies you with that symbol, whatever it may be.
It is important to remember, however, that in 1 Corinthians 8, Paul tells us that if what we are doing will cause our brother in Christ to stumble, then we shouldn't participate in it. If there are people around you who you might influence negatively, then it probably is best you don't get a tattoo. What might a tattoo say to people you come into contact with think? You are always going to offend someone, no matter what you do, so just because someone doesn't like it doesn't mean it is wrong. That is not your main concern. What you should consider is are you going to cause another Christian to stumble by doing this?
So in short, no, I do not think tattoos are wrong, though they aren't always right. Consider your motivation for the tattoo and how it will affect those around you. Always make sure the parlor you go to is clean, to avoid infection (another reason I think the Israelites were warned against tattoos... they did not know the causes of diseases, etc. or how to prevent them). But as long as your tattoo isn't inappropriate, you aren't violating the conscience of your friends and family, and you aren't addicted to getting them, I would say tattoos are not wrong.
Stated much better than I could have said it. =P
8 comments:
This is always a fun topic to talk about :p Thanks for posting this! I've had a lot of conversatons with my youth pastor and best friend about tats.
good post! I agree with what you've said! =)
it's an interesting topic, to say the least.
Actually, that verse has no weight to it. It was in the old law, and Jesus died so we no longer have to follow it. If people used that verse to say ppl can't have tats, then they would need to not eat pork or cut their hair.
lol I have looked into this argument since I have tats =P
Mhm, I was thinking so.
My dad wouldn't like the idea, but I may get a tattoo when I'm older. *shrugs*
as long as God is fine with it, I don't see why you shouldn't. Just gotta wait til you are 18 lol!
what would you want to get?
haha yep
Not sure... something on my left wrist somewhere. don't know -exactly- what.
Both of my tattoos are on my left wrist lol. My first one was a cross on the inside of my wrist, and my second one is a band symbol on the outside of my wrist, on the bone that sticks out.
That'd be kind of what I would do... not sure what on the outside yet. Something I could use for witnessing, I would think. Then maybe something on the inside that say "love".
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