All About GOD - Growing Relationships with Jesus and Others
QUE SERA SERA???
The Tabula Tattoo Taboo
Bruce Cameron
Tattoos are how my children's generation expresses its individuality, which is why they all have one.
I've got nothing against tattoos: They've been used for centuries to identify which sailors on a particular ship got drunk the night before. But at least those sailors, upon awakening and seeing the name Sheila inked into their shoulders, have the satisfaction of being able to say, "Who the heck is Sheila?"
My children are not sailors, but they are all of the generation that is determined to do to their own flesh what the Exxon Valdez did to the Alaskan coastline.
"You don't need to draw permanent lines in your skin," I've told them. "Believe me, age will do it for you."
They roll their eyes at this. Clearly, I don't know anything. "It's how I express my freedom of expression," my daughter says.
"It's also how incarcerated felons express their boredom," I counter. Another eye roll.
"I'm going to get one that says 'tabula rasa,'" she announces. "It's Latin."
"You don't speak Latin!" I respond sharply.
"That has nothing to do with it."
"You don't even like Latin music!"
It's ironic that when I say something intelligent, like, "Eventually your tattoo will fade and stretch and look like some sort of skin disease," my children pretend I'm stupid. But when I say something stupid, like, "You don't even like Latin music," they act like I've made a good point.
"I like some Latin music," my daughter corrects.
"Tabula rasa means 'blank slate,'" I inform her.
"I know what it means," she answers. "That's why I want it."
"You can't write 'blank slate' on your skin," I fume at her. "Once you write it, the slate's no longer blank! That would be like going to the blackboard and writing, 'There's nothing written on this blackboard.'"
"Oh, Dad," my daughter responds, pity in her voice. "We use whiteboards now."
"Why not put, 'Your Ad Here,' while you're at it?" I suggest. "No, wait, if you're being ironic, why not, 'Do not read this?' Or how about, 'I don't have a tattoo'?"
"Dad. 'Tabula rasa' because my life is a blank slate, see? I don't know what is in my future."
"I do. What's in your future is paying a doctor to have the words 'tabula rasa' removed from your arm."
"If that's in the future, that's in the future," my daughter reasons with undeniable accuracy. "Que sera sera. What will be will be."
"No, what will sera doesn't need to sera," I reply. "Whether a tattoo will be or not will be is your choice, so you will need to go to the dermatologist to have it removed only if you decide to put it there in the first place."
She looks at me as if I'm, well, speaking Latin.
"I suppose you think que sera sera is Latin, too," I say bitterly. "Famously recorded by Doris Day, that well-known singer of Latin music."
"You've really lost it, Dad," she admires.
There goes my theory that if I spew nonsense my children will take me seriously.
I'm frustrated: How to explain it to her, or to any of my children? You take your skin for granted -- it's just there, covering your body, until one day it starts developing little marks and creases on its own, like an old wallet wearing out. Inside, you feel as if your tabula is still rasa, but what will be has already been, for the most part, and it all shows on the outside. Why hasten the transformation of the skin from a beautifully blank slate to a blackboard (or whiteboard) full of scrawlings and calculations?
But, like drunk sailors and bored felons, my children will not be deterred. My son's back has complicated geometrics inked into it -- it looks like space aliens have been making crop circles. My daughters have more subtle designs, with the one who wants the Latin inscription holding off until she can decide on the way she wants the drawing done (you don't want "nothing written here" inked into your skin in the wrong font).
I guess they're legally old enough to get tattoos if they want them. I'll just have to accept it.
Que sera, sera...
Bruce Cameron
Tattoos are how my children's generation expresses its individuality, which is why they all have one.
I've got nothing against tattoos: They've been used for centuries to identify which sailors on a particular ship got drunk the night before. But at least those sailors, upon awakening and seeing the name Sheila inked into their shoulders, have the satisfaction of being able to say, "Who the heck is Sheila?"
My children are not sailors, but they are all of the generation that is determined to do to their own flesh what the Exxon Valdez did to the Alaskan coastline.
"You don't need to draw permanent lines in your skin," I've told them. "Believe me, age will do it for you."
They roll their eyes at this. Clearly, I don't know anything. "It's how I express my freedom of expression," my daughter says.
"It's also how incarcerated felons express their boredom," I counter. Another eye roll.
"I'm going to get one that says 'tabula rasa,'" she announces. "It's Latin."
"You don't speak Latin!" I respond sharply.
"That has nothing to do with it."
"You don't even like Latin music!"
It's ironic that when I say something intelligent, like, "Eventually your tattoo will fade and stretch and look like some sort of skin disease," my children pretend I'm stupid. But when I say something stupid, like, "You don't even like Latin music," they act like I've made a good point.
"I like some Latin music," my daughter corrects.
"Tabula rasa means 'blank slate,'" I inform her.
"I know what it means," she answers. "That's why I want it."
"You can't write 'blank slate' on your skin," I fume at her. "Once you write it, the slate's no longer blank! That would be like going to the blackboard and writing, 'There's nothing written on this blackboard.'"
"Oh, Dad," my daughter responds, pity in her voice. "We use whiteboards now."
"Why not put, 'Your Ad Here,' while you're at it?" I suggest. "No, wait, if you're being ironic, why not, 'Do not read this?' Or how about, 'I don't have a tattoo'?"
"Dad. 'Tabula rasa' because my life is a blank slate, see? I don't know what is in my future."
"I do. What's in your future is paying a doctor to have the words 'tabula rasa' removed from your arm."
"If that's in the future, that's in the future," my daughter reasons with undeniable accuracy. "Que sera sera. What will be will be."
"No, what will sera doesn't need to sera," I reply. "Whether a tattoo will be or not will be is your choice, so you will need to go to the dermatologist to have it removed only if you decide to put it there in the first place."
She looks at me as if I'm, well, speaking Latin.
"I suppose you think que sera sera is Latin, too," I say bitterly. "Famously recorded by Doris Day, that well-known singer of Latin music."
"You've really lost it, Dad," she admires.
There goes my theory that if I spew nonsense my children will take me seriously.
I'm frustrated: How to explain it to her, or to any of my children? You take your skin for granted -- it's just there, covering your body, until one day it starts developing little marks and creases on its own, like an old wallet wearing out. Inside, you feel as if your tabula is still rasa, but what will be has already been, for the most part, and it all shows on the outside. Why hasten the transformation of the skin from a beautifully blank slate to a blackboard (or whiteboard) full of scrawlings and calculations?
But, like drunk sailors and bored felons, my children will not be deterred. My son's back has complicated geometrics inked into it -- it looks like space aliens have been making crop circles. My daughters have more subtle designs, with the one who wants the Latin inscription holding off until she can decide on the way she wants the drawing done (you don't want "nothing written here" inked into your skin in the wrong font).
I guess they're legally old enough to get tattoos if they want them. I'll just have to accept it.
Que sera, sera...
Views: 1690
Replies are closed for this discussion.
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Ramona P. Jacobsz on
-
DEAR RNC
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR COMMENT... THESE ARE NOT MY KIDS BUT I FOUND IT SO EXTREMELY INTERESTING... AND I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU. PEOPLE ALL FROWN ON THE KIDS WITH THEIR RINGS ALL OVER AND TATOES... BUT WE MUST EXTEND LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING AND REALIZE THAT THE KIDS ARE GROWING UP IN A DIFFERENT ERA. I PLACED THIS COMMENT TO GAUGE THE FEELINGS OF ALL OUR CHRIST FOLLOWING FRIENDS ON THE 'NET.
SOME PEOPLE I KNOW WHO ARE THE GREATEST HAVE A TATOO OR TWO (SMILE)... BUT I LOVE THEM "WARTS AND ALL"... AND I AM POSITIVE THAT JESUS' UNCONDITIONAL LOVE ALSO APPLIES TO THEM.
THANK YOU FOR THE POSITIVE COMMENT THAT I EXPECT FROM A CHRIST FOLLOWER... I SINCERELY APPRECIATE IT. AND I KNOW THAT YOU WOULD BE ONE IN A CROWD THAT WOULD ACTUALLY PRAY FOR OUR WAYWARD YOUTH... AFTER ALL WHOSE EXAMPLES DID THEY FOLLOW?
AS FAR AS JUDGMENT IS CONCERNED - I ALSO AGREE THAT PEOPLE SHOULD REMOVE THE BEAM IN THEIR OWN EYES BEFORE THEY SEARCH FOR SPLINTERS IN ANOTHER...
GOD BLESS YOU MIGHTILY MY DEAR FRIEND
<:))))>
Your Friend
Ramona P. -
-
-
My dearest Ron
With tongue in cheek I say : Great minds think alike! (forget the last bit about : "fools never differ"... :) After all we are all CHIDREN OF GOD and His commandment was that we love one another...
Some people can't see the wood for the trees. You know, if I put my hand in my own bosom it comes out with leprosy!!! So I try not to be judgmental... As you aptly say "wa are all sinners, but some people actually think they have their stuff together"... This also amazes me because IT IS ONLY GRACE THAT SAVES US... and I am just a plain and simple CHILD OF GOD... with no pomp or airs!
God bless you my dear friend and may you and your loved ones be mightily blessed in 2009. May you experience all the love, peace and joy that you wish your "brother"...
Blessings in Jesus and thank you for your "hand of friendship" I am truly honoured!
<:))))>
Your Friend
Ramona P. -
-
Permalink Reply by Prophet on
-
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT TATTOOS?
The Bible warns us against tattoos in Leviticus 19:28 (Amplified) which says, "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print or tattoo any marks upon you: I am the Lord."
I know some will have a hard time receiving this teaching because tattooing has now become an accepted practice in our society. However, just because society approves of something does not make it right in God's eyes. Our society at large, also approves of abortion and divorce as well. However, the Bible makes it clear that God doesn't approve of these things.
In sharing this teaching, I am not trying to condemn anyone who already has a tattoo; but rather to warn those who are considering getting one. God loves us, and even when we make mistakes in poor judgment, He doesn't condemn us, but rather tries to help overcome the consequences of those mistakes. Having a tattoo will not keep anyone from serving the Lord. We know some very godly people who have tattoos and are serving the Lord and their tattoos do not interfere with what God is doing through them. Anything Satan tries to use for evil, God can turn and use it for good when we commit totally to Him. God takes us as we are and uses us if we will yield to His will. God will use any of us when we come out of the world and start serving Him with our whole hearts to do His will. Our past is under the blood of Jesus and the sins and mistakes of the past will not hinder our God in our serving Him. Only a hard and unrepentant heart keeps us tied to the old life.
There are many dedicated and sincere Christian people that have tattoos. This article is not meant to say they do not love the Lord. God not only can use them, but does use them. The issue is not whether God can use someone, but rather should Christians pursue getting tattoos? Just because something is popular does not mean it is right. We should always examine things by the "roots and the fruits" of the thing in question.
TATTOOING HAS WITCHCRAFT "ROOTS"
In addition to the above verse, Scripture also warns us not to disfigure our bodies in following verses:
1 Kings 18:28: "And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them."
Deuteronomy 14:1(Amplified): "Ye are the sons of the LORD your God; you shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness on your foreheads for the dead."
When it speaks here about doing this in relation to the dead; this was a witchcraft rite done to mourn or remember their dead. Therefore tattooing, cutting one's body and shaving one's head in defiance have their origin in witchcraft practices. Tattoos have their "roots" in witchcraft. Many young people today are doing these very things because of some evil witchcraft influences in their lives that they are unaware of. They do not realize that partaking of these can open the door to wrong and defiling influences in their lives. Evil videos, depraved rock music albums, wicked Internet games and violent movies are displaying evil trends in order to destroy our youth. Satanic tattoos, skin heads and other cultic rites are opening many of our children to demonization.
This is what makes it spiritually dangerous for people. People do not realize displaying a satanic mark or symbol can open the door for Satanic attack which allows the enemy entrance in their lives. It is not the mark itself, but rather the sin behind it. Today this practice is growing because of the spread of False Religions. Some people are so hideously covered with tattoos that their appearances look evil. Others, only have small tattoos that they believe are trendy or artistic.
Now this article is not meant to hurt or offend those that have tattoos, but rather to help people avoid getting tattoos that later on they might regret (especially young people). Many tattoos have evil and witchcraft themes that are portrayed as devil faces, skulls, ugly demonic signs, vulgar pictures, etc. These things hurt the human spirit, just as satanic displays of any kind do. Some tattoos are obviously Satanic as they look devilish, while others may be flowers or innocent looking names or objects but it is the spirit behind this compromise that makes it dangerous for a Christian. God loves the person who has tattoos just as He loves all of us. However, He would rather we did not deface our bodies in any fashion.
Some people object to using Old Testament scripture as a reference to tattoos since the New Testament doesn't speak of these things. However, in the New Testament we are even called to a higher law. We are to have God's laws written in our hearts. When we remain close to the Lord and obey Him, He can direct us in things that are not good for us. For example although the Bible does not say, "Thou shalt not smoke" or "Drug addiction is bad for you;" we know that these things are destructive to the human body. In the New Testament, we are told to glorify God in our bodies. This would include not marring our bodies with tattoos, as the principles in the Bible clearly tell us it is wrong to defile our bodies. -
-
-
Dear Prophet
All you have written is true and wise... However, children are being indoctrinated incorrectly these days and if they are not spiritually strong they fall into the snares of Satan. When and if this happens that a young. foolish, person acquires a tattoo... it is too late to cry over spilt milk. I am sure there are a lot of people who would love to get rid of their tattoos... but "ouch"... Do you know, even pastors kids try being "in"... I am sure a lot of people who had tattoos done hve regretted it. Thank God that His love is unconditional... albeit it that a lot of practices are wrong.
God bless you and thank you for the very wise advice... If only we could convince the kids that tattoo's are not "cool"...
Fond love in Jesus
<:))))>
Your Friend
Ramona P. -
-
-
I know all the temptationa that our kids go through, that is why it is so very important to desciple them from a very young age, They need to know GOD and they need to know their rights as children of God and they need to be taught to operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit from a very young age so they have strength to stand against satan.
It is also very important to cut off the Generational curses from them when they are young so our rebellious spirit is not visited on them, I don't know about you but God only got my attention when I was 32 and by that time I had done a lot of rebelling. So I had to repent of that and cut it off from my children so they did not walk the same road,
We also need to be proactive and to cover them with the BLOOD, much the same way that the Israelites used it to keep themselves safe from the angel of death in Egypt. We literally need to anoint them with the BLOOD as one would use the oil. THE BLOOD is very powerful and it is amazing how many christians don't know this or use it, It prevents the spirit of chaos from taking root in the lives of our children and keeps them safe from the whiles of satan.
Gos Bless -
-
-
Dearest Prophet
You are again ""spot on",,, I agree totally with you. Bringing up kids is the parents responsibility. I grew up in a Christ Following home BUT we also had Christ in our schools!!!! I agree that it is the parents duty to teach their children. All kids, however, are born into homes where parents do not pray nor even say Grace at table. The Governments are also totally to blame for trying to be "democratic" and considering religions like Muslims, etc... and not wanting to offend them by having CHRIST in our schools! I think the only option that remains is that we sincerely pray for our YOUTH... the future generation... I know of some kids who grew up in a Pastor's home who went off the rails, The parents are not to blame but Satan is rife. PRAYER is our only answer.
Also, I notice if there are kids in church who look scruffy with long dirty hair and sneekers some people seem to frown.... I go and hug the kid and he/she knows I love him/her. Let us demonstrate Christ's love and PRAY.
Fond love in Jesus -
-
-
HI Hanna Bath,
Tattoos are something that have existed since before Jesus was born and were always used to denote tribe, clan, religioous affiliation, wether one was a slave or if one was free born so they have had a lot of uses and meanings throught the ages,
But why mar our skin which is beautifully made and created by God it is the largest and most interesting organ in and on our bodies it has innumerable functions and is just so amazing.
I have a lady friend who had a lot of tattoos and when she became born again she asked the Lord to remove them as a sign that her sins were really forgivien, and everyday for months she would look at them and say "they are still here, they are still here.. God is not listening . He does not hear me." Early one morning about six months later, I was tired of the moaning and trying to encourage her by that time..... I got the most awesome phone call from her.. she was literally gibbering..... "they are gone, they are gone" The Lord had literally removed every one of the tattos, what she did not realise was that they had been fading and getting lighter and lighter from the time she prayed and she would not believe us when we told her, eventually they were all gone....... so AWESOME!! I want to shout.....
during the 60s we tried the henna tattoos the ones that eastern ladies have for their weddings on our hands and feet.. so beautiful..... and wear off in about 6 weeks.... there are also ink tattoos done with permanent ink which also wears off in about 6 weeks. The real problem with tattoos is that people do not know what most of the signs and emblems mean....... I also know of a young girl who has some chinese characters tattooed down her spine very elegant and nice looking but the words read "I am a prositute, and do not cost very much" so sad.... I just pray for the young people of today it is so much harder growing up in this day and age than it ever was for my generation.
Be Blessed -
-
Permalink Reply by AAG Netguy on
-
I don't have any tattoos, mostly because it was not something most of my generation did/does and because of all the reasons the original poster listed above. The later is the same reason I don't like bumper stickers on my car; it's permanent! Why mar the factory finish? :-)
However, to those who believe the Bible prohibits tattooing in this age, I would also have to say that if you want to use Leviticus 19:28 as a prohibition, then you should also hold to Leviticus 19:19 which prohibits planting a field with two kinds of seed, and wearing clothing made of two different kinds of fabric; Leviticus 19-23-25 which prohibits eating any fruit off of your trees until year #5; and Leviticus 19:27 which prohibits trimming your beard or sideburns.
So... i guess it is time to let that bushy beard grow out and fling those polyester-cotton shirts in the garbage can!
"But now that you know God — or rather are known by God — how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? ....It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" (Galatians 4:9, 5:1). -
-
Permalink Reply by David Velasquez on
-
I have7 tattoos, but don’t really like them, so I don’t know if I should say anything here. But I can't help it, I will haha. Just kidding about 7 tattoos hahahha I only have one. I don’t really care for them, but i am not necessarily againts them either. Great help I am huh? hahaah Anyhoo here are my thoughts.
We are not under the levitical law, but the law of love and the Spirit. Paul tells those that want to be under law in Galatia that they should remember the whole law if they want to go that route. So no pork or lobster, and don’t forget all men must be circumcised. Hahahha!
The question for a Christian when discussing the issue of tattoos should not be "is it sin?", but "is it love?". When asking this about tattoos, different people will have different answers. I’m convinced in most cases tattoos don’t help edify others, but I am sure there are circumstances where that is so. I have friends that use the ones they have to reach out to a sector of society that is not welcome even in most churches.
Tattoos are part of Art in today’s world and there are some very horrible ones and on the other hand there are some with even a Christian slant to them.
I kind of want to put my wife’s name (when and if I marry) on the bottom of the one I have now , don’t ask me why. :) But probably will not. They do look kind of funky when one is old.
Romans 14 and the beginning of Romans 15 help me as the standard principles for such issues of conscience.
1. Those with conviction that tattoos are wrong shouldnt get them, and shouldnt judge those that do.
2. Those that have a conviction that tattoos are ok, shouldnt put a stumbling block in front of their weaker brethren that do. they will be tempted to get them inspite of their conviction, or judge those that get them. so the bible says we should do it before the lord. in other words get a tatoo that doesnt make others stumble (i.e. cant be seen). if it can be seen it is no longer "between me and the lord", but is something everyone has to wrestle with.
Leviticus 19:28 I believe this is talking about making tattoos that had a meaning attached to them that was contrary to God.
Blessings and please no hate mail. hahaha -
-
-
Pretty cool vid -
-
Permalink Reply by Joleen on
-
just watched this video and didnt get anything out of it accept a defense of tattoos. I have a tattoo my daughters "without my permission" have tattoos. I regret mine and Im not sure if they do or not. I was told once I was going to hell for having mine.. but only once. I dont know if tatoos are a sin or not but I do know by pictures I have seen and people I have seen on talk shows that some take the few tatoos and become obsessive turning their bodys into grotesque images. Some even go from there and have their tongues slit like a snake and holes drilled in their heads with horns inserted.. on and on and on. I know now its a fad its in but none of yall can convince me that theses people who become obsessed arent being drawed in by demonic force. If I was a people person would I down grade them and judge them ? No but if they was my friend or a church sister or brother I sure would try to talk to them. I dont care if I wear polyester or not he he he ha ha ha < almost forgot that one. No seriously tatoos shouldnt cause someone to be judged but to be obsessed possessed what ever there is something not right. Im not talking just about all over the body im talking about all over the face along with plastic surgery to make themselves look like an animal or whatever. Yall can defend them all you want and call me an hokie pokie old lady but i bet when yall seen what im talking about i bet to your selves you said why would they do that to themselves?" I know its not for me to figure it out but still its sad and scary that some do all that to themselves
15 minutes left to edit your comment. -
Welcome to
All About GOD
The Good News
Meet Face-to-Face & Collaborate
© 2024 Created by AllAboutGOD.com.
Powered by
