- Jan 25, 2009
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Shalom
Concerning why I wrote this, the following scripture will provide the focus:
Some of what follows is a continuation of what was discussed before when it comes to modesty--as it concerns examining other cultures that did markings upon their bodies due to seeing it as a sign of beauty....and as seen in the article entitled "Modesty for a Messianic: What Should it Look Like for Men/Women - ChristianForums".
Working in Youth Ministry, the issue of Tattoo markings always seems to be a hot-button issue...and to be honest, its a sensitive issue for myself as well. Many of the close friends/family I've interacted with have all had tattoo's...and whereas some of them I didn't think looked all that great, many of them were actually QUITE stunning/beautiful.
This is a Hebrew phrase that means "belonging to God" (literally, "to Yahweh") taken from the Tanak (Isaiah 44:5).
Translation of the verse for this one is "They shall be hurled to the power of the sword; they shall be a portion for foxes."...From Psalm 63:11.Many others besides that...
However, I've also seen it where some have gotten tattoos that I thought were clearly demonic in nature---and needed to be removed due to what it symbolized for the person. It is for this reason that I've been very grateful for things such as Tattoo removal industries/organizations working with people who want to change themselves, such as organizations like "Homeboy Ministries" in helping others who are ex-gang members remove their tattoos since it reminds them of their pasts.
However, as much as I may support those going back to the OT Law, I disagree with some of the ways they try to apply it...fo the same people who often go back/discuss the law on Tattoos often will not do the rest of it...such as discussing how Leviticus 19:26-28 says cutting of the hair/beard should NEVER occur. Most have shaved their beards today, including many within the Messianic Jewish movement, and understand that what the OT was saying was in regards to what the cultures surrounding the Hebrews were advocatng---and the scriptures seem to show times where the beard command wasn't always practiced in a heavy handed dynamic.
In example, before Joseph stood in Pharaoh’s presence, he shaved (Gen. 41:14), which was culturally very significant. A beard was highly regarded in Israel (cf. 2 Sam. 10:4-5), but in Egypt it was not. Joseph revealed wisdom by adapting to the culture of his day, yet in a way that did not violate any biblical principle. A beard was really a matter of culture, not of creed. By taking the Egyptian’s language ( Genesis 42:22-24 ), their dress, and even an Egyptian wife (cf. Gen. 41:45), Joseph identified himself with the Egyptians in a way that made his ministry more acceptable, yet without any sacrifice of biblical principle.
The same principle is something that may possibly apply to Tattoo's...and I think that its something that needs to be considered when it comes to the Gospel. My own fellowship often dealt with the issue. For it is the case that orthodox Jews believe that the Torah forbids tattoos, and would be turned off by the tattoo in many instances....thus keeping out those of Jewish background who may actually be into tattoos/not saved. In our fellowship, there was once a person who came into the fellowship/was covered in Tattoos and they were very passionate about serving Yeshua...and where others may've been tempted to stare/kick them out, thankfully, others felt that people are people....and needing to be loved, in light of scripture.
With scripture, something else that was very striking to consider is what Isaiah 44:5 says when it comes to tattoos:
Whereas I agree with others saying that the Torah speaks against Tattoos, I don't think that the Torah itself supports the view that all Tattoos in every context must somehow be wrong....for it seems that there is a specific context that tattoo's occured. Whereas others for Tattoo's may be quick to say the OT is to be dismissed simply because "we're in an era of Grace according to Paul in Galatians/other books!!!", I think its better to see how the OT and NT renconcile...and understand the OT In context. One doesn't have to take a view of "The Law is BAD!!!" in order to appreciate the Law from a New Testament perspective on what the Torah is in Christ/Grace & Truth being what Jesus brought (John 1).
The ministry of "Sacred Ink" was one organization that I thought had many solid/beautiful points to consider on the issue.....as seen here .-and as mentioned here / here and here as well--and for another one to consider, one can investigate the ministry entitled Are Hebrew Tattoos Kosher?. In 2007, when a church was giving out tattoos in their service, Hillel covered the issues for Jewish student life, presenting a mixed take on it. For more, if interested, there is a resource one can go online/investgate under the name of"Jews & Tattoos: What's a Rabbi to Do? - Hillel"( ).
Moreover, there is a documentary discussing the issue in-depth on what other Jews feel on the matter entitled "Tattoo Jew". The film "Tattoo Jew" is documentary about Jewish people getting Jewish-themed tattoos as expressions of individuality and pride..and showing people who feel more connected to their roots by displaying a modern Jewish identity permanently etched in ink upon their skin.This project explores the intersection between traditional Jewish culture and the current popularity of tattoos.
For more info:
At one point, there's a segment on how one Jewish woman shared her perspective on Tattoos...for in her mind, its not just about what the language means--but its also about the physical existence of the language on her body. It is amazing to considering how many within the Jewish community.......and outside of that, something that came to mind is that even Jesus had WRITTEN Language on Himself---as seen in "iRevelation 19:16 " when it says, "He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. "
If anyone has any thoughts on the issue, I'd love to hear.
Concerning why I wrote this, the following scripture will provide the focus:
Leviticus 19:28
“‘Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.
“‘Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.
Working in Youth Ministry, the issue of Tattoo markings always seems to be a hot-button issue...and to be honest, its a sensitive issue for myself as well. Many of the close friends/family I've interacted with have all had tattoo's...and whereas some of them I didn't think looked all that great, many of them were actually QUITE stunning/beautiful.
This is a Hebrew phrase that means "belonging to God" (literally, "to Yahweh") taken from the Tanak (Isaiah 44:5).
Translation of the verse for this one is "They shall be hurled to the power of the sword; they shall be a portion for foxes."...From Psalm 63:11.Many others besides that...
However, I've also seen it where some have gotten tattoos that I thought were clearly demonic in nature---and needed to be removed due to what it symbolized for the person. It is for this reason that I've been very grateful for things such as Tattoo removal industries/organizations working with people who want to change themselves, such as organizations like "Homeboy Ministries" in helping others who are ex-gang members remove their tattoos since it reminds them of their pasts.
Nevertheless, I have seen it where others think about the dangers of tattoos and assume that everything with tattoos must be an issue. And the scripture that often comes up is what's seen in Leviticus 19:28. Others have been brought up by others in connection to that ( Deuteronomy 23:1-3 , Leviticus 21:4-6, 1 Kings 18:27-29, ). Those who disagree with others doing so may've been quick to say that they were "legalistic"--but in many ways, I agree with those going back/discussing the Torah in what it advocated. There are many dangerous practices that can occur when it comes to the world of Tattoo, from potential diseases gettng transferred to spiritual issues-----and some that've spoken well on the subject are people like William Sudduth of the book "What's Behind the Ink?" ( as seen here):
However, as much as I may support those going back to the OT Law, I disagree with some of the ways they try to apply it...fo the same people who often go back/discuss the law on Tattoos often will not do the rest of it...such as discussing how Leviticus 19:26-28 says cutting of the hair/beard should NEVER occur. Most have shaved their beards today, including many within the Messianic Jewish movement, and understand that what the OT was saying was in regards to what the cultures surrounding the Hebrews were advocatng---and the scriptures seem to show times where the beard command wasn't always practiced in a heavy handed dynamic.
In example, before Joseph stood in Pharaoh’s presence, he shaved (Gen. 41:14), which was culturally very significant. A beard was highly regarded in Israel (cf. 2 Sam. 10:4-5), but in Egypt it was not. Joseph revealed wisdom by adapting to the culture of his day, yet in a way that did not violate any biblical principle. A beard was really a matter of culture, not of creed. By taking the Egyptian’s language ( Genesis 42:22-24 ), their dress, and even an Egyptian wife (cf. Gen. 41:45), Joseph identified himself with the Egyptians in a way that made his ministry more acceptable, yet without any sacrifice of biblical principle.
The same principle is something that may possibly apply to Tattoo's...and I think that its something that needs to be considered when it comes to the Gospel. My own fellowship often dealt with the issue. For it is the case that orthodox Jews believe that the Torah forbids tattoos, and would be turned off by the tattoo in many instances....thus keeping out those of Jewish background who may actually be into tattoos/not saved. In our fellowship, there was once a person who came into the fellowship/was covered in Tattoos and they were very passionate about serving Yeshua...and where others may've been tempted to stare/kick them out, thankfully, others felt that people are people....and needing to be loved, in light of scripture.
With scripture, something else that was very striking to consider is what Isaiah 44:5 says when it comes to tattoos:
Isa 44:5
One will say, I am the Lord's; and another will call himself by the name of Jacob; and another will write [even brand or tattoo] upon his hand, I am the Lord's, and surname himself by the [honorable] name of Israel.
One will say, I am the Lord's; and another will call himself by the name of Jacob; and another will write [even brand or tattoo] upon his hand, I am the Lord's, and surname himself by the [honorable] name of Israel.
Whereas I agree with others saying that the Torah speaks against Tattoos, I don't think that the Torah itself supports the view that all Tattoos in every context must somehow be wrong....for it seems that there is a specific context that tattoo's occured. Whereas others for Tattoo's may be quick to say the OT is to be dismissed simply because "we're in an era of Grace according to Paul in Galatians/other books!!!", I think its better to see how the OT and NT renconcile...and understand the OT In context. One doesn't have to take a view of "The Law is BAD!!!" in order to appreciate the Law from a New Testament perspective on what the Torah is in Christ/Grace & Truth being what Jesus brought (John 1).
The ministry of "Sacred Ink" was one organization that I thought had many solid/beautiful points to consider on the issue.....as seen here .-and as mentioned here / here and here as well--and for another one to consider, one can investigate the ministry entitled Are Hebrew Tattoos Kosher?. In 2007, when a church was giving out tattoos in their service, Hillel covered the issues for Jewish student life, presenting a mixed take on it. For more, if interested, there is a resource one can go online/investgate under the name of"Jews & Tattoos: What's a Rabbi to Do? - Hillel"( ).
Moreover, there is a documentary discussing the issue in-depth on what other Jews feel on the matter entitled "Tattoo Jew". The film "Tattoo Jew" is documentary about Jewish people getting Jewish-themed tattoos as expressions of individuality and pride..and showing people who feel more connected to their roots by displaying a modern Jewish identity permanently etched in ink upon their skin.This project explores the intersection between traditional Jewish culture and the current popularity of tattoos.
For more info:
At one point, there's a segment on how one Jewish woman shared her perspective on Tattoos...for in her mind, its not just about what the language means--but its also about the physical existence of the language on her body. It is amazing to considering how many within the Jewish community.......and outside of that, something that came to mind is that even Jesus had WRITTEN Language on Himself---as seen in "iRevelation 19:16 " when it says, "He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. "
If anyone has any thoughts on the issue, I'd love to hear.
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