Here's one that someone recently asked: Why is it against Church teaching to get a tattoo?
First off, the answer to this is: it isn't specifically against Church teaching to get a tattoo - the Church has no teaching either for or against. But it does provide some guidelines about a practice which seems to be so common today.
One reason that people may think there is a restriction against tattooing comes from a passage found in the Old Testament. In the book of Leviticus it says: ”Do not . . . put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord” (19:28).
But this verse is not binding upon Christians for the same reason that a verse just before it “nor shall there come upon you a garment of cloth made of two kinds of stuff” (v. 19) is not binding for Christians. It was a part of ceremonial law that was binding upon the Jewish people but is not binding upon Christians (except when it coincides with the moral law).
There is no reason why one cannot color one’s skin, which is what tattooing amounts to. One can apply color to one’s skin by make-up (as is common among women), magic markers (as children often do), press-on tattoos, or with real tattoos.
The mere fact that the ink goes into the skin in the latter case does not create a fundamental moral difference.
However, there are moral considerations:
1. What is the reason for the tattoo? If it is being done for vanity or pride then it could warrant some re-consideration.
2. There are tattoos with words or pictures that celebrate the demonic, are unchaste, or offend against charity; these would not be considered morally acceptable.
3. Would getting a particular tattoo mutilate your body in some respect by causing damage or impeding normal bodily function? While this is probably more relevant when it comes to the various forms of piercing, modesty may bring this into account with tattoos.
4. Would the tattoo offend family, friends, neighbors, employers (present and future) and colleagues or in some way cause scandal?
5. Is the expense involved justified in light of the material needs for yourself, those who depend on you and what we should be doing in terms of helping out those in need?
Finally, there are also health considerations to take into account. If the instruments for tattoos or piercings are not properly cleaned then they can be a source of infection, including hepatitis C, which is a serious problem.
So when thinking about getting a tattoo, consider:
1. The images should not be sexually explicit, Satanic, or in anyway opposed to the truths and teachings of Christianity.
2. Use prudence. While “Mom” is probably a safe bet, tattooing your current boy- or girlfriend’s name on your arm probably isn’t.
3. Consider the arguments against tattooing. Just because the Church
One reason that people may think there is a restriction against tattooing comes from a passage found in the Old Testament. In the book of Leviticus it says: ”Do not . . . put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord” (19:28).
But this verse is not binding upon Christians for the same reason that a verse just before it “nor shall there come upon you a garment of cloth made of two kinds of stuff” (v. 19) is not binding for Christians. It was a part of ceremonial law that was binding upon the Jewish people but is not binding upon Christians (except when it coincides with the moral law).
There is no reason why one cannot color one’s skin, which is what tattooing amounts to. One can apply color to one’s skin by make-up (as is common among women), magic markers (as children often do), press-on tattoos, or with real tattoos.
The mere fact that the ink goes into the skin in the latter case does not create a fundamental moral difference.
However, there are moral considerations:
1. What is the reason for the tattoo? If it is being done for vanity or pride then it could warrant some re-consideration.
2. There are tattoos with words or pictures that celebrate the demonic, are unchaste, or offend against charity; these would not be considered morally acceptable.
3. Would getting a particular tattoo mutilate your body in some respect by causing damage or impeding normal bodily function? While this is probably more relevant when it comes to the various forms of piercing, modesty may bring this into account with tattoos.
4. Would the tattoo offend family, friends, neighbors, employers (present and future) and colleagues or in some way cause scandal?
5. Is the expense involved justified in light of the material needs for yourself, those who depend on you and what we should be doing in terms of helping out those in need?
Finally, there are also health considerations to take into account. If the instruments for tattoos or piercings are not properly cleaned then they can be a source of infection, including hepatitis C, which is a serious problem.
So when thinking about getting a tattoo, consider:
1. The images should not be sexually explicit, Satanic, or in anyway opposed to the truths and teachings of Christianity.
2. Use prudence. While “Mom” is probably a safe bet, tattooing your current boy- or girlfriend’s name on your arm probably isn’t.
3. Consider the arguments against tattooing. Just because the Church
doesn’t prohibit getting one doesn’t mean that you should. Consider the following question: Would you put a bumper sticker on a Ferrari? The human body is a creation far more beautiful and glorious - made in the image and likeness of God, no less - than any man-made item such as a car.
Sometimes tattoos can communicate a positive message, such as the use of religious symbols. However, it should never be rushed into. Sometimes people come to regret their decision to get a tattoo. Also keep in mind that tattoos are meant to be permanent - it a difficult and painful process to remove tattoos.
Sometimes tattoos can communicate a positive message, such as the use of religious symbols. However, it should never be rushed into. Sometimes people come to regret their decision to get a tattoo. Also keep in mind that tattoos are meant to be permanent - it a difficult and painful process to remove tattoos.
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body.
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Video: True Beauty: Becoming the Woman You Were Created to Behttps://formed.org/course/551c18da927f85200dda7c5c
Girls are bombarded with conflicting messages about what it means to be a true woman. They are told they're empowered to be individuals, but also expected to conform to the prevalent attitudes about sex and femininity. They're told to be free sexually, but no one mentions the physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences of that so-called freedom. God has a better and far more consistent plan for how young girls can become true women, and this YDisciple course will examine what that is. Candid and forthcoming, True Beauty: Womanhood could be the transforming moment that will redirect a girl's life.
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