A tattoo

[seoulsearch]

It's always been interesting to me that different things are considered beautiful in different times and different cultures.

I grew up in a very conservative Lutheran church. Anyone who dyed their hair a slightly unnatural color (at least, more blatantly unnatural than the fake blonde, red, and covering of the grays that the women in the congregation were already doing,) anyone who had a had tattoo, anyone who had anything more than a single piercing in each ear (double piercings came into fashion and were seen as a rebellious,) then it meant you must be from the wrong side of the tracks and on drugs.

Imagine my immense shock when I started to, gasp, read the Bible for myself as a preteen -- and found out that Rebekah, the girl who watered all those camels and won Isaac as her husband -- had a nose ring. Abraham, Isaac's father, had specifically sent his servant Eliezer far away to find the God-chosen wife for his precious son -- and God chosen wife for Isaac apparently wore a nose ring.

Genesis 24:22 -- "So it was, when the camels finished drinking, (Eliezer) took a golden nose ring weighing half a shekel, and two bracelets weighing ten shekels."

The event is further solidified when Eliezer recounts the story to Rebekah's family:

Genesis 24:47 -- "I put the ring in her nose, and the bracelets on her arms."

I've read accounts saying some translations claim it was an earring and not a nose ring, but other studies say the original text strongly points to a nose ring.

I think I was in my early teens when I read this, with the Bible I was reading clearly saying nose ring -- and I was utterly stunned and shocked by this at the time.

Surely this was some kind of mistake or misprint, because, I thought, something so heathen (as taught by my church) couldn't possible be in the Bible!! And if not, why had my pastors and teachers conveniently never mentioned this, seeing as piercings were on the long list of things condemned by this church?

I don't have any tattoos or other piercings besides a single pierce in each ear, but I don't judge others for what they get -- unless, of course, they're doing so in direct rebellion against God.

I see it as part of the "personal walk with God" category, with the questions of if they should get something and what should they get and why being between them and God, but that's just me.

I do always find tattoos, piercings, and unique hair colors or styles to be a doorway to talk to people, because there is a story behind each choice that was made -- and in some cases, it even leads to a conversation about faith.

 

[WiselyWoven]

"legion" joined just 6 weeks ago and has since averaged 8 posts per day, every single day. Is that even humanly possible? I hope we're not dealing with another bot or provocateur...

But unless someone involved in the tattoo is seeking some ritualized reason for getting the tat its not a part of that equation.

Yes. . . It is. . .

Somebody says, "Sure that was back in the dark ages. That was in heathen lands. Today that has all changed. Nobody connects any kind of ritualistic or pagan spiritual rituals to a tattoo."

One's claimed ignorance is never an excuse. There is a form of obedience that leads to death:

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (Romans 6:16)

"These tattoos act as protective and empowering talismans for the wearer. There are even some body artists who perform ritual tattoos, piercing, brandings and cuttings. They may suggest you consult your astrological chart to pick the right time to get your body art. They will burn incense, light candles, . . ." (Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p. 29)

"Some tattooists in the West are experimenting with ritual tattooing. This method of working incorporates doing a ritual to create a sacred space in the area where the tattoo is positioned. Often incense is burned and the gods invited to bless the proceedings."
(Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration, p. 75)

At best tattoos from a biblical standpoint were forbidden because like earrings, they represented slavery or ownership by someone. Kind of like branding cattle.

The spiritual reality goes way beyond your idea of mere "ownership."

I have 6 tats, they have meaning to me and are special reminders of things i've experienced, good and bad.

No doubt.

They are deliberately not in view when i'm dressed in normal clothing.

Ahhh, trying to come halfway clean, are we?

They arent for making a statement. They are for remembering point in time that are deeply significant to me.

For certain, tats are "deeply significant," but not in the way the flesh thinks them to be. And why would a believer, seeking holiness, want to memorialize a "bad experience" anyway? What spirit would be behind that?

From the OP:

I have several tattoos. And I do not find it sinful, this is not the context of this question.

This is not about you (an aged wannabee "rock star") - the sophistry of your OP notwithstanding. This is about the spiritual consequences inherent with making poor (and good) decisions.

Anyway I want to tattoo in...

There's the crux of your conflicted walk i.e. "I want..." Anyone reading this who possesses an ounce of discernment knows you did not first ask God if a tat is something he would want you to get. And since you did not ask, did not submit your desire to God, it's all downhill from there on the prideful selfish slide of self-will. Satan is laughing.

What are your thoughts on this if you saw this tattoo?

I would feel a great sadness that a professed brother in Christ could be so ignorant of the spiritual dynamic behind what he has brought upon himself.

"Ye worship ye know not what. . ." - Jesus Christ, John 4:24.

The birth of the tattoo has always born the fruits of pagan religion and mysticism. Without exception, research after research, study after study, book after book, the roots of the tattoo never wavers.

The tattooist, shaman or the occult priest many times uses the tattoo as a point of contact, or inlets into the spiritual world. The tattoo is much more than just a body decoration. It’s more than just a layer of ink cut into the skin. In fact, the tattoo in every culture, in every country, up until the 20th century, was a vehicle for pagan spiritual and religious invocations. Even today, in many countries (including the United States), the tattoo is believed to be a bridge into the supernatural world.

FYI to all armchair "rock stars," Rolling Stone magazine describes the famous tattoo artist Paul Booth saying, that while he does tattoos, "he allows his clients' demons to help guide the needle."

THE TATTOO’S GREATEST ENEMY IS THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

In the pages of history, whenever and wherever "tattooing" pagan tribes were converted to Christianity, without exception, one of their first pagan practices to "pass away" [2 Corinthians 5:17] – was the tattoo. Why? Because, unlike today’s disobedient carnal "tattooed" Christians (or so-called?), the converted pagan KNEW the tattoo was against the Word of God. The Holy Spirit quickly "told" the converted pagan – no tattoo.

"Just as occurred in other cultures with tattoo traditions, when these pagan tribes were ‘converted’ to the Christian religion, their spiritual and cultural rites (which included tattooing, piercing and scarification) were outlawed. . ." (Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p.9)

Amazing. . . When the Lord Jesus Christ enters in – the tattoo goes out.
"Whenever missionaries encountered tattooing they eradicated it." (Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 101)

"While these and other body modifications continued to be practiced underground as a way for non-Christian people to identify each other, God forbid you got caught and your mark was revealed." (Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p.11)

I have many friends who, before they were saved, received a tattoo. And without exception, every one of them is ashamed, and as much as possible they cover it. But before they got saved – like the pagan tribes – they proudly displayed their tattoo. And let me add – most of the time, this is before they’ve read Leviticus 19:28, or before anyone even told them a tattoo is wrong. After receiving the Lord Jesus Christ, with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit, they KNEW the tattoo was displeasing to their God. What about you?

A booming testimony to the author of the tattoo is recorded by Steve Gilbert:

When Cortez and his conquistadors arrived on the coast of Mexico in 1519, they were horrified to discover that natives not only worshipped devils in the form of status and idols, but also had somehow managed to imprint indelible images of these idols on their skin. The Spaniards, who had never heard of tattooing, recognized it at once as the work of Satan." (Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 99)

Even though these Spaniards "had never heard of tattooing," they "recognized it at ONCE as the work of Satan."

And some of today’s carnal, rebellious and disobedient Christians (or so-called Christians?) gibber-gabber nonsense about "marking themselves for Jesus"...

 

[Lanolin]

mm it's probably peer pressure, everyone else has got one, so why can't I have one too?

Like the Sneetches in Dr Seuss's story.

 

[WiselyWoven]

mm it's probably peer pressure, everyone else has got one, so why can't I have one too?

...behaving like the devil-crazed pigs that stampeded over the cliff (as per legion's avatar; who's roasting who here?).

 

[Lanolin]

...behaving like the devil-crazed pigs that stampeded over the cliff (as per legion's avatar; who's roasting who here?).

if not pigs, lemmings.

You try to stop them, but its a mystery why they do it, and don't listen when everyone's yelling STOP you gonna die!

Maybe the head lemming got a stupid idea, and all the other lemmings blindly followed.

 

[legion]

"legion" joined just 6 weeks ago and has since averaged 8 posts per day, every single day. Is that even humanly possible? I hope we're not dealing with another bot or provocateur...


Yes. . . It is. . .

Somebody says, "Sure that was back in the dark ages. That was in heathen lands. Today that has all changed. Nobody connects any kind of ritualistic or pagan spiritual rituals to a tattoo."

One's claimed ignorance is never an excuse. There is a form of obedience that leads to death:

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (Romans 6:16)

"These tattoos act as protective and empowering talismans for the wearer. There are even some body artists who perform ritual tattoos, piercing, brandings and cuttings. They may suggest you consult your astrological chart to pick the right time to get your body art. They will burn incense, light candles, . . ." (Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p. 29)

"Some tattooists in the West are experimenting with ritual tattooing. This method of working incorporates doing a ritual to create a sacred space in the area where the tattoo is positioned. Often incense is burned and the gods invited to bless the proceedings."
(Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration, p. 75)


The spiritual reality goes way beyond your idea of mere "ownership."


No doubt.


Ahhh, trying to come halfway clean, are we?


For certain, tats are "deeply significant," but not in the way the flesh thinks them to be. And why would a believer, seeking holiness, want to memorialize a "bad experience" anyway? What spirit would be behind that?

From the OP:

This is not about you (an aged wannabee "rock star") - the sophistry of your OP notwithstanding. This is about the spiritual consequences inherent with making poor (and good) decisions.


There's the crux of your conflicted walk i.e. "I want..." Anyone reading this who possesses an ounce of discernment knows you did not first ask God if a tat is something he would want you to get. And since you did not ask, did not submit your desire to God, it's all downhill from there on the prideful selfish slide of self-will. Satan is laughing.


I would feel a great sadness that a professed brother in Christ could be so ignorant of the spiritual dynamic behind what he has brought upon himself.

"Ye worship ye know not what. . ." - Jesus Christ, John 4:24.

The birth of the tattoo has always born the fruits of pagan religion and mysticism. Without exception, research after research, study after study, book after book, the roots of the tattoo never wavers.

The tattooist, shaman or the occult priest many times uses the tattoo as a point of contact, or inlets into the spiritual world. The tattoo is much more than just a body decoration. It’s more than just a layer of ink cut into the skin. In fact, the tattoo in every culture, in every country, up until the 20th century, was a vehicle for pagan spiritual and religious invocations. Even today, in many countries (including the United States), the tattoo is believed to be a bridge into the supernatural world.

FYI to all armchair "rock stars," Rolling Stone magazine describes the famous tattoo artist Paul Booth saying, that while he does tattoos, "he allows his clients' demons to help guide the needle."

THE TATTOO’S GREATEST ENEMY IS THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

In the pages of history, whenever and wherever "tattooing" pagan tribes were converted to Christianity, without exception, one of their first pagan practices to "pass away" [2 Corinthians 5:17] – was the tattoo. Why? Because, unlike today’s disobedient carnal "tattooed" Christians (or so-called?), the converted pagan KNEW the tattoo was against the Word of God. The Holy Spirit quickly "told" the converted pagan – no tattoo.

"Just as occurred in other cultures with tattoo traditions, when these pagan tribes were ‘converted’ to the Christian religion, their spiritual and cultural rites (which included tattooing, piercing and scarification) were outlawed. . ." (Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p.9)

Amazing. . . When the Lord Jesus Christ enters in – the tattoo goes out.
"Whenever missionaries encountered tattooing they eradicated it." (Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 101)

"While these and other body modifications continued to be practiced underground as a way for non-Christian people to identify each other, God forbid you got caught and your mark was revealed." (Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p.11)

I have many friends who, before they were saved, received a tattoo. And without exception, every one of them is ashamed, and as much as possible they cover it. But before they got saved – like the pagan tribes – they proudly displayed their tattoo. And let me add – most of the time, this is before they’ve read Leviticus 19:28, or before anyone even told them a tattoo is wrong. After receiving the Lord Jesus Christ, with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit, they KNEW the tattoo was displeasing to their God. What about you?

A booming testimony to the author of the tattoo is recorded by Steve Gilbert:

When Cortez and his conquistadors arrived on the coast of Mexico in 1519, they were horrified to discover that natives not only worshipped devils in the form of status and idols, but also had somehow managed to imprint indelible images of these idols on their skin. The Spaniards, who had never heard of tattooing, recognized it at once as the work of Satan." (Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 99)

Even though these Spaniards "had never heard of tattooing," they "recognized it at ONCE as the work of Satan."

And some of today’s carnal, rebellious and disobedient Christians (or so-called Christians?) gibber-gabber nonsense about "marking themselves for Jesus"...

You're wasting your breath trust me and no I don't feel like I'm trying to hide guilt in fact you can't actually understand context or grasp a normal conversation because you are so warped by a theological belief

Again although somewhat irrelevant to you is that I ask what would you think if you saw such a tattoo and you made yourself known, and now persist at being an agitator pushing an agenda.

And yes I post a lot because I seek meaningful in context communication. Note i work 40-50 hours/wk with more work on side hustle. I play music, I read my Bible.

I engage people to draw out knowledge, and understanding. I do not ask questions is haven't heard most if the answers to. So responses are really more revealing about the responder.

So I appreciate you and your position, but don't need the lecture. 1. It's not a sin, 2. Sin isn't the point of the question.

 

[seoulsearch]

You're wasting your breath trust me and no I don't feel like I'm trying to hide guilt in fact you can't actually understand context or grasp a normal conversation because you are so warped by a theological belief

Again although somewhat irrelevant to you is that I ask what would you think if you saw such a tattoo and you made yourself known, and now persist at being an agitator pushing an agenda.

And yes I post a lot because I seek meaningful in context communication. Note i work 40-50 hours/wk with more work on side hustle. I play music, I read my Bible.

I engage people to draw out knowledge, and understanding. I do not ask questions is haven't heard most if the answers to. So responses are really more revealing about the responder.

So I appreciate you and your position, but don't need the lecture. 1. It's not a sin, 2. Sin isn't the point of the question.

I honestly wasn't sure what the criticism was behind being upset that someone posts 8 times a day.

I've been on this site for 17 years, and I could write 8 posts in my sleep. In my heyday of CC activity, I wrote a ton of posts, as I would just answer most every thread I was subscribed to. But I'm sure many saw me as a prime suspect for trouble as well (hence my moniker, "OutWrite Trouble") because I've started, I would guess, somewhere around 1000 threads here over that time (a moderator once said I was up to 400 once and that was many, many years ago. I've written a ton more since then, as it became a hobby.) And yes, this was while I was working full-time, looking after family members, and having an active church life.

We also have a current member who is making what I would guess is about 10-15 posts a day, so I'm not sure why regular posting would be such a red flag. In some cases, yes, but there's usually a lot more going on along with it.

This site attracts a lot of people who don't work due to retirement or disability, as well as those who post during every free moment, so frequent posting is nothing out of the ordinary.

I am truly sorry that you've run into so many people who seem to want to run you off this site, @legion.

For what it's worth, I haven't been able to read all your posts, but I've found the posts you've written that I have been able to read very interesting.

May God bless you, and best wishes to you and your business.

 

[Lanolin]

I think people just don't know what to make of you if you don't fit in the traditional christian mould of tattooless, wholesome goodness, but you probably wouldn't be posting on here and living in maybe an Amish community and making a living driving buggies or something.

IDK

Anyways, I've been called worse.

 

[Lanolin]

I come from a land where the indigenous peoples (Maori) tattooed their faces and entire bodies. Yes it has spiritual significance. they had their own shamans/priests called Tohunga.
A lot of non-Maori now copy their koru designs.
I think it can look beautiful but obviously has deeper meaning, seeing they didn't have a written language back then. It would deeply offend their cultural traditions if someone appropriated their symbols just for their own amusement.

After colonisation the tattooing died out for a bit, and only gang members made use of it, and they really went for it (mostly cos they couldn't read) but lately its become more accepted that its something special and unique to Maori. Ok they were heathen, and yes they practised cannibalism, and some tattoos are scary, but its rather complicated to go into something that God actually didn't want for His chosen ones. He chose circumcision instead as their mark and covenant.

 

[Lynx]

"legion" joined just 6 weeks ago and has since averaged 8 posts per day, every single day. Is that even humanly possible? I hope we're not dealing with another bot or provocateur...


Yes. . . It is. . .

Somebody says, "Sure that was back in the dark ages. That was in heathen lands. Today that has all changed. Nobody connects any kind of ritualistic or pagan spiritual rituals to a tattoo."

One's claimed ignorance is never an excuse. There is a form of obedience that leads to death:

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (Romans 6:16)

"These tattoos act as protective and empowering talismans for the wearer. There are even some body artists who perform ritual tattoos, piercing, brandings and cuttings. They may suggest you consult your astrological chart to pick the right time to get your body art. They will burn incense, light candles, . . ." (Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p. 29)

"Some tattooists in the West are experimenting with ritual tattooing. This method of working incorporates doing a ritual to create a sacred space in the area where the tattoo is positioned. Often incense is burned and the gods invited to bless the proceedings."
(Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration, p. 75)


The spiritual reality goes way beyond your idea of mere "ownership."


No doubt.


Ahhh, trying to come halfway clean, are we?


For certain, tats are "deeply significant," but not in the way the flesh thinks them to be. And why would a believer, seeking holiness, want to memorialize a "bad experience" anyway? What spirit would be behind that?

From the OP:

This is not about you (an aged wannabee "rock star") - the sophistry of your OP notwithstanding. This is about the spiritual consequences inherent with making poor (and good) decisions.


There's the crux of your conflicted walk i.e. "I want..." Anyone reading this who possesses an ounce of discernment knows you did not first ask God if a tat is something he would want you to get. And since you did not ask, did not submit your desire to God, it's all downhill from there on the prideful selfish slide of self-will. Satan is laughing.


I would feel a great sadness that a professed brother in Christ could be so ignorant of the spiritual dynamic behind what he has brought upon himself.

"Ye worship ye know not what. . ." - Jesus Christ, John 4:24.

The birth of the tattoo has always born the fruits of pagan religion and mysticism. Without exception, research after research, study after study, book after book, the roots of the tattoo never wavers.

The tattooist, shaman or the occult priest many times uses the tattoo as a point of contact, or inlets into the spiritual world. The tattoo is much more than just a body decoration. It’s more than just a layer of ink cut into the skin. In fact, the tattoo in every culture, in every country, up until the 20th century, was a vehicle for pagan spiritual and religious invocations. Even today, in many countries (including the United States), the tattoo is believed to be a bridge into the supernatural world.

FYI to all armchair "rock stars," Rolling Stone magazine describes the famous tattoo artist Paul Booth saying, that while he does tattoos, "he allows his clients' demons to help guide the needle."

THE TATTOO’S GREATEST ENEMY IS THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

In the pages of history, whenever and wherever "tattooing" pagan tribes were converted to Christianity, without exception, one of their first pagan practices to "pass away" [2 Corinthians 5:17] – was the tattoo. Why? Because, unlike today’s disobedient carnal "tattooed" Christians (or so-called?), the converted pagan KNEW the tattoo was against the Word of God. The Holy Spirit quickly "told" the converted pagan – no tattoo.

"Just as occurred in other cultures with tattoo traditions, when these pagan tribes were ‘converted’ to the Christian religion, their spiritual and cultural rites (which included tattooing, piercing and scarification) were outlawed. . ." (Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p.9)

Amazing. . . When the Lord Jesus Christ enters in – the tattoo goes out.
"Whenever missionaries encountered tattooing they eradicated it." (Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 101)

"While these and other body modifications continued to be practiced underground as a way for non-Christian people to identify each other, God forbid you got caught and your mark was revealed." (Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p.11)

I have many friends who, before they were saved, received a tattoo. And without exception, every one of them is ashamed, and as much as possible they cover it. But before they got saved – like the pagan tribes – they proudly displayed their tattoo. And let me add – most of the time, this is before they’ve read Leviticus 19:28, or before anyone even told them a tattoo is wrong. After receiving the Lord Jesus Christ, with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit, they KNEW the tattoo was displeasing to their God. What about you?

A booming testimony to the author of the tattoo is recorded by Steve Gilbert:

When Cortez and his conquistadors arrived on the coast of Mexico in 1519, they were horrified to discover that natives not only worshipped devils in the form of status and idols, but also had somehow managed to imprint indelible images of these idols on their skin. The Spaniards, who had never heard of tattooing, recognized it at once as the work of Satan." (Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 99)

Even though these Spaniards "had never heard of tattooing," they "recognized it at ONCE as the work of Satan."

And some of today’s carnal, rebellious and disobedient Christians (or so-called Christians?) gibber-gabber nonsense about "marking themselves for Jesus"...

Dude. I'm the feline, but you're the one with your claws out. What's up with you?

I could make eight posts before breakfast, and often do.

There are many ways to say what you said, and most of them are not nearly as rude or insulting.

In fact the way you chose to say what you said can only be for one of two reasons. Either you are trying to boost your own pride by putting somebody else down, or you are trying to use reverse psychology to encourage him to get tats. Your chosen phrasing will certainly not convince anybody to avoid what you claim they should avoid. The natural instinct would be to do what you said not to do, just to spite such a rude person as you.

 

[WiselyWoven]

if not pigs, lemmings.

You try to stop them, but its a mystery why they do it, and don't listen when everyone's yelling STOP you gonna die!

Maybe the head lemming got a stupid idea, and all the other lemmings blindly followed.

It's not a mystery, as that is the fitting end of everyone who has devils running their life. Like the subject of tat's, it's group-think as opposed to God-think, all bondage and no liberty.

You're wasting your breath trust me

If you read your Bible, then you would know that God's word does not return void.

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isa. 55:11).

I read my Bible.

So do Satan's minions. What's your point?

I do not ask questions is haven't heard most if the answers to. So responses are really more revealing about the responder.

Yeah, like any corporate lawyer. Prob is, it's impossible for such a one to actually learn something.

So I appreciate you and your position, but don't need the lecture.

The truth is always the first casualty in this info war.

1. It's not a sin

You've been shown with scripture, including historical documentation, that it is sin.

2. Sin isn't the point of the question.

Of course it is, as tat's are something you're trying to justify among men sans God's word, the Holy Bible.

 

[WiselyWoven]

The natural instinct would be to do what you said not to do...

The "natural instinct", as per the disingenuous OP, is to do whatever one likes e.g. get tat's.

However,

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

The truth is divisive; they killed Jesus for it. Today's forums are only slightly less hazardous.

...just to spite such a rude person as you.

Are you really that manipulatable???

 

[Lanolin]

I've come across somewhat contradictory double-minded posts before.
I mean not including my own lol

OP is struggling to decide something, maybe has asked God, He's not answering, and wants to know what we (fellow brothers and sisters) think.

Because if God had actually told OP to get a tattoo, he would have done it already right? You don't disobey God.

 

[WiselyWoven]

I've come across somewhat contradictory double-minded posts before.
I mean not including my own lol

OP is struggling to decide something, maybe has asked God, He's not answering, and wants to know what we (fellow brothers and sisters) think.

Because if God had actually told OP to get a tattoo, he would have done it already right? You don't disobey God.

You are spot-on. Thanks for bringing that out. The truth is that legion is no less valued by God than any of us, a God who wishes that no man should perish. I will surely pray for legion's situation today and for everyone in this thread who is considering a tattoo. (FYI, I have a tattoo from 1975; I have since confessed and repented of my error.)

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

"legion" joined just 6 weeks ago and has since averaged 8 posts per day, every single day. Is that even humanly possible? I hope we're not dealing with another bot or provocateur...


Yes. . . It is. . .

Somebody says, "Sure that was back in the dark ages. That was in heathen lands. Today that has all changed. Nobody connects any kind of ritualistic or pagan spiritual rituals to a tattoo."

One's claimed ignorance is never an excuse. There is a form of obedience that leads to death:

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (Romans 6:16)

"These tattoos act as protective and empowering talismans for the wearer. There are even some body artists who perform ritual tattoos, piercing, brandings and cuttings. They may suggest you consult your astrological chart to pick the right time to get your body art. They will burn incense, light candles, . . ." (Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p. 29)

"Some tattooists in the West are experimenting with ritual tattooing. This method of working incorporates doing a ritual to create a sacred space in the area where the tattoo is positioned. Often incense is burned and the gods invited to bless the proceedings."
(Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration, p. 75)


The spiritual reality goes way beyond your idea of mere "ownership."


No doubt.


Ahhh, trying to come halfway clean, are we?


For certain, tats are "deeply significant," but not in the way the flesh thinks them to be. And why would a believer, seeking holiness, want to memorialize a "bad experience" anyway? What spirit would be behind that?

From the OP:

This is not about you (an aged wannabee "rock star") - the sophistry of your OP notwithstanding. This is about the spiritual consequences inherent with making poor (and good) decisions.


There's the crux of your conflicted walk i.e. "I want..." Anyone reading this who possesses an ounce of discernment knows you did not first ask God if a tat is something he would want you to get. And since you did not ask, did not submit your desire to God, it's all downhill from there on the prideful selfish slide of self-will. Satan is laughing.


I would feel a great sadness that a professed brother in Christ could be so ignorant of the spiritual dynamic behind what he has brought upon himself.

"Ye worship ye know not what. . ." - Jesus Christ, John 4:24.

The birth of the tattoo has always born the fruits of pagan religion and mysticism. Without exception, research after research, study after study, book after book, the roots of the tattoo never wavers.

The tattooist, shaman or the occult priest many times uses the tattoo as a point of contact, or inlets into the spiritual world. The tattoo is much more than just a body decoration. It’s more than just a layer of ink cut into the skin. In fact, the tattoo in every culture, in every country, up until the 20th century, was a vehicle for pagan spiritual and religious invocations. Even today, in many countries (including the United States), the tattoo is believed to be a bridge into the supernatural world.

FYI to all armchair "rock stars," Rolling Stone magazine describes the famous tattoo artist Paul Booth saying, that while he does tattoos, "he allows his clients' demons to help guide the needle."

THE TATTOO’S GREATEST ENEMY IS THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

In the pages of history, whenever and wherever "tattooing" pagan tribes were converted to Christianity, without exception, one of their first pagan practices to "pass away" [2 Corinthians 5:17] – was the tattoo. Why? Because, unlike today’s disobedient carnal "tattooed" Christians (or so-called?), the converted pagan KNEW the tattoo was against the Word of God. The Holy Spirit quickly "told" the converted pagan – no tattoo.

"Just as occurred in other cultures with tattoo traditions, when these pagan tribes were ‘converted’ to the Christian religion, their spiritual and cultural rites (which included tattooing, piercing and scarification) were outlawed. . ." (Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p.9)

Amazing. . . When the Lord Jesus Christ enters in – the tattoo goes out.
"Whenever missionaries encountered tattooing they eradicated it." (Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 101)

"While these and other body modifications continued to be practiced underground as a way for non-Christian people to identify each other, God forbid you got caught and your mark was revealed." (Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p.11)

I have many friends who, before they were saved, received a tattoo. And without exception, every one of them is ashamed, and as much as possible they cover it. But before they got saved – like the pagan tribes – they proudly displayed their tattoo. And let me add – most of the time, this is before they’ve read Leviticus 19:28, or before anyone even told them a tattoo is wrong. After receiving the Lord Jesus Christ, with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit, they KNEW the tattoo was displeasing to their God. What about you?

A booming testimony to the author of the tattoo is recorded by Steve Gilbert:

When Cortez and his conquistadors arrived on the coast of Mexico in 1519, they were horrified to discover that natives not only worshipped devils in the form of status and idols, but also had somehow managed to imprint indelible images of these idols on their skin. The Spaniards, who had never heard of tattooing, recognized it at once as the work of Satan." (Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 99)

Even though these Spaniards "had never heard of tattooing," they "recognized it at ONCE as the work of Satan."

And some of today’s carnal, rebellious and disobedient Christians (or so-called Christians?) gibber-gabber nonsense about "marking themselves for Jesus"...

That's a lot of history on the subject. It points to the spiritual significance of the practice.

In my very limited knowledge from talking to the previous generation, perhaps the soldiers and sailors started the trend in the past century.
I was told by an 80 something year old marine that the policy for recruits back when he joined was that tattoos were not allowed for enlistment and could get you dishonorable discharge.

The weird thing is that the first tattoos I saw in highschool were the black goth crowd that was into body mutilation, piercings, etc. Some would do their own tattoos. I doubt if they did it to because Popeye had an anchor on his forearm.
The tattoo parlors are very common now.
When you see a video with an interview of a celebrity, look at the hands. A common practice is printing sigils, which is a word for a symbol that they believe gives them special power, luck or spirit guidance.
Stars are very common.
They aren't pretty or have any appeal so I assume they are like talisman or sigils. Some have the red string wrist bands too, which go with the evil Jewish religion of the cabala.
A ballerina I dated once had a dragon on her arm. When I asked her about it, she refused to talk about it.
The occult means hidden. This is what many of the art is, and why people don't want to talk about them.

 

[Lynx]

You are spot-on. Thanks for bringing that out. The truth is that legion is no less valued by God than any of us, a God who wishes that no man should perish. I will surely pray for legion's situation today and for everyone in this thread who is considering a tattoo. (FYI, I have a tattoo from 1975; I have since confessed and repented of my error.)

Let's see...

You called him a bot, a provocateur, a half Christian, an aged rockstar wannabe, someone who possessed not an ounce of discernment, ignorant...

But at least you will pray for him. How munificent and magnanimous of you.

 

[Lynx]

You are spot-on. Thanks for bringing that out. The truth is that legion is no less valued by God than any of us, a God who wishes that no man should perish. I will surely pray for legion's situation today and for everyone in this thread who is considering a tattoo. (FYI, I have a tattoo from 1975; I have since confessed and repented of my error.)

Mind you, I am not arguing in favor of tattoos. I don't like them myself, and don't have any on myself.

I'm arguing for a lighter tone in your posts. More information, less insults and more encouragement.

 

[SonJudgment]

Tattoos and other such witchcraft really belie a rebellious heart, and even besides rebellion against the religion, they're rebellious against often the culture, and yet the rebllious evil culture and evil generations have become so shameful and rebellious that they're now the norm. Though this was prophsied, but not in a good way in both the OT and NT, and it's more severe and explicit in the NT considering you know the whole mark of the Beast thing.. A delicious amount of irony here that the great Lord Jesus has trapped them into. Tattoos are a sign of ownership, that one is nothing but cattle. So it is in their rebellion they conform to make themselves nothing but slaves and their tattoos are a visible sign of who owns them, or perhaps once owned them to the point of putting their mark upon them. Their tattoos say to all the world that they are the property and the cattle.

 

[Lynx]

Dagnabbit! Pharisees is thicker than skeeters this time of year.

legion sorry about all this. An internet forum is a great place for Pharisees to congregate, as it gives them a place to rant at people with complete anonymity and impunity.

Mind you, I am not saying I am on the tattoo side. The Bible does say my body is the Lord's temple, and I will not cover it with graffiti. But there are better ways to discuss it than what these Pharisees are doing.

 

[Lynx]

Tattoos and other such witchcraft really belie a rebellious heart, and even besides rebellion against the religion, they're rebellious against often the culture, and yet the rebllious evil culture and evil generations have become so shameful and rebellious that they're now the norm. Though this was prophsied, but not in a good way in both the OT and NT, and it's more severe and explicit in the NT considering you know the whole mark of the Beast thing.. A delicious amount of irony here that the great Lord Jesus has trapped them into. Tattoos are a sign of ownership, that one is nothing but cattle. So it is in their rebellion they conform to make themselves nothing but slaves and their tattoos are a visible sign of who owns them, or perhaps once owned them to the point of putting their mark upon them. Their tattoos say to all the world that they are the property and the cattle.

So now he is also rebellious, a witch and property.

Gee wizz, any more insults you want to pile on his head? Because excoriating people is such an effective tool for winning them over to your side of an argument.