Tattoos

[angelique510]

About twenty years ago I got a tattoo. It was a cheap, home-made "jail gun" tattoo with india ink. I did think long and hard about it and what it would be. It was a drawing an old friend did of a magic wand. You know, like Harry Potter, before there was such a character. It is about two inches long. A wand is one of the four sacred alter items of the Wiccan religion, along with a cup, a sword, and a pentacle. Those are also the four suits of the Tarot. It is on my left ankle, and I planned on getting the others on my right ankle and both wrists.

It hasn't held up over the years. Then again, neither have my ankles, LOL

That is a very bad photo, so here is a quick sketch of it.

So, why am I posting this on the Christian forum, you ask. Because I am a Christian now. I am going to be baptized this summer. Not that it is a requirement, and not that God cares about old tattoos, but I feel that I need to remove this last reminder of my pagan past before being baptized. Tattoo removal is painful, expensive, and not completely effective. So I am going to get it covered with another tattoo. I think it would be fitting to have it covered with a tattoo symbolizing my Christian faith. A symbol of God coming in and eradicating my paganism.

I chose this one. There is the Holy Spirit, the cross, and still a bit of "me" with the daisies. And I think the vine will work well to cover the wand. It is small and pixelated because it is from a site that sells tattoo designs. You have to pay for a good picture to take to your tattoo artist.

What do my brothers and sisters here think about it? Is a new tattoo a good fortieth birthday present to myself?

~A

 

[LisaLisa]

Oh, I know how you feel. I had a big rose on my shoulder done when I was 13 years old. UGH! Then I had it redone when I was around 29 with a new rose.

Then in my late 30's, in my new ager years, I had a cover up tat done and I had a big man on the moon tat done to cover up the rose. How lovely. It's on the back of my shoulder, so atleast I don't have to look at it, but it's huge and pagan....lol.

My tattoo is like a "battle scar" to me, I'm not ashamed of it. But if yours bothers you, by all means, have something else done over top of it, I really can understand where you're coming from. If I had to look at mine everyday, it would probably bother me more then it does now because on my back I don't ever see it.

 

[blondeambition3]

Oh, I know how you feel. I had a big rose on my shoulder done when I was 13 years old. UGH! Then I had it redone when I was around 29 with a new rose.

Then in my late 30's, in my new ager years, I had a cover up tat done and I had a big man on the moon tat done to cover up the rose. How lovely. It's on the back of my shoulder, so atleast I don't have to look at it, but it's huge and pagan....lol.

My tattoo is like a "battle scar" to me, I'm not ashamed of it. But if yours bothers you, by all means, have something else done over top of it, I really can understand where you're coming from. If I had to look at mine everyday, it would probably bother me more then it does now because on my back I don't ever see it.

I love the new Tatoo idea ~A! You are symbolizing the 'new Life' Christ has resurrected in you by transforming the pagan symbol into one of eternal Life! (Plus, it's an AWESOME witnessing tool!)

 

[cshipman]

Not that it is a requirement, and not that God cares about old tattoos,

I just thought I would leave this here, special emphasis on the second part.

"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD."
Leviticus 19:28

 

[angelique510]

I just thought I would leave this here, special emphasis on the second part.

"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD."
Leviticus 19:28

We are no longer bound by the old laws; we are in the age of Grace. Any sin in getting the tattoo all those years ago was removed, along with all my other sins, when I was saved. Now it is just a pesky bit of ink that I am transforming into a "witnessing tool." (Good choice of words, Blonde. Thank you)

This is from Bible Questions Answered

Question: "What does the Bible say about tattoos / body piercings?"

Answer: The Old Testament law commanded the Israelites, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:28). So, even though believers today are not under the Old Testament law (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:23-25; Ephesians 2:15), the fact that there was a command against tattoos should raise some questions. The New Testament does not say anything about whether or not a believer should get a tattoo.

In relation to tattoos and body piercings, a good test is to determine whether we can honestly, in good conscience, ask God to bless and use that particular activity for His own good purposes. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). The New Testament does not command against tattoos or body piercings, but it also does not give us any reason to believe God would have us get tattoos or body piercings.

An important scriptural principle on issues the Bible does not specifically address is if there is room for doubt whether it pleases God, then it is best not to engage in that activity. Romans 14:23 reminds us that anything that does not come from faith is sin. We need to remember that our bodies, as well as our souls, have been redeemed and belong to God. Although 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 does not directly apply to tattoos or body piercings, it does give us a principle: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” This great truth should have a real bearing on what we do and where we go with our bodies. If our bodies belong to God, we should make sure we have His clear “permission” before we “mark them up” with tattoos or body piercings.
​

I believe this is "..for the glory of God."

Be well,
~A

 

[Southern Gent]

I just thought I would leave this here, special emphasis on the second part.

"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD."
Leviticus 19:28

Um...no. She is not a Jew nor is she under the old covenant.

 

[HyOnLyph]

Angelique... great reply... I think it's an excellent idea.

and you too SouthernGent. It's good to see you again.

 

[Southern Gent]

Angelique... great reply... I think it's an excellent idea.

and you too SouthernGent. It's good to see you again.

Saw the thread title and just KNEW somebody would go after her.....epic and average all at the same time.

 

[HyOnLyph]

You're kidding, right????

Edit: warning to OP

edit.... How funny that SG was doing the facepalm at the exact same time.... WTG SG.

 

[LisaLisa]

 

[angelique510]

Saw the thread title and just KNEW somebody would go after her.....epic and average all at the same time.

Hi SG, good to see you. Your nick suits you, truly a gentleman, coming to a lady's defense. Well.....coming to my defense, at least. LOL

Edit: warning to OP

Don't worry. I gave that up, too. It's all good now.

Be well,
~A

 

[Desert Rat]

Hey Angle
what's the Lord telling you? I am good with your answer whatever you say. One way it says who you were and that can be a testimony, the other way says who you are and that can be a testimony win win. Cant go with out saying I always thought The Bible was a love letter not a baseball bat!!

 

[trukinlady]

cshipman--Inflammatory remarks will not be tolerated here.

 

[blondeambition3]

Cant go with out saying I always thought The Bible was a love letter not a baseball bat!!

Amen DR!!!!!!

 

[Jason_in_nc]

I'd go with the cross. The pagan symbol "marked" you for satan. The cross will "mark" you for Christ.

Then when some busy-body says, "I don't think it's good to tattoo a cross on your body cause that makes Jesus look bad cause the bible said tattoos are bad" you can then tell them how, before you were a christian, you got a pagan tattoo but after you submitted to Christ, you had the tattoo changed to a cross to glorify God instead of satan.

Then you can thank them for giving you the opportunity to share that witness, while they stammer for an appropriate response that doesn't make them look like a jerk.

;-)

 

[blondeambition3]

I'd go with the cross. The pagan symbol "marked" you for satan. The cross will "mark" you for Christ.

Then when some busy-body says, "I don't think it's good to tattoo a cross on your body cause that makes Jesus look bad cause the bible said tattoos are bad" you can then tell them how, before you were a christian, you got a pagan tattoo but after you submitted to Christ, you had the tattoo changed to a cross to glorify God instead of satan.

Then you can thank them for giving you the opportunity to share that witness, while they stammer for an appropriate response that doesn't make them look like a jerk.

;-)

extreme 'like'.....

 

[Saintscruiser]

Have been under....way under the weather. I don't know how long I can sit and type, but after reading your story, Sister A, I'll tell you what came to my mind and I could see it plainly in my itty bitty tincy wincy brain...........did you or anyone else see The Passion of The Christ? I am sure most have. Do you remember in the Garden of Gethsaname (sp) when Jesus stomps the head of the snake.....satan....the ol' prince of poop, taking Kingdom Authority over him? That's what you getting this tattoo changed into a cross means. You are taking Kingdom Authority over the evil one, wearing his mark no more, and I for one applaud you. I think it's an awesome idea!!! And, it'll be just in time for Resurrection Day! Praise be to God!! I'd go with you Angel, but have no idea where you are and I don't do long trips well!

 

[ErikaG]

Interesting thread. I am in agreement that you should get the cross and i will leave it at that

 

[Saintscruiser]

Interesting thread. I am in agreement that you should get the cross and i will leave it at that

Mom5, if you are referring to 'prince of poo,' that came from the name given to satan - I don't remember how to spell beezebub ..... sorry.....but anyway, one of the meanings of the name is 'lord of dung.' Well, we all know what dung is.....so I nicknamed him: the prince of poo; lord of the loo; the king of krapp, etc.

Yeah, I know who he is......but he also knows who I am. I am bought with the Blood of Jesus, and he will be washed up soon.....forever. And he won't be in charge in the lake of fire.....he'll be just like anyone else there. God only gives him 7 years....the tribulation years. Notice what I said.....God 'gives,' 'allows,' him 7 years. The p.o.p. wouldn't even have that had not God allowed it. I can't wait for him to get his. Yes, I will rejoice on that day! Hallelujah!!!!!

 

[blondeambition3]

Mom5, if you are referring to 'prince of poo,' that came from the name given to satan - I don't remember how to spell beezebub ..... sorry.....but anyway, one of the meanings of the name is 'lord of dung.' Well, we all know what dung is.....so I nicknamed him: the prince of poo; lord of the loo; the king of krapp, etc.

Yeah, I know who he is......but he also knows who I am. I am bought with the Blood of Jesus, and he will be washed up soon.....forever. And he won't be in charge in the lake of fire.....he'll be just like anyone else there. God only gives him 7 years....the tribulation years. Notice what I said.....God 'gives,' 'allows,' him 7 years. The p.o.p. wouldn't even have that had not God allowed it. I can't wait for him to get his. Yes, I will rejoice on that day! Hallelujah!!!!!

Yes! Amen and Hallelujah!!!!!