How about tattoos?
Introduction. There is currently a mania sweeping the country regarding tattoos (mostly limited to young people). In fact, there are so many lining up at the tattoo parlors that one future business that some are saying will be very lucrative is the removal of tattoos. We are told that the presence of heavy metal rock groups is a major influence in the current popularity of tattoos.
The Bible and tattoos. Some say the word "tattoo" is not in the Bible; therefore, the Bible does not address the practice of tattooing. Of course, there are a number of words that are not in the Bible, but biblical principles address the subject (gambling, drugs, etc.). The word "tattoo," however, is in the Bible. "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you," God commands Israel (Lev. 19: 28, KJV). The Hebrew word for "mark" means tattoo. The New King James reads, "...nor tattoo any marks on you...."
The cultural statement made by tattoos. The prohibition by God to the Jews is made under the law regarding the mutilation of the body, in view of the death of a loved one. However, tattoos signify different statements today. There are military, prison, rock culture, and gang tattoos. We are told that a vast portion of tattoos have been acquired when one has either been drunk or young. Need I say more? It is especially sad today to see young women obtaining tattoos.
The Christian belongs to God, both in mind and body. In fact, mind and body are to be a living sacrifice to God (Rom. 12: 1, 2). The body is not meant to be a billboard advertising with tattoo ink. Tattoos are easily obtained but hard removed. Surgery (cutting them out), laser, and acid are the common removal methods. One thing for sure, one will never regret not acquiring a tattoo, but many regret having obtained one, especially later in life!
The Bible and tattoos. Some say the word "tattoo" is not in the Bible; therefore, the Bible does not address the practice of tattooing. Of course, there are a number of words that are not in the Bible, but biblical principles address the subject (gambling, drugs, etc.). The word "tattoo," however, is in the Bible. "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you," God commands Israel (Lev. 19: 28, KJV). The Hebrew word for "mark" means tattoo. The New King James reads, "...nor tattoo any marks on you...."
The cultural statement made by tattoos. The prohibition by God to the Jews is made under the law regarding the mutilation of the body, in view of the death of a loved one. However, tattoos signify different statements today. There are military, prison, rock culture, and gang tattoos. We are told that a vast portion of tattoos have been acquired when one has either been drunk or young. Need I say more? It is especially sad today to see young women obtaining tattoos.
The Christian belongs to God, both in mind and body. In fact, mind and body are to be a living sacrifice to God (Rom. 12: 1, 2). The body is not meant to be a billboard advertising with tattoo ink. Tattoos are easily obtained but hard removed. Surgery (cutting them out), laser, and acid are the common removal methods. One thing for sure, one will never regret not acquiring a tattoo, but many regret having obtained one, especially later in life!