How about tattoos?
Introduction. There is currently a mania sweeping the country regarding tattoos. 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 and 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.). However, the word "tattoo" 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 was made under the law regarding the mutilation of the body, in view of a person's grief surrounding the death of a loved one. Just about all tattoos today also send some kind of message about the person. Some tattoos are associated with the military, rock culture, gangs, prison, and violence/death. Many have been acquired when one was either drunk or young. It is especially sad today to see young women obtaining tattoos, to include full-sleeve tattooing and facial tattoos.
The Christian belongs to God, both in mind and body. Carefully note the emphasis per Rom. 12:1-2:
The Bible and tattoos. Some say the word "tattoo" is not in the Bible and 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.). However, the word "tattoo" 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 was made under the law regarding the mutilation of the body, in view of a person's grief surrounding the death of a loved one. Just about all tattoos today also send some kind of message about the person. Some tattoos are associated with the military, rock culture, gangs, prison, and violence/death. Many have been acquired when one was either drunk or young. It is especially sad today to see young women obtaining tattoos, to include full-sleeve tattooing and facial tattoos.
The Christian belongs to God, both in mind and body. Carefully note the emphasis per Rom. 12:1-2:
- 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.