I'm Kristin Hawk, and I am deeply, madly in love with Jesus Christ.
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TATTOO TABOO?
1. Are tattoos bad?
2. Will I go to hell for having a tattoo?
3. Can I have tattoos and still be a Christian?
4. Is there such thing as “Christian Tattoos?”
Tattoos are a widely debated topic among Christian culture. And regardless of your denominational viewpoint, I think this topic is something we all need to come together to discuss in a clear and loving manner.
Let me first start off by letting you know that I myself have a tattoo, but this does not mean my post will be biased to one side or the other. I’m going to say some things that both sides might not agree with, but that’s ok. I’m here to ask questions, dig deep, and get ourselves focused on the bigger picture.
I have three questions I want you to ask yourself throughout the course of reading this post:
1. Why would I get a tattoo? / Why did I get a tattoo?
2. Who will my tattoo glorify? / Who do my tattoos glorify?
3. What would my tattoo say about me? / What do my tattoos say about me?
Although those three questions may seem a bit silly, they are going to play an important role in your view on tattoos in reference to God’s word. Why? Because the answers to those questions may just be the answers you’ve been looking for.
And while I strongly believe God yearns for us to take care of our mortal bodies, I believe the motives of our heart are more important to him in the end. See where I am going with this?
In Leviticus 19:28, we see what most people say is a pretty clear-cut answer as to what God thinks about tattoos.
Leviticus 19:28 – Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. I am the LORD.
But as clear as this text may seem, without the context and background this text can be taken out of context in many ways. And it usually is.
This text is directed towards pagan nations who would violently cut and mark their bodies as a sign of worship to their gods. The tattoos or “markings” one would find on their body would resemble which god or gods their were worshipping.
Pretty different from the tattoos we see today right? Yup…
And while I do believe markings or tattoos that resemble worship to anyone other than God are sinful, I believe that 99% of the tattoos we see in today’s culture are not due to idol worship, but more creative expression and artistic value. It’s not the actual tattoo or marking that is sinful, but the motives of the heart in which each tattoo or marking is obtained.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Tattoos are not for everyone. In fact, I’m not going to encourage you to get one. My only hope is that you realize the motives of your heart mean more to God than the ink on your skin. But also realize that this doesn’t mean your body is a free for all canvas to be filled with mindless and ill-thought clip art.
Your body is still a temple, and to treat your body with disrespect is to treat God the same way. Whether you are debating getting your first tattoo or your fiftieth, I pray you will seek God for wisdom, guidance, and evaluate the motives of your heart.
Remember those three questions? Well, it’s time to ask them again.
1. Why would I get a tattoo? / Why did I get a tattoo?
2. Who will my tattoo glorify? / Who do my tattoos glorify?
3. What would my tattoo say about me? / What do my tattoos say about me?
We may not all reach the same conclusion, but that doesn’t mean we are not all loved by the same God.
Once again… This post is not to encourage or discourage. I am simply asking “why?”
- Jarrid Wilson
Drawing up tattoos for some friends this morning. Might see some ink get done later today :)
i find brides with tattoos absolutely stunning.
maybe i’m biased because if God blesses me with marriage i will be one, too. but i sincerely see ferocious beauty in them!
i was talking with a friend recently who asked for the number of my tattoo artist. when i saw her a few days later, her and her husband of almost a year had gotten matching tattoos, as well as each other’s initial in their ring finger. it was beautiful! i love married couples that share their love one their bodies. it’s something so personal, so permanent.
i like to wear my love for God my Father on my skin. and i absolutely will love to wear my love for my husband one day on my skin as well.
ok. so this video? it makes me SO unbelievably happy!
one day, i will own a hedgehog!!
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(Source: bride2be)
(Source: hollow-anchors, via hollow-anchors)
(Source: ourfacessplitthecoast)
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