My brother, a college sophomore, decided to get a tattoo this past Monday. As you can see, he chose an ichthus to represent his faith in Christ. Overall, I like the design and think he chose well.
In the interest of full disclosure, I have two tattoos, one of which is a design that expresses my Christian faith. I remember that when I was considering getting my first tattoo, many Christian friends were warning me about how much I would regret it when I was older. Some even tried to convince me from the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 19:28) that tattoos are unbiblical, even in the New Covenant. Even as a college freshman, I was savvy enough to discern that this particular verse from Leviticus falls under the category of ceremonial, not moral, law. Needless to say, an enormous amount of pressure was placed on me by well meaning Christian believers. Their counsel did not work, I got the tattoo, and my mother did not speak to me for several days.
It seems that this younger generation (myself included) of Christians is increasingly willing to part with non-biblical Christian culture in order to express itself. From everything to tattoos to body piercings to clothing styles to music preferences, classic Bible Belt social norms are being jettisoned in the name of Christian liberty.
I am both excited and cautious about this particular trend. On the positive side, Christians are only bound by the words of Scripture as their “only rule for faith and practice.” Matters which fall outside of the Bible should be thought out carefully, but an appropriate amount of Christian liberty does exist. Negatively, however, we must guard against rejecting an appropriate use of Christian tradition, as well as taking seriously the advice of God’s people in how we exercise that Christian liberty. I fear that the greatest danger for this youngest generation of American Christians is not legalism, but antinomianism.
It is remarkable to see how much Christian culture has changed since our parents and grandparents were in their early twenties. I do not want to even think about what my precious little ones will one day come home with!
Good thoughts. I, too, fear that the younger generation does not just simply exchange the shackles of legalism for the plank of antinomianism.
As long as it isn’t a Bama tatoo, they’ll probably make you proud
I think that it is very true that many older christians judge those of us who have chosen to tattoe are selfs to show are love for Christ. My husband jast got his salvation date done on his wrist it is open so many doors for him with nonbelivers
yeah, i like that tattoo its simple and its message is powerful
In my personal opinion i think that in any way shape or form showing love for Christ is the most powerful feeling! i just got my second tattoo, my first being a cross with the trinity in the center and the second is pretty much the same as the one above. Waking up every morning and being reminded constantly that i am here on Earth because of him, continues to make me happy!!!
I’m glad I stumbled upon this website. I have been toiling over getting a tattoo because of Levitical scriptures and the use or possible misuse of Romans 14:13, 23 and 1 Corinthians 6:19. I am enthusiastic about the statement of ceremonial law vs. moral law.
And should I get peace in my heart – I will more than likely get a fabulous tattoo as a declaration of my whole-hearted trust in Jesus Christ, The Father and The Holy Spirit.
Thanks for the comments & food for thought.
I am actually in the middle of writng a book on christianity and tattooing, have been doing so for a few years….. it keeps getting bigger!
What i have found is very surprising indeed, as a person who used to be anti tattoos, i now have some myself and plan on more………… knowledge is truth, not tradition or social religious opinion!
There is a strong difference!!!!
And, we have much to learn!
Peace!
i looked this topic up because i wondered if getting a tattoo was unBiblical. i think that based somewhat on what i have seen, that a tattoo is unnecessary and somewhat contrary to how Jesus wanted us to act. remember in romans 12 that Paul urges us not to conform to the world around us but to be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. unfortunately, i see that more young people like me are being influenced to become more a part of the world and less sanctified as the followers of Jesus Christ. i am not saying that people who have tattoos are al evil, just that christians should show more discretion in the vessels the Lord has provided for them. maybe instead of trying to get ourselves to look more like the world, we should look les like the world, and let the sanctification bring others to ask tough questions. we al sin but that doesnt mean thata prostitute continues to sell sex as they witness to others. those that love Christ hate the world, and those that love the world cannot love Christ As They Should
Not that I’m impressed a lot, but this is more than I expected when I found a link on Digg telling that the info here is quite decent. Thanks.
I come from a strictly-Pentecostal family and I have got to say…I have wanted a tattoo from the day I understood that once they were on, they weren’t something so cheaply removed. I also want something to resemble my faith in Christ. I find there’s no point in getting a tattoo of anything else, because everything but God himself falters and fails somewhere at some point and time. I also think that it’s a great outreach to those who may be, let’s say, a little harder to witness to. A man once was told by God to get tattoos, and so he got them all over his body. And the outcome? He was able to witness to many, and many came to Christ. Tattoos aren’t evil or rebellious. And a Christian tattoo doesn’t necessarily mean you’re trying to PUBLISH it to the world that you’re a good Samaritan, to announce what good works you do. To me, it means you’re not gonna hide in the dark and shun the light within.