Sinful Tattoo

[faroukfarouk]

A person can use their tattoo as a testimony, whether they got it when they were a believer or non-believer, depending on the tattoo and the testimony. ...

PS:

LizzyMae:

As well as some unbelievers who might later regret their designs after their conversion, a lot of believers also get tattooed confidently, with faith based designs they indeed don't tend to regret; you've probably met some of them, right?

(I certainly have.)

 

[ThreeYearsToLearn]

Googling the symbol Algiz looks very much like the symbol for psychology. It could probably be modified to that symbol, if you view your journey to Christ from that perspective.

Algiz

Psychology

 

[faroukfarouk]

Googling the symbol Algiz looks very much like the symbol for psychology. It could probably be modified to that symbol, if you view your journey to Christ from that perspective.

Algiz

Psychology

ThreeYearsToLearn:

Seems like you're saying that with a good tattoo artist it should be quite doable for TurtleAnne to adapt her existing design to a positive symbol, if indeed she decides to go down that route, right?

 

[faroukfarouk]

Googling the symbol Algiz looks very much like the symbol for psychology. It could probably be modified to that symbol, if you view your journey to Christ from that perspective.

Algiz

Psychology

ThreeYearsToLearn:

Seems like you're saying that with a good tattoo artist it should be quite doable for TurtleAnne to adapt her existing design to a positive symbol, if indeed she decides to go down that route, right?

 

[faroukfarouk]

[..]

 

[Journey.In.Grace]

PS:

LizzyMae:

As well as some unbelievers who might later regret their designs after their conversion, a lot of believers also get tattooed confidently, with faith based designs they indeed don't tend to regret; you've probably met some of them, right?

(I certainly have.)

Yes, I have as well. And you know, there is nothing wrong with it. The only reason I haven't gotten a tattoo myself is because I believe that we shouldn't mark our bodies, but I have nothing against tattoos or people who have them. Even born again dedicated Christian's get tattoos; most just get Christian-based. I don't see anything wrong with it. Some do, and that's their opinion, but people should at least share their opinion politely, you know?

 

[DawnStar]

Some do, and that's their opinion, but people should at least share their opinion politely, you know?

YES. And without all the unfounded nonsense that has permeated this thread like a bad odor!

 

[Journey.In.Grace]

YES. And without all the unfounded nonsense that has permeated this thread like a bad odor!

Agreed. Someone was a little on the rough/rude side with me yesterday. I didn't argue because I don't stir fire like that in public, so I just said my peace and haven't really commented since then. I understand that everyone has different opinions but do we have to be rude about it?

 

[faroukfarouk]

Yes, I have as well. And you know, there is nothing wrong with it. The only reason I haven't gotten a tattoo myself is because I believe that we shouldn't mark our bodies, but I have nothing against tattoos or people who have them. Even born again dedicated Christian's get tattoos; most just get Christian-based. I don't see anything wrong with it. Some do, and that's their opinion, but people should at least share their opinion politely, you know?

LizzyMae:

Yes, I thought you probably had met them and even talked to them about their faith ink. For some people it can be a very joyful experience becoming a tattooed Christian with even a small faith based design. I think you may once have been open to the idea yourself although maybe now you don't have such an open mind.

But for those who are still open to it, non-committally checking out parlor portfolios has long been a good way of helping to settle their minds as to whether eventually to have this joyful experience.

 

[Journey.In.Grace]

LizzyMae:

Yes, I thought you probably had met them and even talked to them about their faith ink. For some people it can be a very joyful experience becoming a tattooed Christian with even a small faith based design. I think you may once have been open to the idea yourself although maybe now you don't have such an open mind.

But for those who are still open to it, non-committally checking out parlor portfolios has long been a good way of helping to settle their minds as to whether eventually to have this joyful experience.

I have a very open mind but when it conflicts with my religious beliefs, that is where I stop. On one hand, I want one. On the other hand, I feel like I shouldn't be marking my body.

 

[faroukfarouk]

I have a very open mind but when it conflicts with my religious beliefs, that is where I stop. On one hand, I want one. On the other hand, I feel like I shouldn't be marking my body.

LizzyMae:

Well, okay. Sounds like you are rather seriously considering what eventually to do or not do. From what you say, seems like on the one hand such a joyful experience with a small faith based design is something which you would probably want to participate in and to have as your very own. On the other hand you seem to be trying to define your thinking, in what you still regard as faith grounds, as to where your hesitation is coming from (some ppl cite Leviticus 28, though you might not). You must know your mind, anyway. So would something like this be against your beliefs, maybe?

pinterest dot com

 

[faroukfarouk]

The rule to not have tattoos was part of the Mosaic law code, given to the Israelites so that God's people would be distinct from the Idol-worshipping nations around them. However, we no longer live in the age of the law. We rather now live in the age of grace. God's people are now distinct from others around us in a new way - in that we have been marked by the promised Spirit of God. Since she has marked us, we are to be guided in life by her love and wisdom rather than by strict adherence to the law code.

Kiterius:

Yes, it's good to remember these distinctions now. Hebrews 7 expands on this; in Hebrews 7.12 it says that the law was changed; and in Hebrews 7.19 what we now have is better than the law ('better' being a keyword in Hebrews).

 

[JellyQuest]

The rule to not have tattoos was part of the Mosaic law code, given to the Israelites so that God's people would be distinct from the Idol-worshipping nations around them. However, we no longer live in the age of the law. We rather now live in the age of grace. God's people are now distinct from others around us in a new way - in that we have been marked by the promised Spirit of God. Since she has marked us, we are to be guided in life by her love and wisdom rather than by strict adherence to the law code.

I never mentioned rule of law ever.
But LOVE FOR JESUS who said if you love me you will keep my words.
When we love him we seek him only to do his will only .we die daily to our own desires that we might let him live in us to do his will through us.
So we are called to "walk in the spirit" so that we will not serve the evil desire of the flesh.there is no righteousness in the will of the flesh.
It is NOTHING TO DO WITH LAW but love for Jesus.

For when we love him we don't go out and do things we in flesh "want" .but we seek his will to please him.

 

[Sheep4Christ]

I always wonder why a believer would feel like they even needed to get a faith based tattoo. If they already have Jesus or have accepted Him in their hearts why get a mark on the body to show it? I think it's just an excuse to get body art.But that's just my opinion. Some people don't like body art. I'm one of those people.

 

[faroukfarouk]

I never mentioned rule of law ever.
But LOVE FOR JESUS who said if you love me you will keep my words.
When we love him we seek him only to do his will only .we die daily to our own desires that we might let him live in us to do his will through us.
So we are called to "walk in the spirit" so that we will not serve the evil desire of the flesh.there is no righteousness in the will of the flesh.
It is NOTHING TO DO WITH LAW but love for Jesus.

For when we love him we don't go out and do things we in flesh "want" .but we seek his will to please him.

And some Christians might even positively want to use a faith based tattoo as a witness out of love for the Lord. This might not be your thinking, but it goes to show that in so many areas Romans 14 liberty applies.

 

[Kiterius]

I never mentioned rule of law ever.
But LOVE FOR JESUS who said if you love me you will keep my words.
When we love him we seek him only to do his will only .we die daily to our own desires that we might let him live in us to do his will through us.
So we are called to "walk in the spirit" so that we will not serve the evil desire of the flesh.there is no righteousness in the will of the flesh.
It is NOTHING TO DO WITH LAW but love for Jesus.

For when we love him we don't go out and do things we in flesh "want" .but we seek his will to please him.

If your love for Jesus, and his love for you, compel you to abstain from getting tattoos, then don't get any.

Others who feel they do want to express their love for Christ, and his love for them, through putting artwork on their skin should feel free to do so.

Christ has set us free.

 

[ThreeYearsToLearn]

ThreeYearsToLearn:

Seems like you're saying that with a good tattoo artist it should be quite doable for TurtleAnne to adapt her existing design to a positive symbol, if indeed she decides to go down that route, right?

Yes farouk, that is what I meant. If not dead set on removing the original tattoo, it could be less expensive and less painful. Also, thinking further, another option to modify to her original tattoo could be the Greek symbol for Christ; Chi Rho:

 

[faroukfarouk]

Yes farouk, that is what I meant. If not dead set on removing the original tattoo, it could be less expensive and less painful. Also, thinking further, another option to modify to her original tattoo could be the Greek symbol for Christ; Chi Rho:

Interesting, yes; and I think someone else also recently suggested the same symbol, if I'm not mistaken.

I agree; regarding practicalities, changing an existing tattoo (assuming for the moment that Ms. Anne decides this) can prove to be a win-win situation all round. Like you say, it's less expensive and less painful; and the resultant modified tattoo will be of something positive and faith related.

In post #5, above, a quote showing the sheer extent of ppl in churches in the Bible Belt getting tattoos was given; and I am sure that for most of them outright removal would not be the preferred option, even if some ppl 'outgrow' the original design.

So yes, your observations seem very constructive.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Agreed. Someone was a little on the rough/rude side with me yesterday. I didn't argue because I don't stir fire like that in public, so I just said my peace and haven't really commented since then. I understand that everyone has different opinions but do we have to be rude about it?

LizzyMae:

You're right; it's good to be able just to move on and not be distracted, right?

 

[JellyQuest]

If your love for Jesus, and his love for you, compel you to abstain from getting tattoos, then don't get any.

Others who feel they do want to express their love for Christ, and his love for them, through putting artwork on their skin should feel free to do so.

Christ has set us free.

this is advice based upon your own will without any acknowledgement for the will of the Spirit of the lord Jesus .it is not about being compelled but about love . he says acknowledge the lord in ALL your ways and HE will direct your paths . not go and do what ever you want and then try ahrd to justify it after the fact . that is neither love nor obedient now anything but flesh motivated rebellion -quite the opposite to love .its not about tattoos but about love for the lord Jesu who says if you love me you obey me .. noy if you love me just go do your own thing .. those who do as they will have strayed from HIS way .
as it is written al we like sheep have gone astray we have turned every one to HIS OWN WAY .. as long as your following you own way .your not following the lord Jesus .

as i have already stated - the op has a tattoo they regret . they need not be concerned with it at all, either cover it up nor to give it any regard , but rather they should rejoice in that they are made a new creation christ Jesus . they can used it as a reminder of the mess we make when we go astray and advice others not to make the same errors.

it is as far away from "christian advice" to encourage people to act like the world acts . the spirit of this world is at work in the children of disobedience not the children of obedience .
we know from the word of god what is pleasing to him , we know from the essence of his words that marring our body (which is become HIS temple not our own ) is not pleasing to him . and we do not try to displease one we love rather we set out with love, in love ,to please the one whom we love .