tattoos, piercings, "body art", body modification, etc. (church, bible, worship)

[markas214]

What is your opinion from a religious standpoint? Acceptable or unacceptable?

You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves: I am the Lord (Leviticus 19:28)

[dreameyes]

Hi markas,

There was a thread done about this subject not too too long ago.
You mind find it interesting.
http://www.city-data.com/forum/relig...es-church.html

[brittZ]

Originally Posted by markas214

What is your opinion from a religious standpoint? Acceptable or unacceptable?

You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves: I am the Lord (Leviticus 19:28)

I have spoken on this issue before, but I will comment again. The law you are talking about is OT and was in regards to the ritual of marking the body either to please pagan gods or to absorb the power of fallen enemies/commrades. There is nothing is the NT speaking to tattoos or body art of any kind. IMO, when something is specifically not addressed in the NT, it is an area where we must decide for ourselves.

I think that as a Christian, one needs to be careful in choosing the images tattooed on their bodies for obvious reasons. Many of the younger pastors and worship leaders in my church, myself included have tattoos. I can honestly say that none of us has tattoos that are of "questionable" imagry. Most are markings of milestone or Christian symbols.

I'm sure some will argue that we are not to desecrate our bodies and that is fine. I think that desecration is in the eye of the beholder. I would say that someone who is not physically active and in good shape is desecrating their body far more than the person who has tattoos or piercings for the following reasons: a person who is out of shape, physically inactive, over weight is limiting their physical abilities and not using the gift of health which God has given us. God has said that if we do not use the gifts we are given, then we will loose them.

Not every aspect of life is laid out in the Bible and Christians have considerable free reign under NT law. The NT doesn't tell us where we should live, or what career we should take up, but it does tell us how to live and how to work. The NT doesn't tell us what clothes to wear or how to comb our hair, but it tells us to take care of our bodies and respect them. The NT does not tell us how much money to make, but it tells us how to manage it. The NT doesn't tell us how many kids we should have or whether we should have dogs or cats. Similarly, the NT doesnt say do not get tattoos, we are simply called to respect our body and take care of it. That can be different for different people.

Part of Christ's law are black and white, some require thought, prayer and study, and for some things, Christ gave no specific rules.

[Pikantari]

something to throw out there... and not a debate.... but what about the simple piercing of the ear?

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by brittZ

I have spoken on this issue before, but I will comment again. The law you are talking about is OT and was in regards to the ritual of marking the body either to please pagan gods or to absorb the power of fallen enemies/commrades. There is nothing is the NT speaking to tattoos or body art of any kind. IMO, when something is specifically not addressed in the NT, it is an area where we must decide for ourselves.

What about those of us who follow the Hebrew Bible (or OT as you call it)? Of course, like you said, the passage is in reference to marking FOR THE DEAD - so it doesn't really apply to us either, unless you're getting tattooed at a funeral. Good thing, since I have about 13 of them on my body!

P.S. As others said, we've already discussed this issue in detail... so I'll refrain from getting into the full debate again.

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by cinderobyn

something to throw out there... and not a debate.... but what about the simple piercing of the ear?

Does it matter how small the piercing, or where it's located? If somebody really doesn't believe in "marking the body", I think it should apply to ALL markings... but some people hate when I point that out, since they'd like to excuse their earrings.
(not saying you in particular, but I've had that argument before - and I call it "selective worshipping", lol.)

[markas214]

Originally Posted by dreameyes

Hi markas,

There was a thread done about this subject not too too long ago.
You mind find it interesting.
http://www.city-data.com/forum/relig...es-church.html

Thanks for the link.

[Pathwalker]

"Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard." - Leviticus 19:27

How many men obey that rule these days?

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by WCRob

"Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard." - Leviticus 19:27

How many men obey that rule these days?

Orthodox & Chasidic Jews follow that! So now we'll hear the old "it's not part of the New Testament" argument...

[Pikantari]

Originally Posted by gizmo980

Does it matter how small the piercing, or where it's located? If somebody really doesn't believe in "marking the body", I think it should apply to ALL markings... but some people hate when I point that out, since they'd like to excuse their earrings.
(not saying you in particular, but I've had that argument before - and I call it "selective worshipping", lol.)

Well, like I said, not debating, but I am into the art of MAKING jewelry, and I am very creative. Here lately I have....not had time in my life for it, and my ears are pierced, but I don't get all willie nillie with it...

I know so many wonderful Christain women and MEN out there with their ears pierced, and I don't give it a second thought, and would never think they were selectivly worshipping. It is some of these people who have brought me through my darkest hours.