My Opinion

[good samaritan]

Originally Posted by Godsdrummer

Tattoos are a cultural thing, in our life time our culture has changed and is changing faster than some of us like or could dream of. In one generation it seems tattoos have gone from being a negative to something in between to acceptable.

My father tattooed himself in prison and keeps his covered. But today it seems everyone I know has one. Including my children. As for knowing why they got them. Each one has a meaning for each one of my children.

Bottom line, I think we need to quit drawing lines in the sand about non issues. And spread the love of Christ, not our own pet standards etc.

Luk 9:49 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.
Luk 9:50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.

Tattoos are a part of this world's culture not the Church. Sure, there is forgiveness. Someone who Has the baptism of the Holy Ghost and is continuing therein will not get a tattoo. We are not to intentionally abuse our bodies. Tattoos actual cut into your flesh leaving inkstained scaring.

It is sad to see millennials so liberal and elders who should be rebuking their actions. OP's are labeled often as legalists, but they actually are not. Many of the OP teachings are not spelled out in the scripture, but they apply principles from all throughout the Bible. Liberal christians today refute obeying anything that is not specifically spelled out by scripture (tithing, jewelry, alcohol, etc..).

The Holy Ghost is not leading this modern Christianity into acceptance of all of these practices that are grass rooted in paganism. I understand that there are many OP's who are guilty of hanging there hat on standards, but most that I know do not. We are watching generation after generation getting worse and we must do what we can to lead them to back to God.

[Sherri]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

You know what Sis, tattoos meant something to the culture I was once a part.

These people don't even know why they are tattooed. In other countries it is still associated with crime. In ancient times it was rights of passage, and more or less dealt with their religion. I came into the church tattooed, I didn't feel the need to peruse getting inked after being filled with the Holy Ghost.

The whole tattooed Christian thing is like the Christian Bike gang thing, which is a reflection of our decaying culture. Love Jesus? David Moses Berg, and his group loved Jesus also, sadly they loved other things too.

I guess that was a slam against my son, but I'm not going to receive that. He's an awesome guy and is totally committed to church, family and the Lord. You cannot judge by the outside; I've learned that through the years.

[good samaritan]

Christians today can't preach to the world to come out from the world and be seperate b/c there is nothing to separate oneself from. Beer, cigarettes, drugs, tattoos I never thought I would see the day when Christianity accepted these things into the church.

[allstate1]

Originally Posted by Sherri

I guess that was a slam against my son, but I'm not going to receive that. He's an awesome guy and is totally committed to church, family and the Lord. You cannot judge by the outside; I've learned that through the years.

That's EB's MO, to slam and belittle. Kinda tacky if you ask me.

[good samaritan]

At our church recently someone brought some plants to go at the entrance of the bldg. I carelessly made a comment that the pots weren't the right color. It was simply a taste difference. You could tell the person took some offence although none was intended.

Many times I get the impression we are trying to add to what God has done. So many people are insecure in there image and they are trying to change themselves. I believe make up, tattoos, etc. demonstrate insecurity in ourselves and that we are not complete without them. In other words we are not content and satisfied with who we are and the way God made us.

When God commissioned Moses to go deliver Israel, Moses began to mention his shortcomings. God quickly let him know that he was his creator and he was well aware of everything concerning Moses. When we are secure in the God who made us we don't feel the need to try to change our personalities and our image.

As a young man I was proud of the tattooing on may arm b/c it reflected and image that I was not. It made me feel tough. It was placed well upon my bicep that when I would flex my muscle it would make me feel like a macho guy. On the inside I was insecure and gentle and not at all the person I was trying to pretend to be. It is sad to see supposed Christians who are not comfortable in their own skin and with their own person.

[Sherri]

Originally Posted by allstate1

That's EB's MO, to slam and belittle. Kinda tacky if you ask me.

I've known him on these forums for years. I know his tactics. Ha

[shazeep]

ah, we decided those are (virtual) "endorsements," while he was on hiatus

[Godsdrummer]

Originally Posted by good samaritan

Christians today can't preach to the world to come out from the world and be seperate b/c there is nothing to separate oneself from. Beer, cigarettes, drugs, tattoos I never thought I would see the day when Christianity accepted these things into the church.

Please show me how the common person in the Bible appeared different from the world in dress and location. The only ones I see were the religious leaders, (Pharisees) and we know what Christ thought of them. I think many stretch Paul's words of separation of the world to mean something far different than what he meant.

By the way, there is not one scripture that explicitly teaches against one of those things in the list above. Understand I am not trying to put down people who have convictions. But if it is not spelled out in scripture, it is a conviction. And people need to stop trying to force each other to live by their convictions.

[shazeep]

i agree, even while i also agree that spiritually separating from the world is required; but i'm sure you were not disagreeing there. Beer, cigs, drugs, tattoos? Please, how about mortgages, praying to Santa Claus, and choosing the lesser of two evils?

[good samaritan]

Beer, cigs, drugs, tattoos?

Do you think these things are good?

Would you let your juvenile children do these things?

I hope yaws answer is no.

If it is questionable how could any professing Christian do it? Most of the Good ole baptist I know agree on these things, maybe with the exception of the cigs. Although these things are not explicitly labeled in the scripture neither is homosexuality (Except for under the law).

We have become so politically correct that we can't call something wrong. Although the Bible doesn't name any of these things, it certainly has principles that can be used against them. The Holy Ghost will lead and guide in all truth, but I know many believe that they receive the Holy Ghost at the moment of faith (No evidence necessary other than having love for people).