1689 Hand Tattoo?

[faroukfarouk]

Which is why I don't think tattoos are a huge deal, but if anyone were to ask me what I think of tattoos, wedding rings, dying hair, and the like, I'll pretty much give the same answer. I constantly battle to put to death the lusts of my flesh. I know that they will never be totally quenched, but I wish Christians in general (I'm not speaking of you personally) were more open to assisting one another on how to help one another in this instead of justifying their own behavior and telling others not to judge them.

I'm interested that you would include wedding rings in the same category. My wife sees the ring she wanted me to wear as a visible bond between us, for all to see. Similarly the one she wears. In other words, it's clear that both of us are 'off limits'.

But I understand that Christians are likely to have differing ideas about all sorts of things, and this is really a strength rather than a weakness, if we keep the fraternal link in mind. I guess this would include faith based tattoos also.

 

[abacabb3]

I'm interested that you would include wedding rings in the same category. My wife sees the ring she wanted me to wear as a visible bond between us, for all to see. Similarly the one she wears. In other words, it's clear that both of us are 'off limits'.

It is worth noting that the ring showing a "visible bond" is something that the Scripture nowhere says we need to show. Perhaps society needs status symbols and the like, but the Scripture warns against the wearing of gold and speaks of such jewelry, outside of the picture of a betrothal, negatively. It is also worth noting that the Puritans did not wear wedding bands, and it does not appear the lack of visible bonds did great damage to them.

 

[faroukfarouk]

I guess not many people would go by what the Puritans thought. Today finger tattoos are quite widespread:

Laura Aragon, pinterest dot com

 

[abacabb3]

This is the Reformed section of the forum, what the Puritans thought should at least be given consideration

 

[faroukfarouk]

This is the Reformed section of the forum, what the Puritans thought should at least be given consideration

Consideration, yes; though not a veto. I guess I would generally describe myself as respectful of the assertion of the great, Biblical doctrines of the Reformation.

But maybe we are moving away from the tattoo topic...

 

[abacabb3]

That's why it took until page 5 for me to mention it. My argument has always been from the Scripture. We live in a society so vanity obsessed, that people are blind to their own immodesty.

 

[faroukfarouk]

That's why it took until page 5 for me to mention it. My argument has always been from the Scripture. We live in a society so vanity obsessed, that people are blind to their own immodesty.

Well, in the case of faith based tattoos, the motivation for many Christians may be for a God honoring witness. (I think we've been through this before...)

 

[abacabb3]

Well, in the case of faith based tattoos, the motivation for many Christians may be for a God honoring witness. (I think we've been through this before...)

People often have multiple motives, whether they admit it or not.

 

[BryanW92]

.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Fifteen years ago I got the following tattoos...

...

Did you maybe go through a 'phase' 15 years ago when you were particularly inclined to go under the needle for ink?

 

[JM]

Did you maybe go through a 'phase' 15 years ago when you were particularly inclined to go under the needle for ink?

Yes!

I was entering a lot of judo and jujitsu competitions opponents were covered in tats. As the Holy Spirit drew me I thought getting "Christian" tats would be the way to go but I soon lost interest in body art.

Yours in the Lord,

jm

 

[faroukfarouk]

Yes!

I was entering a lot of judo and jujitsu competitions opponents were covered in tats. As the Holy Spirit drew me I thought getting "Christian" tats would be the way to go but I soon lost interest in body art.

Yours in the Lord,

jm

JM: I see! Yes, it's true that many people into martial arts are into bodyart. For those who are dedicated to perfecting various martial arts techniques and the dedication that goes into them, some of the symbolism of Chinese characters can be very meaningful to them.

Similarly, I can see how Christian oriented bodyart can be meaningful to Christians in particular contexts, with opportunities to witness.

Whether you want to pursue the interest now is, I guess, a separate matter.

Thanks; blessings.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Yes!

I was entering a lot of judo and jujitsu competitions opponents were covered in tats. As the Holy Spirit drew me I thought getting "Christian" tats would be the way to go but I soon lost interest in body art.

Yours in the Lord,

jm

PS: Did you see the thread started by ChristianSamurai88 about Christians in martial arts?

You're right; so many practitioners of martial arts use tattoo parlors; it's so often all part of the way of life.

Blessings.