Are tattoos unChristian?

Real FM · 27-05-2009 4:20pm #1

Hi all,

Just out of a matter of interest...I'm thinking of getting a tattoo which is reference to a band that got me into music. Music has always been an inspiration and has led me to my current career.

I'd like to see myself as being a Christian so I have 2 questions.

Is marking your body with a tattoo deemed un-Christianly?
Do you think the specific tattoo I plan on getting would be deemed as worshiping false idols?

Thanks in advance

Splendour · 27-05-2009 4:47pm

Real FM wrote: »

Hi all,

Just out of a matter of interest...I'm thinking of getting a tattoo which is reference to a band that got me into music. Music has always been an inspiration and has led me to my current career.

I'd like to see myself as being a Christian so I have 2 questions.

Is marking your body with a tattoo deemed un-Christianly?
Do you think the specific tattoo I plan on getting would be deemed as worshiping false idols?

Thanks in advance

Can't see the problem with getting one, unless it's a Satanic band you're thinking of! Of course you could always get a WWJD added

I personally am not a fan of tatoos and I think you should put alot of thought into this. The band you like now might not necessarily be the kinda music you'll be into in ten or fifteen years. I can only imagine the horror and mortification I'd feel now if I'd gotten a Chris De Burgh tatoo when I was younger...:P

Seaneh · 27-05-2009 5:40pm

There is a massive ammount of debate on this but TBH i dont see a problem with it aslong as its not idolising something or whatever.

Ass · 27-05-2009 5:43pm

Seaneh wrote: »

There is a massive ammount of debate on this but TBH i dont see a problem with it aslong as its not idolising something or whatever.

Well he is idolising a band in this case so it would be incredibly unchristian of him.

Why don't you get a tatoo of jesus or god or something OP? That would be more suitable.

chillywilly · 27-05-2009 5:46pm

Ass wrote: »

Well he is idolising a band in this case so it would be incredibly unchristian of him.

Why don't you get a tatoo of jesus or god or something OP? That would be more suitable.

what would this god look like?:pac:

RHRN · 27-05-2009 5:48pm

My religion teacher apparently knows a priest that has a bunch of tattoos.. forget what they were of tho........

Ass · 27-05-2009 5:48pm

IDK a guy with a white beard or something

Seaneh · 27-05-2009 6:18pm

chillywilly wrote: »

what would this god look like?:pac:

excuse the spelling mistakes, they are typos im too tired to fix, moving house, wercked tired!

And also, what would Jesus have looked like?

would he have looked like your typical palestinian of the day or would have looked, differant?

The image on the shroud was of a man between 5'11" and 6'2", and would have had a mixed soutern and palestinian apparence. like below (reconstructed from the facial features present on the shord to how they would have looked pre beating).

Now this is entirely possible if the virgin birth is true because if it is then there are two possibilities.

A) that God Created an living embryo with a unique human DNA in one of Mary's fallopian tubes.

Or

God Created special DNA which fertilized an ovum produced by Mary's body.

If it's the second then the mixed apparence is covered, if it's the first, there is also no no reason why he would look like any nationality, he would look exactly as god intended him to look.

We can safely say, without a boubt that Jesus was not the vision black supremisits portray, or what neo nazi's portray and would have been arabic/greek/turkins in apparence.

If however the vurgin birth isnt true and jsoeph was his father then jesus would ahve looked like the picture below.

Ano before someone says "the shourd was onle 1200 years old" this has been proven untrue for atleast 7 years, the section that was carbon tested contained over 80% cotton fibres, where as the rst of the shorud was linen, meaning that the section taht was carbon tested was an area that was repeared much later and when you work out the math involved places the shroud back in the first century AD.
Still doesn't mean it was christ's shourd ofcourse.

Real FM · 27-05-2009 9:49pm

No there not a satanic band! And yes I'm not a fan of them like I used to be and I certainly don't idolise them but it marks something that has influenced my life.

Would I get a tattoo of Jesus/ God...no way. What would i put there! I'd also feel even more guilty if I sinned and I could see them looking at me!

But seriously, I don't idolise this band whatsoever, I just want to mark a force that marked my life. I'm 100% sure on what and who I worship.

prinz · 27-05-2009 10:20pm

AFAIK there is something in the Bible about permanently marking/altering your body, it was deemed akin to painting graffiti in a Church, the whole defiling the temple idea. Not sure exactly. Have no idea how it works in practice. Personally I don't like 95% of them, especially the "original and individual" tattoos particularly gotten by girls, bottom of back being one horrid fashion.

Coriolanus · 27-05-2009 10:28pm

prinz wrote: »

AFAIK there is something in the Bible about permanently marking/altering your body, it was deemed akin to painting graffiti in a Church, the whole defiling the temple idea. Not sure exactly. Have no idea how it works in practice. Personally I don't like 95% of them, especially the "original and individual" tattoos particularly gotten by girls, bottom of back being one horrid fashion.

Dots.
Circumcision is pretty permanent. :rolleyes:

Ruanej90 · 27-05-2009 10:29pm

Yeah i think it's ok to get tattoos as long as they aren't depictions of evil or worshipping anything satanic. Plus it's your decision so go with what you feel is best.

Seaneh · 27-05-2009 10:33pm

prinz wrote: »

AFAIK there is something in the Bible about permanently marking/altering your body, it was deemed akin to painting graffiti in a Church, the whole defiling the temple idea. Not sure exactly. Have no idea how it works in practice. Personally I don't like 95% of them, especially the "original and individual" tattoos particularly gotten by girls, bottom of back being one horrid fashion.

Jewish laws don't apply to Christianity...

TITAN #1 · 27-05-2009 10:42pm

When you think about it, most images of Jesus Christ are more Barry Gibb with the beard, flowing locks and big smile, when in fact he proabably looked a little more Danny Di Vito.

Seaneh · 27-05-2009 10:51pm

read my second post, has two possible pictures of Jesus.

O'Coonassa · 27-05-2009 11:23pm

Seaneh wrote: »

Still doesn't mean it was christ's shourd ofcourse.

No, but it's a fairly odd thing in it's own right. I wish the Vatican would give it up for testing again.

--amadeus-- · 27-05-2009 11:30pm

Seaneh wrote: »

A) that God Created an living embryo with a unique human DNA in one of Mary's fallopian tubes.

That's an ectopic pregnancy and back then would probably have been fatal. Would have been a bit dim to put it there...

prinz · 27-05-2009 11:35pm

Seaneh wrote: »

Jewish laws don't apply to Christianity...

Thanks, yep that makes sense. Like I said had no concrete knowledge, only the idea. But that clears that up, ta!

Seaneh · 27-05-2009 11:54pm

prinz wrote: »

Thanks, yep that makes sense. Like I said had no concrete knowledge, only the idea. But that clears that up, ta!

It's just that if they did I wouldn't have a foreskin or eat pork and there is no way I'm giving up my sussages or my sussages hood!

PDN · 28-05-2009 6:44am

Seaneh wrote: »

It's just that if they did I wouldn't have a foreskin or eat pork and there is no way I'm giving up my sussages or my sussages hood!

A very theologically correct sentiment, but one I'm hardly likely to express in such terminology next time I preach on the subject of the Law and Grace.

Nodin · 28-05-2009 8:28am

Real FM wrote: »

Hi all,

Just out of a matter of interest...I'm thinking of getting a tattoo which is reference to a band that got me into music. Music has always been an inspiration and has led me to my current career.

Just as general advice, bands and footballers do not good tattoos make. Unless they're effectively retired, theres always a chance they'll do something to put you off them.

keano_afc · 28-05-2009 9:08am

Leviticus 19:28 – “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.”

Now there's gonna be a school of though that say this verse is in Leviticus (or the OT) so it doesnt really apply any more. I think that can be a dangerous way of looking at it.

The other point is would a Christian be getting a tattoo as an idol? The Bible talks about idolatry as anything taking away the glory of God. It would therefore be wrong (in my opinion) if the tattoo were of something that could be seen as an idol (rock band, football team etc).

Fanny Cradock · 28-05-2009 9:53am

Funnily enough, as I'm currently residing in a country where everybody seems to have tattoos, I was thinking about this question only yesterday.

I would be in two minds. There are images that would be unquestionably inappropriate for a Christian to put on their body. Yet at the same time, I don't necessarily see the difference between a tattoo and somone styling their hair, wearing fancy clothes or using make-up.

I guess the the same question could be applied to cosmetic surgery. Again, the motivation behind some surgeries seems inappropriate, whereas some seem to be justifiable.

Humm... it's a pickle of a question! Personally, I don't see anything inherently unchristian about a tat.

Real FM · 28-05-2009 12:57pm

Dammit! I still don't know! I think I can kind of ignore Leviticus because most of it's rules were disregarded in the New Testament but you're right it is still an odd one.

Thanks for the debate though, it has some what made me more comfortable about getting one.

Appreciate it folks.

Will · 28-05-2009 1:42pm

Hi, just saw this thread passing through

I may be slightly biased

I think to properly answer the question of "Are tattoos unchristian?" you would first have to define what unchristian is, which I'm pretty sure is quite subjective. Have put a vague term to it below.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unchristian
"1: not of the Christian faith
2 a: contrary to the Christian spirit or character b: uncivilized, barbarous"

I believe the definition "contrary to the Christian spirit or character" would suit it best. Obviously if you decided to get a tattoo of the devil or some cross burning etc. something that was offensive to the Christians then yes, I think the tattoo would be definitely unchristian.

However, I would argue if someone got some form of tattoo described above which would be deemed unchristian, it would only be the tattoo itself that was unchristian and not the wearer/person. Also as i said before what is and isn't unchristian seems to be quite subjective, so it may offend some and not others.

If a person wants to get a tattoo, whether it is a band, a symmetrical design or even a big cross on their back it wouldn't concern me much. I would be more concerned about the way a person acted, how they live their life and how they treat others, than if they have any form of tattoo on their skin.

Any who, very interesting debate, long may it continue

Real FM · 28-05-2009 4:10pm

Got ya,.I guess to keep it simple what I'm basically saying is "Would God be unhappy with me having it?

JimiTime · 28-05-2009 4:16pm

Real FM wrote: »

Got ya,.I guess to keep it simple what I'm basically saying is "Would God be unhappy with me having it?

Just as a matter of interest. If you asked yourself 'Would Jesus get a tatoo?', What would your answer be?

pts · 28-05-2009 4:27pm

JimiTime wrote: »

Just as a matter of interest. If you asked yourself 'Would Jesus get a tatoo?', What would your answer be?

That sounds like an interesting motto WWJT (what would Jesus tatoo)

PDN · 28-05-2009 5:55pm

Unfortunately this is a spoof, but it seemed to fit this thread: http://http://www.larknews.com/october15_2003/secondary.php?page=2

ASHEVILLE — A rogue group of presumably Christian youths have gone on a tattooing spree, leaving half a dozen homeless men with the words "God loves you" emblazoned permanently on their foreheads.
The vagrants, interviewed at a local mission, were all drunk when the violation took place. Some remember being befriended by a group of teenage boys, then sitting in the chair at the tattoo parlor.
"They bought me sodas, pretzels, chili dogs — I had my own vodka," says one man. "I was having a great time until I woke up the next morning and my buddy looked at me and said, 'You got religion.' I looked in a mirror and said, 'I didn't get religion. Someone gave me religion.'"
The offenders have left a note in the pocket of each victim. The note reads, "You have been tagged with God's message of love. Revelation 7:3." Local police say they suspect a group of zealous youths from a local church have taken evangelism efforts too far.
"The main thing is, they should stop doing it, or the penalty will get worse once we find them," said a police officer assigned to the case. "
The victims are making the best of it. One tattooed vagrant says he gets free hamburgers from superstitious Catholic drive-thru workers at Burger King. Another enterprising victim completed his "God loves you" tattoo so it reads "God loves youth soccer." He is trying to get an endorsement deal with a sporting goods company. Until then, he, like the others, wears a hat.
"It ain't the dirtiest trick that's been pulled on me, but it sure is weird," he says, rubbing his forehead.

Will · 28-05-2009 6:40pm

Real FM wrote: »

Got ya,.I guess to keep it simple what I'm basically saying is "Would God be unhappy with me having it?

I suppose you could take the view that if God didn't want them around they wouldn't be there? Tattoo studios that is. They aren't evil places I think, long gone are the days of 'prison style' tattooing and methods, it's evolved into quite the art form with some amazing creations.

Have 2 tattoo's myself, just a simple black tattoo on my ribs (swirly lines, design is called tribal) and a colour one on my leg with flowers in it believe it or not

Along with asking if God would be happy with it, you gotta ask yourself if you would be happy with it. It's quite a permanent thing a tattoo, so you yourself must be happy with what you are getting.

Splendour · 28-05-2009 9:36pm

keano_afc wrote: »

The other point is would a Christian be getting a tattoo as an idol? The Bible talks about idolatry as anything taking away the glory of God. It would therefore be wrong (in my opinion) if the tattoo were of something that could be seen as an idol (rock band, football team etc).

It could also be said that Christians who wear football shirts supporting their favouite team. Or what about the Nike/Hillfiger/Whatever name brand you're having yourself brigade? At least the darn tatoo is more than likely hidden away from public view most of the time!

O'Coonassa · 29-05-2009 9:40am

Tatoos, hairstyles, shaving etc is all vanity. Is vanity a sin?

JimiTime · 29-05-2009 11:13am

O'Coonassa wrote: »

Tatoos, hairstyles, shaving etc is all vanity.

Its not actually. What motivates the above dictates if its vanity or not. A tatoo can be done out of respect. Hair can be styled for religious observation. Same with facial hair. It can be personal hygiene. As I said, they 'can' all be vanity, but its the motivation that will dictate.

Personally, I hate tatoo's btw.

splendour wrote:

It could also be said that Christians who wear football shirts supporting their favouite team. Or what about the Nike/Hillfiger/Whatever name brand you're having yourself brigade? At least the darn tatoo is more than likely hidden away from public view most of the time!

Again, I think the above is down to what motivates the person to wear the above. Pretty much anything can be an idol. Its how the person views it that dictates if its an idol or not.

TOP GiMP · 29-05-2009 12:06pm

--amadeus-- wrote: »

That's an ectopic pregnancy and back then would probably have been fatal. Would have been a bit dim to put it there...

No it's not, all ovum are fertalized in the fallopian tubes, it's only an eptopic pregnancy if the ovum develops in the fallopian tube. the fertalized ovum would pass to the whomb as it would naturally.

O'Coonassa · 29-05-2009 8:50pm

JimiTime wrote: »

Its not actually. What motivates the above dictates if its vanity or not. A tatoo can be done out of respect. Hair can be styled for religious observation. Same with facial hair. It can be personal hygiene. As I said, they 'can' all be vanity, but its the motivation that will dictate.

True JimiTime. I should have said that these things are most usually motivated by vanity.

Ultravid · 30-05-2009 1:37pm

I'd examine very carefully my motivations for getting a tatoo and see if it's for God's glory, or my own vanity and self. As Christians we must die to self, giving up everything that does not lead us to God.

Run_to_da_hills · 01-06-2009 11:30pm

"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD". Leviticus 19:28

Interestingly enough it forbids cuttings into the flesh, one could also refere this to surgical implants / branding by mark of any description.

I still have a large tattoo of a trantuala on my arm

Seaneh · 06-06-2009 3:46am

Run_to_da_hills wrote: »

"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD". Leviticus 19:28

Interestingly enough it forbids cuttings into the flesh, one could also refere this to surgical implants / branding by mark of any description.

I still have a large tattoo of a trantuala on my arm

Levitican laws do not apply to christian as has been pointed out.

Do you eat shell fish? Pork? Non-kosher beef, chicken, lamb or venison? is your foreskin intatc? do you shave your beard? do you cut your hair?

bobbiw · 11-06-2009 2:57pm

No its not unchristian. The christian idiots that spout that it is wrong is based on a verse in the bible that says you should not mark your bodies for the dead believing that the marking would save the dead.

I dont like tatoos especialy on women but its your body and you can do what you like with it.

Are tattoos unChristian?

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