The popularity of tattoos among young Christians raises questions about the message they really send and who they're really for.
Tattoos have long been taboo in the Christian community, but many young believers now choose to get inked as an outward symbol of their faith. Unlike previous generations, which saw the permanent marks as a violation of Scripture, as well a sign of youth rebellion or gang activity, today's young adults consider tattoos a cultural norm. Some even think of their artwork as a witnessing tool, although critics question the real motivation behind the practice.
Last week, teen pop star and professed Christian Justin Bieber made news for getting a large tattoo of Jesus' face - reminiscent of a Renaissance painting - on his left calf.
Bieber's tattoo makes a statement, but the tattoo does not make the Christian, said Welander, a 2011 Wheaton College graduate.
jodi wrote: We all have and give valid points but the point being is Jesus saved us by his blood. And yes there are lots of things Christians do that are worldly in a sense we all give in in some ways. Have had tons of opportunity to share my faith to people who would not normally listen to a sermon from a preacher in a suite and tie. I thank God for that and I also will not appologize for how I see tattooing I know lots of on fire Christians who have and give tattoos. Know on if they are right or wrong we all have ideas but in the end of all the talking about it your not gonna change me on my standunless you can show clear Scripture other than the one always quoted which is always at the base of these debates. I am not gonna change your stand either and I think its good to have healthy debates. But at the end I still have them and have no regrets. Peace love joy
You may be right about them being 'on fire' Christians--I just hate the PERMANCE OF THEM! BTW what is going to happen when they try to teach the faith to their CHILDREN? are they going to lose them? You know, there are fake tattoos that look just a good as real ones, and you could change them since its a cosmetic. Cultures that used to tattoo stopped it
I have many tatoo's. And I have repented of every one... But it was only When I, dug my nose in the word of God! Be holy, for I AM holy !! The Church teaches justification, but they forget all about Saintification . Even in the reformed movement. U have this new young restless reformed movement. More like young reprobate reformed! These men LOVE conferences, they LOVE quoting all the great reformers. But they sure don't want to live like them! U have pastors talking about there new tattoos, beer drinking, and the best clothing designers out there. They have earrings in both ears. But praise God I gave Grace!
Russ wrote: John you make some good points. The problem that I see with Pharisees is that they didn't follow the spirit of the law but in fact added to it rigid barriers even beyond the law so that they were binding heavy burdens on the people. I think if our hearts are full of the Spirit of God we can cry out with the psalmist in joy at all the wonders of the law. The law is a beautiful thing if used properly. Too many Christians are scared to dig in to some of the greatest portions of the Scriptures.
Two things stood out for me in your excellent post, Russ. "Binding heavy burdens on the people" and, "the law is a beautiful thing".
Part of Jesus ministry was explaining what the law meant, and how deep it goes. We don't know the half of it. But he also explained that the law was spiritual not rigid. There is such a thing as a Royal Law, which says we are to love God supremely and our neighbour as ourself. The Spirit-filled man will do both, because of his new nature, he is a new creature in Christ. A new creature who is no more filled with the Spirit will find it very difficult to do either. Which is why I believe the law is to be preached to the sinner, to drive him to Christ, and the Christian needs teaching how to maintain his new nature.
Sound doctrine is useless--if it is not accompanied by a holy life!
It is my firm impression that we need a thorough revival of Scriptural holiness.
I have had a deep conviction for many years, that practical holiness and consecration to God are not sufficiently attended to by modern Christians. Worldliness has eaten out the heart of vital piety in too many of us! The subject of personal godliness has fallen sadly into the background.
The details and particular ingredients of which holiness is composed in daily life--ought to be fully set forth and pressed on believers. True holiness does not consist merely of believing--but of doing and a practical exhibition of the active and passive graces.
Our tongues, our tempers, our natural passions and inclinations, our conduct at home and abroad, our dress, our employment of time, our behavior in business, our demeanor in sickness and health, in riches and poverty True holiness is something of "the image of Christ" which can be seen and observed by others our private life, and habits, and character, and doings!
J.C. Ryle at http://gracegems.org/Ryle/holiness.htm
John you make some good points. The problem that I see with Pharisees is that they didn't follow the spirit of the law but in fact added to it rigid barriers even beyond the law so that they were binding heavy burdens on the people. I think if our hearts are full of the Spirit of God we can cry out with the psalmist in joy at all the wonders of the law. The law is a beautiful thing if used properly. Too many Christians are scared to dig in to some of the greatest portions of the Scriptures.
Russ wrote: 1. Here's the question- if a person is filled with the Spirit and being led by the Spirit will he walk in accordance with the Law given by one and the same Spirit?
2. It would seem to me that that's the whole point of the New Covenant- saved by Grace, circumcised of heart. If we are not bound to strive to obedience then what exactly does the Spirit write on our hearts?
Two very good points, Russ. I am in full agreement with you on that.
A man who is full of the Holy Ghost and fully submitted to Christ, has the mind of Christ, and will do what Christ does, just as Christ did whatever the Father told him to do.
But hey, remember this? One Christian can do something and it is sin, another Christian can do exactly the same thing and it is not sin. This is that which I was trying to put forward.
And remember this? The pharisees did not understand the law of God. They had the law, and claimed to keep it, but in reality they broke the law all the time. If we do the same, and have "the law" before us all the time, we will end up quenching the Spirit and losing the real semblance of Christianity, which is faith working by love.
Here's the question- if a person is filled with the Spirit and being led by the Spirit will he walk in accordance with the Law given by one and the same Spirit? It would seem to me that that's the whole point of the New Covenant- saved by Grace, circumcised of heart. If we are not bound to strive to obedience then what exactly does the Spirit write on our hearts?
It seems to me that Jesus and his disciples dressed very much like the common man in Judea. Otherwise how is it that Jesus had to be pointed out to the soldiers? The only folks who dressed differently were those whom Jesus roundly condemned.
Another point I would like to make. I really do not think we understand what it means to be holy, or godly. If we walk as Jesus walked, we are living a godly life. I wonder how many of us are actually dressing, speaking, working and praying as Jesus did.
Another point I would like to make. A man who is attempting to obey God in all his laws and requirements will never be as godly as a man who is daily filled with the Spirit of God and following his leading. "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost."
phylly wrote: --- We miss the point of living on this earth as Christians if we do not desire to glorify God in our bodies, what we wear, how we speak, act, deeds we do, etc. We are called out of the world to live as pilgrims, not to look, act, and dress as the world does....
It seems the problem stems from the fact that we are no longer a 'thinking people', we are lazy and do not pour ourselves into studying deeply His word, mining out the nuggets of truth found for those who diligently seek them.
Thinking people think about what they are saying.
When the world we actually live among dresses nicely, should we dress otherwise to avoid being seen as worldly? (Some of the best-dressed people I know are not Christian) When the world does good deeds, should we cease doing good deeds to avoid appearing too worldly? ex: My non-Christian neighbor recently did a very good deed. Should I avoid doing a good deed to avoid acting "as the world does"?
btw, he doesn't have any tattoos as far as I know. Should I get one so as not to appear as an un-tattooed worldling?
What was it Jesus said about whited sepulchres being beautiful outwardly, but filled with dead men's bones? So much for glorification of God through appearance.
We all have and give valid points but the point being is Jesus saved us by his blood. And yes there are lots of things Christians do that are worldly in a sense we all give in in some ways. Have had tons of opportunity to share my faith to people who would not normally listen to a sermon from a preacher in a suite and tie. I thank God for that and I also will not appologize for how I see tattooing I know lots of on fire Christians who have and give tattoos. Know on if they are right or wrong we all have ideas but in the end of all the talking about it your not gonna change me on my standunless you can show clear Scripture other than the one always quoted which is always at the base of these debates. I am not gonna change your stand either and I think its good to have healthy debates. But at the end I still have them and have no regrets. Peace love joy
First things first, where did I state one must adhere to O.T. laws? My point was in bringing glory to God, you seem to have missed that entirely. Please try and stay on track.
Seriously, I do not wish to engage you, as I see how you go down endless rabbit trails and go off target all too often.
Obedience to God's Word does not equate to legalism and presumptions are the fruit of a very proud rebellious heart. If you love me you shall obey my commandments -Jesus. Saved by grace, grow in Grace, and walk in Obedience by His Grace. Tattoos: Marks of the flesh. Circumcise your heart and not your flesh.
Stating one should not mark up their body is not legalism. I am not insisting this person adhere to avoiding tattoos for salvation's sake, which is what legalism means {doctrinal position emphasizing a system of rules and regulations for achieving both salvation and spiritual growth}. I am asking if this marking up of the body is glorifying to God. We miss the point of living on this earth as Christians if we do not desire to glorify God in our bodies, what we wear, how we speak, act, deeds we do, etc. We are called out of the world to live as pilgrims, not to look, act, and dress as the world does. Where does the tattoo originate from? God or the world? Where has the desire for holy living gone in this 'modern age' of Christianity?
Even worldly phrases like 'recovering addict' do not glorify God, for if the Son has set you free from the bondage of sin, give God glory and speak of being free from this bondage. I am free from the bondage of alcohol as well, but I can only say that because Christ has freed me.
It seems the problem stems from the fact that we are no longer a 'thinking people', we are lazy and do not pour ourselves into studying deeply His word, mining out the nuggets of truth found for those who diligently seek them.
jodi, have you considered there may be health reasons why these things were given by God, that God was not just offering a stumbling block to His people? Even today, people will sometimes limit foods of animals that are most likely to absorb the most toxins, poisons, as you listed, even pork.....there are health reasons for limiting and perhaps then as well (for eliminating from diet). A woman being secluded for a few days, able to relax and replenish the body's lost minerals would be a helpful and improved situation to what we do today, pop a pill and try to get by. Perhaps its the body's way of saying it needs a little time to relax.
Its just another way of seeing the law. As Christians we're not bound to sacrificial law, but the law of God was fulfilled in Christ, so all of scripture has teaching in it for us.
If you see nothing wrong with makeup or jewelry adorned in an excessive manner, a way that draws attention to the woman, then you do not understand Paul's command to women in Timothy.
Do you find anything in the New Testament that says you can tattoo your body? Here lies the problem, you say we are under a new covenant, yes, the covenant of grace. However, you MUST look behind the command to not cut yourself, its affiliation with pagan worship. Does God now allow pagan worship? NO! With that said, are tattoos now acceptable? No. What is your understanding of God's holiness? I do not mean google it, but from your own heart, what do you say holiness means? And what is your understanding on believers bringing God glory?
That's the old testament we are under a New Coveniant with God. I have researched and researched and there is no mention in the New Testament at all. Not one and reading Scriptures there we laws that changed. Also back in that time they put pictures of false gods not the True Living God. Also I am not a woman I am a man and see nothing wrong with make up or wearing Jewellery . We don't need to live under the old law. Jesus made a New covenant when he shed his blood and rose again.
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