Sinful Tattoo

[faroukfarouk]

Yeah. Blah blah. Its still utterly double minded blurb.

A lot of Christians do get faith based tattoos and they do find them effective in witness conversations. These are facts, whatever you might say about it.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Lots? That's rubbish.

Around here (Bible Belt), it is common, especially among evangelical Christians, for the girls under about 40 to have religious tattoos. More do than don't, especially when you get to the under 30 crowd. I hardly know any female at church that is under 30 that does not have a tattoo.

forums dot thewelltrainedmind dot com

These are facts.

Plenty of other Christians on this site have expressed themselves similarly, whatever strong language you may choose to use.

 

[JellyQuest]

Hi; my wife and I talked to a young lady that had the whole of John 3.16 tattooed on her wrist area; it was her favorite Bible verse and mine also; and I'm sure that other conversations have arisen as a result of her willingness to do it; faith based tattoo designs have been proven effective as conversation starters by many Christians.

And that conversation arose because you consider yourself christian and asked her about it because you seem very focussed on woman with tattoos.it is not an example of "many" using a tattoo to witness with. In fact it's not even one case. You make an assumption ,then use it to falsely prop up a self justification for a carnally minded activity.

 

[faroukfarouk]

And that conversation arose because you consider yourself christian and asked her about it because you seem very focussed on woman with tattoos.it is not an example of "many" using a tattoo to witness with. In fact it's not even one case. You make an assumption ,then use it to falsely prop up a self justification for a carnally minded activity.

Sir, You can say what you like, but I am not making it up that many Christians do have faith based tattoos, without regrets.

All from this site:

I decided I wanted a tattoo and 30 minutes later I had it or had an appointment set up. That happened with all 3 of mine. And all 3 are on my arms. Not sure why that happened but it did. I like them and don't regret getting them, they all mean something important to me. Faith and family

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I did a lot of thinking & so happy I did it. ..I've learned to come out of my shell. Gettig my tattoo was a part of that learning curve. ..Having a story behind it opens up the playig field to sharing the gospel on a new level.
I do recommend my artist to friends whenever I can.

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Thinking of getting another tattoo.

Considering Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

Either on the right forearm, or right calve, written in script

I have a couple tattoos myself and have every intention on getting more
First of a Red Cross to remind me of Gods love and Sacrifice

 

[TurtleAnne]

Thank you everyone for your advice and input. There is still a good year or so until I could afford to have it covered/changed, so I have time to wait for a sign or answer from God on what I ought to do about it. But it was still very nice to be able to talk about it with others.

As far as the debate going on.. I would agree that it was foolish of me to do. I was foolish in certain ways at that time in my life, early 20s, multiple ways, really, and that was just one of them. I wish that was most the foolish thing I had ever done to be honest. I am sure I am yet still foolish in other ways that hopefully I will realize later in my life. So definitely not seeking to cast any stones, as Jesus put it.

Thank you all again for the input.

 

[Anguspure]

I am curious for others' perceptions and thoughts on this matter.

I have a tattoo that I received several years ago. It is not mainstream offensive, as in it is not vulgar or anything along those lines, but it is a pagan tattoo and at the time I had it done, it represented for me a self-reliance (rather than a reliance on God) in regards to resisting evil. Obviously this was also at a time in my life when I was still thinking in terms that symbolism actually mattered and that it could help me be a good person, as opposed to the internal, unseen hard and complex work of genuinely trying to be a better a person. Suffice to say I was pretty immature compared to real wisdom, and mostly just being rebellious and impulsive.

This tattoo is in a place that is prominent unless I make a deliberate effort to keep it covered with clothing choices. I've also gone through periods of severe guilt about the tattoo, although I by now I've reached the understanding that it's more about what others think. God has always known that I have this tattoo, obviously, but what sort of message does it send to others? And also, what would I look like, professing my faith in Jesus Christ, while standing there with a tribal pagan tattoo.

I don't think I'll ever be able to afford to have it removed. Once I finish my college degree in about a year and can become employed again, I'll probably be able to afford to have it covered up, like just a hand-sized black blotch so that it's well, just a big blotch of ink rather than a specific design. That is the best I could afford to do, aside from mutilating it off of my body and having to go to the emergency room (which is something I've honestly contemplated due to how terrible I feel about it sometimes).

At one point, someone else advised me that maybe I should leave it as it is, and use it as some sort of testimony in regards to how I was once astray enough to get a tattoo like that, but then wound up being saved, but I'm not sure how I feel about that.

It has sort of become like this dark secret of mine. I'm currently seeking a church, for example, as I haven't regularly attended church since I was a child, and of course when I go to visit the churches on my list to try them out in search of the right one for me, I'll be making sure that tattoo is covered up, and I certainly won't be eager to mention it to anyone. So then what happens if when the day comes when I am finally able to be baptized, other people see it. The whole situation just gives me a terrible gut feeling.

Lately I've been trying to reach out and feel for what God wants me to do about it, but I haven't felt confident that I've received a response yet, or some sort of sign.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? Does anyone have any thoughts or opinions on this sort of situation?

I've got a tribal Scorpion (Scorpio birth sign) on my left shoulder which I'm going to have reworked so that the blood, mixed with water, of a sacrificed lamb weaves through the scorpion.
What is neat about this is that the original way in which the Scorpio sign interacts with Libra in the Zodiac depicts a Scorpion reaching out and trying to take a sacrificial alter (Philologos | The Witness of the Stars | Table of Contents), but on my shoulder we'll see the victory of the Lamb over the scorpion.

 

[faroukfarouk]

I've got a tribal Scorpion (Scorpio birth sign) on my left shoulder which I'm going to have reworked so that the blood, mixed with water, of a sacrificed lamb weaves through the scorpion.
What is neat about this is that the original way in which the Scorpio sign interacts with Libra in the Zodiac depicts a Scorpion reaching out and trying to take a sacrificial alter (Philologos | The Witness of the Stars | Table of Contents), but on my shoulder we'll see the victory of the Lamb over the scorpion.

"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing." (Revelation 5). Sounds like your re-worked tattoo will be an effective tool in witness!

 

[faroukfarouk]

Thank you everyone for your advice and input. There is still a good year or so until I could afford to have it covered/changed, so I have time to wait for a sign or answer from God on what I ought to do about it. But it was still very nice to be able to talk about it with others.

As far as the debate going on.. I would agree that it was foolish of me to do. I was foolish in certain ways at that time in my life, early 20s, multiple ways, really, and that was just one of them. I wish that was most the foolish thing I had ever done to be honest. I am sure I am yet still foolish in other ways that hopefully I will realize later in my life. So definitely not seeking to cast any stones, as Jesus put it.

Thank you all again for the input.

TurtleAnne:

YW, and it sounds like as you save up for it to be re-worked this time might be a blessing because it's always good to have settled on a new design development - whether faith based or otherwise - in plenty of time before you actually go under the needle.

(Interesting screen name; I believe that many Samoans /Polynesians have turtle based tattoo designs.)

 

[eyeamnicegirl]

Unless you are one of the very tiny few who have managed to avoid a rebellious phase and/or hormone driven phase in your life, you have to have done something you aren't so proud to be admitting today. In most cases, the rebellion is something that doesn't have obvious evidence today. But with things like getting pregnant in college or getting a tattoo, the fact that you did such things is sort of out there for people to see. (Kids are harder to hide than tattoos.) While it is expected that these days you won't be proud of some of the activities you once were a very willing participant in, you can't let guilt over the past have a prominent place in your present. Guilt is what you feel until you repent, then it should stop being an issue, especially the farther you are from that time of sin. Yes, some lingering effects upon our flesh will continue (in your case, literally), but your heart and mind should move forward to a better day. From a practical point of view, I would advise you to spend the money you might have to spend on your tattoo issue to have part of it removed, rather than making a big blotch out of it -- you are still going to have to explain the blotch. Once a few parts are removed, the symbolism of it won't be there anymore, and you are headed in the right direction of eventually getting rid of it entirely. Yes, some people will have a negative view of you because of the tattoo, just as some will have a negative view of the woman who got pregnant before she got married; the fact that it happened 13 years ago and the person has very much changed her life since that point in time doesn't matter to them; but you just can't let those losers determine your self-worth. And yes, there is a bit of penalty to pay, as you might find that a guy you really like doesn't want to date you because of the tattoo; sort of like a lot of girls will reject a guy who would otherwise be acceptable to them because he has been in prison, even if was 13 years ago. That's part of the "wages of sin" thing we all have to deal with.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Unless you are one of the very tiny few who have managed to avoid a rebellious phase and/or hormone driven phase in your life, you have to have done something you aren't so proud to be admitting today. In most cases, the rebellion is something that doesn't have obvious evidence today. But with things like getting pregnant in college or getting a tattoo, the fact that you did such things is sort of out there for people to see. (Kids are harder to hide than tattoos.) While it is expected that these days you won't be proud of some of the activities you once were a very willing participant in, you can't let guilt over the past have a prominent place in your present. Guilt is what you feel until you repent, then it should stop being an issue, especially the farther you are from that time of sin. Yes, some lingering effects upon our flesh will continue (in your case, literally), but your heart and mind should move forward to a better day. From a practical point of view, I would advise you to spend the money you might have to spend on your tattoo issue to have part of it removed, rather than making a big blotch out of it -- you are still going to have to explain the blotch. Once a few parts are removed, the symbolism of it won't be there anymore, and you are headed in the right direction of eventually getting rid of it entirely. Yes, some people will have a negative view of you because of the tattoo, just as some will have a negative view of the woman who got pregnant before she got married; the fact that it happened 13 years ago and the person has very much changed her life since that point in time doesn't matter to them; but you just can't let those losers determine your self-worth. And yes, there is a bit of penalty to pay, as you might find that a guy you really like doesn't want to date you because of the tattoo; sort of like a lot of girls will reject a guy who would otherwise be acceptable to them because he has been in prison, even if was 13 years ago. That's part of the "wages of sin" thing we all have to deal with.

From what I've read of TurtleAnne's comments, she regrets the particular design she got, although I would not project your apparent assumption that all tattoos are bad - even faith based ones - to the thinking of all Christians: many Christians do get faith based tattoos and indeed want to, and don't regret them; this is simply a fact. (See also post #5, above. re. the sheer prevalence of tattoos among Christians.)

If you read through the discussion, it seems that TurtleAnne is thinking of changing the current design rather than going for total removal, but she can speak for herself.

I would not equate a tattoo with getting pregnant out of wedlock, though.

 

[JellyQuest]

Sir, You can say what you like, but I am not making it up that many Christians do have faith based tattoos, without regrets.

All from this site:

And no matter how many do it still doesn't make it right. We don't honour God by glorifying in the fleshing living according to our-down desire. But living in the spirit to obey the spirit of christ.
The Op never self justifies having one .and is under no condemnation.nor does the Op promote others getting one.

In contrast you slyly encourage it by saying many do it So that must make it ok . but many commit adultery .does that it ok also? Of course NOT.
And you gave zero example of it being a tool for witnessing.
As others have pointed out .Jesus has already given us HIS means and tools to advance the gospel.saying "go heal the sick,preach the gospel,drive out devils..(not promote their fleshly carnal doctrines of opinion)

 

[ReesePiece23]

The ignorance here is killing me, I'm out.

 

[Runswithdogs]

Just thinking, in regards to the name the OP has chosen on here, that pattern could very easily be transformed into an amazing Turtle by a skilled artist.

Ive seen some amazing coverups done on horrid tats, the finished work being a beautiful peice of artwork, Not a "blotch" (reason to make sure the artist you choose has the skills)

 

[lee-johnson]

Symbolism and independence is important as is affirming common belief. If the symbolism represents a conflicting sentiment it may cause offence which is no sin unless it is imposed upon others. Think of it like a sexual act in a public place. If it's unnoticed its not a sin. If it's noticed by others who agree then it's no sin. If others who disagree with the act observe it then it is a sin for you have imposed your belief on others.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Symbolism and independence is important as is affirming common belief. If the symbolism represents a conflicting sentiment it may cause offence which is no sin unless it is imposed upon others. Think of it like a sexual act in a public place. If it's unnoticed its not a sin. If it's noticed by others who agree then it's no sin. If others who disagree with the act observe it then it is a sin for you have imposed your belief on others.

Your terminology is somewhat obscure to me but if you are saying that it is somehow wrong to proclaim the Gospel to those who do not yet believe, then this is exactly what the Lord Jesus commanded His followers to do in the Great Commission in Matthew 28.

 

[faroukfarouk]

And no matter how many do it still doesn't make it right. We don't honour God by glorifying in the fleshing living according to our-down desire. But living in the spirit to obey the spirit of christ.
The Op never self justifies having one .and is under no condemnation.nor does the Op promote others getting one.

In contrast you slyly encourage it by saying many do it So that must make it ok . but many commit adultery .does that it ok also? Of course NOT.
And you gave zero example of it being a tool for witnessing.
As others have pointed out .Jesus has already given us HIS means and tools to advance the gospel.saying "go heal the sick,preach the gospel,drive out devils..(not promote their fleshly carnal doctrines of opinion)

Sir, You are the one who introduced the subject of adultery, not me; then by your extension of logic you make unfounded implications.

Actually various examples of how Christians do use faith based ink in witness have been given; since you don't seem interested in them in any case there is little point in prolonging these exchanges.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

I agree with you. I think that is part of the struggle. Like I mentioned in my initial post for this thread, I have come to realize that the disturbance in my feelings is not about what God thinks, but about what other people think. God has always known about this tattoo of mine since the day I got it. And ultimately I will be answering to God, not other people. So only God's opinion should matter. I'm struggling with a fixation on what other people will think.

Jesus says rejoice when you are persecuted. It is a Christian's destiny to be hated by the world. For it is written, "all who live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." We are called to live the life Christ had lived. When we are persecuted, there is a great reward in Heaven for us (When we endure persecution for God's cause and purpose). Pray to the LORD to separate or distance you from your old worldly relationships. Pray to the LORD to give you strength when your old family members or friends may verbally persecute you for the cause of Christ.

As for the tattoo: Pray for the Lord's guidance to seek a way to remove or cover it up in the proper timing. Keep praying about it, and GOD will give you the right opportunity.


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[faroukfarouk]

Jesus says rejoice when you are persecuted. It is a Christian's destiny to be hated by the world. For it is written, "all who live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." We are called to live the life Christ had lived. When we are persecuted, there is a great reward in Heaven for us (When we endure persecution for God's cause and purpose). Pray to the LORD to separate or distance you from your old worldly relationships. Pray to the LORD to give you strength when your old family members or friends may verbally persecute you for the cause of Christ.

As for the tattoo: Pray for the Lord's guidance to seek a way to remove or cover it up in the proper timing. Keep praying about it, and GOD will give you the right opportunity.


...

I certainly agree with your point about living for God in a hostile world. Regarding a tattoo that is regretted, you have mentioned 2 possibilities: removal or covering it; the third would be having it altered by a tattoo artist so that the association is more positive or neutral. A lot of Christians do have faith based tattoos.

 

[Goodbook]

My thoughts are when I see a person with tattoos is they either not christian or had a pagan past.

If you go back to the tattoo parlor to get it redesigned you just like an alcoholic going back to the bar and maybe asking for a softer drink this time. You still giving them time and money.

Best thing would be pray and ask for finances to have it removed. Im sorry to hear that and now youve repented youve got to give an example to ppl in similar situations...there are many young ppl that think its cool to get tattoos well you tell them no, its not. It offends a holy God and perpetuates a shallow skin deep industry thats loves satanic symbols .

So that ppl recognise you are a christian they are going to have to go by your words, and your actions and the light shining in you not by your outward appearance. GOd will help you in this as ive seen someone whos basically covered in tattoos but can tell by the way she speaks and acts she is now a christian.

 

[Goodbook]

The concern over the symbol is that its a gateway to occult activity..the demons will actually have legal right to attack you and with a tattoo its worse cos its kind permanent.

The best thing is in this case is to pray with an elder over the tattoo and seal any access points and keep it covered until you can have it removed. Thankfully it doesnt seem to be all over your body like you see in other ppl. Also you will need to tell the demons attracted to this tattoo..it may be water spirits..to leave. Its like flies to a carcass really. Have you been baptised?