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Dec 25, 2009, 9:38pm

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Christian Fly Fishers Forum :: Prayer Requests & Bible Study :: Biblical Discussions :: Leviticus 19:28

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Topic: Leviticus 19:28 (Read 75 times)

bluefish
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Leviticus 19:28
« Thread Started on Nov 5, 2009, 10:00pm »

What say the scholars here about tatoos and body piercings? I've read Leviticus 19:28, and also what the Catholic church has said about it (though I'm not Catholic). Any opinions? Personally, they are highly suspect , though I don't believe they would earn damnation if they were present before someone was saved.
Charlie

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bspitt
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Re: Leviticus 19:28
« Reply #1 on Nov 5, 2009, 10:41pm »

Well... I normally don't like to post links to other websites---But this article has some good points to consider. It will definitley get you in the Word & digging: (even if it does come from "about.com") - Especially note that Leviticus 19:26-27 say dont eat meat that is not kosher & dont trim your beard (paraphrased)---that passage (along with the tatoos) is about refraining from pagan ritiuals.

http://christianity.about.com/od/faqhelpdesk/f/tattoochristian.htm

I really like these question this articla outlines:
Here is a self-exam based on the ideas put forth in Romans 14. These questions will help you decide whether or not getting a tattoo is a sin for you:
How does my heart and my conscience convict me? Do I have freedom in Christ and a clear conscience before the Lord regarding the decision to get a tattoo?
Am I passing judgment on a brother or sister because I don't have freedom in Christ to receive a tattoo?
Will I still want this tattoo years from now?
Will my parents and family approve, and/or will my future spouse want me to have this tattoo?
Will I cause a weaker brother to stumble if I receive a tattoo?
Is my decision based on faith and will the result be glorifying to God?
Ultimately, the decision is between you and God. Though it may not be a black and white issue, there is a right choice for each individual. Take some time to honestly answer these questions and the Lord will show you what to do.

Personally I have no problems with tatoo's - I know many here will disagree with me on this matter, I have one tatoo on my ankle from my college days - it reminds me of where I have been - I also have another on my left sholder that was designed by my wife & I - It has a special meaning & was received after I was saved.

Brannon - PS ---NOT a "Scholar" :-*

« Last Edit: Nov 5, 2009, 10:55pm by bspitt »

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eimaj
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Re: Leviticus 19:28
« Reply #2 on Nov 5, 2009, 11:02pm »

Another non-scholar point of view. Like said above, I believe you have to check with yourself. With many points in my new life I find if I have to pause and reflect it's probably not a good idea anyways. From about ten years back I have most of my back and a section of my chest covered, luckily nothing bad. I does serve as a good reminder of how cool I thought I was

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Further more, I would like to qualify the above statement by saying I have no idea what I'm talking about

DarrinG
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Re: Leviticus 19:28
« Reply #3 on Nov 6, 2009, 6:40am »

I like what Jamie said above.
I recently had a nephew come to me and ask me if I though it was OK for him to steady-date a certain young lady who is probably a non-christian. He confessed to be a saved Christian and I believe he is. I put the question back to him, "What do you think?" He said, "Well, I don't know...I've thought about it and I'm not sure. I have doubts." I told him "There's your answer, young man! If you have something within you that tells you "whoa...I better stop and think this though" before you do it, then that's probably a unction from the Holy Spirit telling you something is probably wrong with what you're about to do". I then shared some scripture with him about being unequally yoked. He listened intently and when he left thanked me. I told him not to thank me, but give Jesus the thanks.

I also realize that the scripture in question is for the Jewish people under the levitical laws of that day, and many Jews still hold to those laws. I'm not Jewish and henceforth dont fall under those laws. Even if I was Jewish, I am a born-again Christian and the laws are covered from me by the blood of Christ. However, I believe we as gentiles, saved and "grafted in" by the blood of Christ, can still learn a great deal from studying the levitical laws. Brannon provided many excellent questions to ask yourself about tattoos and piercings. I cannot say to anyone else what I think they should do, unless it is in direct disobedience to scripture. One thing I ask myself about some things is this: Would I be proud to stand in front of my Saviour wearing this? Would Jesus do this? Am I doing this to say "Look at me!" to others? Could this become a stumbling block to other Christians?
I cannot tell anyone else what they should do concerning these issues. I can only say, if you are a born-again Christian, follow the lead of the Holy Ghost with much prayer.
2Timothy says this:
[20] But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
[21] If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
[22] Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

From another NON-scholar...just a simple born-again Christian.

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bluefish
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Re: Leviticus 19:28
« Reply #4 on Nov 6, 2009, 8:36am »

Sorry guys, I meant the scholar reference (someone who diligently studies) as a compliment, not said sarcastically, and I have done extensive reading on peoples opinions and what the Bible says about it. I didn't mean offense. Just wanted some different perspectives.

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fleming13
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Re: Leviticus 19:28
« Reply #5 on Nov 6, 2009, 8:38am »

I heard a story where a pastor's son came and asked him what he should get as a tattoo. The pastor's reply was priceless, Leviticus 19:28 :-*

He went on to say that his son researched it before going ahead with it.

Good answers. Nothing much to add except Romans 14:14

14As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food[b] is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean.

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Re: Leviticus 19:28
« Reply #6 on Nov 6, 2009, 8:48am »

Nov 6, 2009, 8:36am, bluefish wrote:

No worries and no apologies needed, Charlie. I think we knew that your scholar comment was meant as a compliment. My reply about it was done tongue-in-cheek and no offense was taken, bro.
It's all good.

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kycreekangler
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Re: Leviticus 19:28
« Reply #7 on Nov 6, 2009, 9:38am »

I have to say I agree with each post. This is a very personal thing. Personal as in "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Phi 2:12 (personal). I know a lot of good Christian men with tattoos from their military days they wish they didn't have but it hasn't hurt their service to the Lord. My brother in law (a police officer) has a large Guardian Angel tattoo that like Brannon's was designed by him and his wife. I avoided tattoos because I saw how embarrassed my Grandfather (a Baptist Minister)was of his military tattoos when he was older. I guess to sum up my rambling for me it may have the appearance of the world and I would not feel comfortable now. However, that is me not anyone else. I believe the Holy Spirit will let you know.

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bspitt
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Re: Leviticus 19:28
« Reply #8 on Nov 6, 2009, 9:38am »

Nov 6, 2009, 8:48am, DarrinG wrote:

Nov 6, 2009, 8:36am, bluefish wrote:

same for me - no offense :-X

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desertman
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Re: Leviticus 19:28
« Reply #9 on Nov 6, 2009, 8:32pm »

I am retired from the Navy and have NO tattoos. I just never felt that the pain justified the gain. Now as for piercings, I had my ear pierced before I was born the second time. I was trying to make a statement about how cool I was. After I was saved I felt convicted to remove the ring. No one said anything to me, just the Holy Spirit.
I think it largely depends on your reason for doing it, and how you would feel about showing it to Jesus the next day. I agree with everone else but especialy Darrin. "If you have doubts don't do it.
Richard Y :'(

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