One of our church member in whatsapp had post a question asking, if we are allowed to tattoo and how does tattooing can reduce one's faith?
I had a discussion on same topic with one of my good friend who is not a part of the group. Well here is our chat below....
Me: Last night there was a discussion in the group if tattoo is fine in orthodoxy or not and everybody was giving different opinions and contradictory too. But you know, it's always good to be a part of the place where your words is not accepted because that is the place you will be polished more. You know a story of a coal bucket carried by a kid as authored by his father.. sometime search karna (hindi), it's so well written and i try to see this story in every situation. It's just simply beautiful.
You know i understand your point of view. And you are doing really fine with it.
My Friend: Some where in bible its written tattoo's not allowed.
Me: I know it's written dear.. But what if our soul and mind is towards god.
That's what Jesus needed in us to believe in him and god through complete faith.
MF: What if somebody tattoo himself with the photo of Christ? Has anyone seen christ?
Me: I know your question, yes we have not seen Christ but we assume and there is theory too on his looking through which the photo is portrayed.
MF: Which photo.. All which we see is imaginary.. Jesus didn't come on earth as handsome dude.. He came as a common man.. Everyone failed to recognize him as son of god till the end. There is no evidence which proves how Jesus looked. All were waiting for Jesus.. With some imagination.. He'll come as a king, in all kings attire.. But how did Jesus enter.. ?? With word of god Jesus made followers.. Not with his look. So what's the point in tattooing his photo?
Does your heart start singing praises if you have tattoo of Jesus..?
Does your heart start singing praises if you have tattoo of Jesus..?
Me: Nope not at all. Not necessary it will praise Christ if we have tattoo. It's agreeable.
This is my and your opinion. What about those who wish to tattoo Christ photo to show more affection and it can be his love too.
Suppose for an example, one who does tattoo, came across a stone or symbol which was given by his father and he/she just want to make sure that there is some resemblance which he wants it to be with all long. So he makes a pic on his body. And similarly, If i have come to a situation where i am blessed with Christ's love therefore i felt i love him, and in affection i would love to have a photo of his on me. And this in turn doesn't mean, i shall be tattooing myself to show it to others and later this fascination will affect my faith, if it's so then it's wrong, If it isn't then there is no question only.
Suppose for an example one drinks. Many places alcohol troubles one's mind and leads to another disaster but in Europe and Canada people do need Alcohol. It's completely depended on an Individual. If you co-relate it, you will get it.
Similarly if one tattoos and still having a good faith then there is no wrong. Therefore according to me, it's on a individual choice to take a decision. But if his action is affecting his faith he will be punished or otherwise he will be taken to heaven.
Mf: Wait dear.. You are going on a wrong track.
Several scriptures instruct Christians to take special care of their bodies. For example, 1 Corinthians 3:17 says, “If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.” Also, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 adds that our bodies belong to God, and that we are to glorify Him in body and spirit.
These biblical principles indicate that getting a tattoo is inappropriate for Christians.
Finally, we should bear in mind that God wants Christians to come out of and be separate from the world around us (2 Corinthians 6:17; Revelation 18:4). We are to reflect God’s values and His thinking. Because of these reasons, we strongly advise that people do not get tattoos.
Leviticus 19:28
"'Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.
Me: Defiles the temple of God doesn't mean that his anterior skin should be clean. Here the verse talk about pure thought, one's wrong thought can corrupt one's mind and body, like a lust.
Mf: What about leviticus?
Defiles doesn't imply dirt but it do implies immorality.
Me: Exactly, immorality again considered as a part of thought. I'll certainly let you know about Leviticus.
We have to understand the words then used and its meaning. So you will get a correct answer. I am just talking about the words through which we get carried away. Just like a word "Defiles".
Mf: Defiles ka meaning bolo.
Me: Yest, everybody was stating or concentrating on word defile. (This statement is about the chat happened in the group in whatsapp)
Defile means damaging or corrupting. And also the word states, the temple of God. And temple of God is not its exterior construction but it's interior, heart and mind.
Mf: Defiling temple of God means going against law.. Doing business in name of God.. Where material or body.. That's what it means, not related to exterior & interior.
Moses law wasn't for time pass, and one should be following what is written in bible instead of modifying it.
Modern generation are doing it in name of spiritual growth, modifying word of God, Like tattooing. Why there is need of modification when it's strictly written no tattooing.
Me: Nope.. not at all.. defiling ka (hindi) you are making another meaning ya.
Mf: Why linking something to something else when there's no ifs n buts mentioned.
Me: Lord talks about the business in temples and there is another law for it.
Exactly we shall not link it ya.. but i have set of examples as Christ gives examples to explain the difficult part.
Mf: Finally, we should bear in mind that God wants Christians to come out of and be separate from the world around us (2 Corinthians 6:17; Revelation 18:4). We are to reflect God’s values and His thinking. Because of these reasons, we strongly advise that people do not get tattoos.
Several scriptures instruct Christians to take special care of their bodies. For example, 1 Corinthians 3:17 says, “If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.” Also, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 adds that our bodies belong to God, and that we are to glorify Him in body and spirit.
It's simple that our body is temple of God, so keep it joly
Mf: Holy**
Mf: The way we keep our church holy.. Similarly same is considered for our body.
So its upto us how we'll take care of it.
Me:
So its upto us how we'll take care of it.
Me:
Me: I suppose my explanation was not clear enough. Leave it ya. One thing we shall make sure is that our deed is good regardless of the tradition and culture and style of living.
Next day
Me: Hey ya.. after chatting with you yesterday i had jot down some points in Mgocsm group about tattooing. Just thought i will share it with you too.
Corinthians 3:17 says, “If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.” Also, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 adds that our bodies belong to God, and that we are to glorify Him in body and spirit.
And there is another verse, Leviticus 19:28 'Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.
This will be lil long reading but I'll max to be short.
Here is my point of view,
Before starting let me say; It was said once by the Author, to understand one's writing you shall understand on what circumstances it was written, what place and various such element. So let me resume, don't just read but also understand it's meaning.
At start, it started with verse and speaks about defiling the temple of God. Please note, defiling means, damaging, corrupting or polluting. The verse is well said that, one shall not defile the temple of God. Now here defiling is considered as the inner self, your thoughts and mind, "not the anterior skin". Tattooing was a mark done on the slaves then for the identity and now the modern tattooing differentiates from it.
Tattooing one's body is completely fine, provided that the tattoo is not an image directly opposed to catholic teaching or religious sentiment or inordinate value is spent on the process.
Generally if you see the program shown in TLC Channel named something as 'Ink', there they states the reason and why that particular pic is selected. I being a cat lover, i will indeed like to have a pic of my cat on me so that her presence is always remembered and one always feel good to be close to things or person they love. This will not diminish my faith in Christ or Lord. Temple of God is not a physical body but your soul which is lived on regulation of your brain so it means that your mind and thought should not be spoiled.
In levictus it states, one shall not cut his body, as far as i remember, in those periods the slaves ears was pierced again for the identity purpose. "Tattooing was a ceremonial rite according to which people expressed their sorrow at funerals. The heathen did so to pacify the internal deities they dreamt about and to render them favourable to their deceased friend. God commanded this must not be imitated by his people. His people, whom the God of Israel had set apart for himself, were not to receive the image & superscription of these worthless deities, therefore not to make cuts or prints in their flesh. - #sources"
As one said here, the bible is written long back and the tradition at that time differs to the current one. However we still have certain regulation in tattooing which is to be followed. Like a picture of devils should not be depicted and various as such.
To cover, i will add one more point, we call Joseph as husband of marry but if study the history, they were not married but engaged and the terms then used use to call them as husband due to which we learn that Joseph is husband of Marry, which is not. Even the ten commandments given to us by moses; as then, people use to believe everything on this earth, like water, fire, sun and more therefore Lord has to put this rule that, there is only one God and you shall believe in me as the only God otherwise there is no reason in giving this rule.
And isn't it super cool gift to write your lovers name on forearms, just like Saif did or Beckham writing his wife as way of showing love. There are various mode in showing your affection and tattoo is one of that mode which shall not be considered as wrong or sin.
And if you still strictly believing that tattooing shall not be done just because it's written in bible then please read Revelation 14:1
So tattooing is just a way showing love which shall not be considered as wrong or sinful act.
Ultimately, One thing we shall make sure is that our deed is good regardless of the tradition and culture and style of living, your correct and good deed will lead you to heaven.
Mf: Whose view point is this?
Mf: Whose view point is this?
Whatever is shared.. isn't right ..
Dear friend, you got to read it carefully.
Mf: Will explain u.. Just hold on.
Dear friend, you got to read it carefully.
Mf: Will explain u.. Just hold on.
Me: Sure.. I like to polish myself & have its correct meaning.
Mf: Let us see from start.
Me: Please.. you can..
Mf: http://bible.com/296/mat.21.
God considers temple as a very holy place.. Do v allow hawkers to do their business in our church or its premises.
The whole premises is covered under church.. Do we consider people standing outside listening to Qurbana as unwanted.. Nope, Right? Same way whether its our inner soul or our outer body.. Only god has right to do any thing to it.. We have no right to ruin it.. V r that much precious.. We are his pearl..
Rev14:1 .. Based on that you are comparing with tattoo
144000 people are those who were selected by god for his army.. Marks which were there on their forehead are spiritual and not physical. Satan had planned for secret marks.. Where as Jesus openly chose his disciples.
Before all this just keep in mind one thing.. http://bible.com/296/rev.1.3.
First understand what is written.. Instead of applying modernization
If you Love cat.. Do it from heart.. Hypocrites do showoff .. By tattooing on their body..
Have you heard animals do see unwanted spirits.. But why do all humans don't see it?
Because Jesus doesn't want us to.. Only he has got the authority over paradise n hell..
When we die.. We go to paradise but after rapture we will be no where.
I just request .. Just ask for wisdom to understand God's plan.. It's not related to our modern thinking.. What is happening around is all satans work.. We new generation are failing to recognize it, and so pointed out comparing spiritual things with physical pollution. That's what the explanation was emphasizing on.. Rest is your own choice.
Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
Matthew 7:6 "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
One of the most difficult things for many Christians to do is to read God's Word with an open and unprejudiced mind. Most Christians are unwilling to give up practices even when they see these to be clearly contrary to the teaching of God's word.
We need to come back to the faith that was revealed by God to His holy apostles and prophets, as recorded in the Scriptures, if we are to fulfill God's purpose in our day and age. To come back to that, we must be willing to do violence to every tradition of man that is contrary to God's word (Matt. 11:12).
Choice is yours.
Me: I read your words.. I need some biblical reference for which I'll require my comp as it's difficult to type in mobile due to pain on left thumb as you know. I'll be back to you.
Me: Hey dear, yesterday was tied up. Here below is just a small explanation.
I understand your perception about the temple of God. And yes, exactly, we shall not spoil the temple of God. And you are also right, God has right to do anything with it, as Jesus himself said, he can demolish the temple and rebuild again in the 3rd day. And also if you read Mark 13:1-2, Look teacher what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings! And Jesus said, do you see this great building? There ll not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.
And as you know, Jesus spoke about the Church which shall not be tolerated if used for business reasons.
As you say that the interior or exterior part of the body shall not defile. Yes, here lord means that our mouth shall not speak wrong words and our eyes should not cast upon wrong things, such as another's wife, neighbors property and similarly more.
Now here read each and every word carefully; The word 'temple' describes the spirit's dwelling, it's a sacred place in which spirit not only lives but is worshiped and honored. Therefore, how we behave, think and speak and what we let into the temple through our eyes become critically important as well, for every thought, word and deed is in his view. Even though he will never leave us, It's is entirely possible to grieve the holy spirit (Ephesians 4:30)
Yes our body is a temple of God but rules given to us to control our tongue and eyes from lust, which also compares with the rules in 10 commandments, like you shall not steal, you shall not kill or commit adultery or giving false testimony, honoring your father and mother. Hope now we can understand how the temple of God shall be protected.
Yes our body is a temple of God but rules given to us to control our tongue and eyes from lust, which also compares with the rules in 10 commandments, like you shall not steal, you shall not kill or commit adultery or giving false testimony, honoring your father and mother. Hope now we can understand how the temple of God shall be protected.
Emphasizing on temple of God.
How can a body be a temple of God, when our body is eaten by the germs. Isn't, anything which cannot be destroyed, be a temple of God?
Let's talk more in brief.
If we go in the beginning of the creation and birth, we see that, "God formed man out of the dust" and after the same man's death his body goes back to the dust. And what is left is the soul.
If we go in the beginning of the creation and birth, we see that, "God formed man out of the dust" and after the same man's death his body goes back to the dust. And what is left is the soul.
Read ahead, John 3:1-5, Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
Let me know what water it states out here, Confused if it's scientifically described water?
So this is the beginning of human life, now lets go to the end.
So this is the beginning of human life, now lets go to the end.
And at the end, it's mentioned, All these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of Godliness n Holiness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, n the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heaven n new earth in which righteousness dwells. 2 peter 3
All the things will melt down. Our body is not constant but the soul is. If it's commanded if our body is not to do any folly it means we are not to corrupt our body and doing things which are of flesh.
Father Moses, Abraham n David sitting next to God in physical body or spirit?
So now as you got an understanding that the temple of God should not be spoiled with the lustful thoughts and criminal mind.
Well, anybody who does tattooing of his closest things, how can that person be a hypocrites? And i hope you remember the verse, you shall not judge if you don't want to be judged.
Yes, as you say that the love towards God shall be done through heart n not a show off but here tattooing is not a show off but an affection n if it's so then one who does to his/her entire body must walk bare body on streets as hypocrites do show off, unfortunately i do not see them anywhere on this earth. Nor am saying, one who tattoo's his body will be liked by the ultimate one but nor he is going to Reject him. Tattooing is one's choice which should not be considered as sin.
I didn't get the reasons on why you shared ,do not give dog what is sacred or throw pearls to the pigs. I don't know how it correlate our discussion on tattooing. But one thing i will add, loving animal is[truncated by WhatsApp]
Me: Animal is Not of anything wrong *
Mf: Last para what i shared is for those who is trying to modify what god has said.
Mf: One who is born with water and spirit means baptism. Not that we are made of water.
Me: Oh is that so..
Mf: In our orthodox we are baptized at our very early Age.. Where as in Jesus time and even in many other Sabha.. Those who understood and believed in kingdom of God.. after knowing that only the person receives communion.
Me: Yes, that's right.
Mf: I am still against tattooing because its not permitted by word of god.. You like something so u sketch on your body.. So what about Jesus.. There will be no space on his body then..
Just like I've shown you verse stating NO Tattooing.. Same way show me a verse stating tattooing is permitted. I'll believe only if its written in bible or else no arguments.
Me: Haha.. tattooing is a print ya.. in Revelation it's stated their forehead is printed with their name n fathers name. If tattooing or print is restrictions then i don't think Lord ll print on one's forehead. And as stated the tattooing then done and purpose behind was wrong, therefore the rule given then was to control the incorrect practice.
Mf: Did you see movies related rapture??
Me: No dear, You know the name, ll search for it and watch
Mf: Left behind 1 n 2.. Deceived and judgement day.
Me: Cool alright. Ll watch
Mf: These 4 movies will help you understand what revelation actually is...
Me: Yo.. I'll be glad to watch it.
Mf: So You'll not misinterpret the verses in revelation.
Me: Uh huh.. could be.. Gotta check!
Me: Well it was a wonderful chatting.
Mf: Hehe.. Yeah..
Sometime later
Me: Chalo, catch you later.
Mf: Alright.. See ya.. Buh-bye!
Me: Buh-bye :)
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I find this chat with lots of inputs in understanding God's word. Like me, everybody is uncertain about the reality. Here at the end my friend restricts tattooing self and to my view there is nothing wrong.
I felt this chat could be of good help to somebody so thought of bringing it public. Hope you enjoy reading it.
Take care and God bless!!
