Poll: Does the mainstreaming of tattoos open up increasing opportunities for faith ink witness?

[farouk]

Thanks to all who voted so far in the poll!

NB: If you have not yet voted in the poll, please vote now! :)

 

[farouk]

@Renniks FYI...did you see some of the latest posts, above? probably more or less in line with recent comments which you made, anyway.

 

[farouk]

I .. got mine at 46 .. My son had 7 or 8 tattoos before I even thought about it.

@Acolyte Seems like you had to wait a real long time for the experience until you finally felt "ready".

 

[amadeus]

@Candidus You might not be sympathetic — I think you may be speaking ironically here — but in terms of what it denotes it has a lot of meaning as a symbol; whether or not the pigment fades without ink touch ups after several years, its meaning abides, FYI:

"Butterfly tattoos are a very popular choice for both men and women, though they are a bit more popular with women. They can be used to symbolize rebirth, love, transformation, grace, nature, or femininity. .. The transformation symbolism is easy to detect as butterflies start their lives as caterpillars and after undergoing a process called metamorphosis emerge anew as beautiful winged creatures. This can also be considered a rebirth. .. The butterfly can also remind us to keep our faith or keep moving while we undergo transitions in our lives. This is the type of butterfly tattoo meaning that can be used by both sexes equally. .. The origination of the idea of a butterfly representing love comes from the Balkan Peninsula. In Greek the word butterfly is known as psyche .. The word psyche translates to “soul” thus further linking the butterfly to humans. .. The butterfly is not usually seen as a religious tattoo, but religious meanings can certainly be used. .. The meaning can change with butterfly tattoos depending on their placement on the body. For example, when placed on the shoulder blade it represents the dreamer whose head is in the clouds; on the chest it can mean unconditional love .. and on the lower back can signify stability, survival, and trust. If you care a lot about your tattoos’ meanings, then you will definitely want to think long and hard about where you want to place your butterfly tattoo. When placed properly, you can have five or six meanings that work .. ." tattooseo dot com

Lots of arguments to others, but if I am remembering correctly, you have not committed your own body to obtaining a single tatoo. Why such a positive stance against something you are not doing yourself? As you know I am solidly with @Candidus on this. I was glad to hear him come up with more reasons to, where possible, avoid getting any tattoos at all.

 

[farouk]

I thought some of Candidus's comments were very thoughtful. He has contributed with analysis to the discussion and your own posts are appreciated also. A design I got on my arm faded. Clearly some topics will evoke all sorts of views from various directions.

 

[farouk]

@OzSpen So did you ever meet the sports guy with the tattoos that you posted photos of? the John 3.16 one was particularly impressive.

 

[farouk]

@Rita So did you see Acolyte's comment and the response, in post #223, above?

 

[Rita]

Yes, to be honest I haven’t commented much today because of the condemnation that many have shown towards the subject- it really got to me yesterday.
Yes, I was 50 when I had mine done, and two of my sons had various tattoos long before me. I made the decision with a mature head on my shoulders. ......
Rita

 

[farouk]

Yes, to be honest I haven’t commented much today because of the condemnation that many have shown towards the subject- it really got to me yesterday.
Yes, I was 50 when I had mine done, and two of my sons had various tattoos long before me. I made the decision with a mature head on my shoulders. ......
Rita

Friend @Rita: Well, as regards the way you have said you were feeling yesterday, it's presumably that you are saddened by some of the attitudes. (And apart from anything else you've been through a lot as a family lately; and have virus-related work pressures also.)

Seems anyway that Acolyte's experience was broadly similar to yours, with her son having, if not 'introduced' her to tattooing, then gradually paved her way to begin to be in the frame of mind when it would start to become a possible, then a likely and then compellingly in time a strongly desirable option. (I'm sure that you would agree that, until the person has learned by individual process of experience that it's something really special and highly personal that must first be strongly desired, then there is reason to hesitate.)

But of course - after prayer, Bible study and receiving Godly counsel - you couldn't hesitate any longer and a parlor helped you confidently fulfil your strong desire, which felt really good and satisfying then and presumably feels really good and satisfying now; you couldn't hesitate any more then, and presumably - if having it done for the first time now - you wouldn't hesitate now.

Romans 14.22

 

[Rita]

Friend @Rita: Well, as regards the way you have said you were feeling yesterday, it's presumably that you are saddened by some of the attitudes. (And apart from anything else you've been through a lot as a family lately; and have virus-related work pressures also.)

Seems anyway that Acolyte's experience was broadly similar to yours, with her son having, if not 'introduced' her to tattooing, then gradually paved her way to begin to be in the frame of mind when it would start to become a possible, then a likely and then compellingly in time a strongly desirable option. (I'm sure that you would agree that, until the person has learned by individual process of experience that it's something really special and highly personal that must first be strongly desired, then there is reason to hesitate.)

But of course - after prayer, Bible study and receiving Godly counsel - you couldn't hesitate any longer and a parlor helped you confidently fulfil your strong desire, which felt really good and satisfying then and presumably feels really good and satisfying now; you couldn't hesitate any more then, and presumably - if having it done for the first time now - you wouldn't hesitate now.

Romans 14.22

Oh I just had enough yesterday, I am fine today xx
Rita

 

[Candidus]

I thought some of Candidus's comments were very thoughtful. He has contributed with analysis to the discussion and your own posts are appreciated also. A design I got on my arm faded. Clearly some topics will evoke all sorts of views from various directions.

The design on your arm faded? Have you considered Providence?:)


(Just teasing- have a blessed day!)

 

[farouk]

Hi @Naomi25 FYI....did you see the recent poll, above?

 

[farouk]

Oh I just had enough yesterday, I am fine today xx
Rita

@Rita So is any idea for a verse/quote that you maybe were once considering having injected into the other wrist (likewise the underside, presumably) on the 'back burner' now for the time being?

 

[Josho]

Does anyone remember those temporary tattoos? Used to get them at school

I think they used to come on a bit paper, you would stick it on arm, peel the paper back, and you would have a tattoo for a couple of days.

 

[farouk]

Certainly different than what most 20th century Christians imaged as the ideal "clean-looking Christian" man!

Conversely, I suppose, today a typical homeschooling Christian mom from the Midwest might not unusually have a family- or faith- themed tattoo.

(Not sure how this would advance or clarify the argument, one way or another...)

 

[farouk]

@Nancy, back a bit you said:

I have one tattoo and have regretted it throughout the years... I got it at the age of 16, I am very soon going to turn 62 and, have regretted getting it many times. ... I hold not a thing against anyone who has a tattoo as, just about everyone I know has at least one!

Well, no doubt about your regret!

But like you say, it is what ppl do, now.

 

[farouk]

Does anyone remember those temporary tattoos? Used to get them at school

I think they used to come on a bit paper, you would stick it on arm, peel the paper back, and you would have a tattoo for a couple of days.

@Josho So did you ever visit a parlor to look (without obligation) at the artwork?

 

[Rita]

Does anyone remember those temporary tattoos? Used to get them at school

I think they used to come on a bit paper, you would stick it on arm, peel the paper back, and you would have a tattoo for a couple of days.

Yes, I remember them well- my children use to have them.
I guess the equivalent today would be the henna tattoos
Rita

 

[Josho]

@Josho So did you ever visit a parlor to look (without obligation) at the artwork?

Nope haha

 

[farouk]

Nope haha

@Josho Well, fine...(artists don't bite; portfolios are there to be looked at, without obligation, anyway; it's unprofessional for artists to try to do a 'hard sell' on ppl that aren't ready for ink.)