tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post8339085173608678822..comments2024-02-18T12:18:45.788-05:00Comments on Sun and Shield: What the Bible says about tattoos: 1 Corinthians 8Martin LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629053725732957599noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-21655988800973483882014-02-24T19:08:52.762-05:002014-02-24T19:08:52.762-05:00Thanks, Anonymous.
Many things from Old Testament...Thanks, Anonymous.<br /><br />Many things from Old Testament Law are not required of Christians, and, apparently, have not been since the Jerusalem Conference in Acts 15.<br /><br />I appreciate your last sentence.Martin LaBarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14629053725732957599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-7616885024403484402014-02-24T18:48:26.452-05:002014-02-24T18:48:26.452-05:00I think that tattoos look bad and set a bad exampl...I think that tattoos look bad and set a bad example because they are controversial. Anyone who studies old testament law knows that many of the things there that are forbidden are obviously still forbidden today. Therefore Lev. 19:28 I believe still applies today. Several people also said when they see their tattoo it reminds them...we should not need to look at a tattoo on our body to be reminded to have a good relationship with God. And we shouldn't have to get a tattoo to show others we are Christians... That is crazy!! We are supposed to show God to others by the fruits that we bear, how we live our lives. I do not believe tattoos are a good thing for Christians to have and no one is ever going to give me a reason they got one that I feel is justified. However I would never mistreat or turn someone away from the church because of a tattoo or piercing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-18761279354890425692013-08-21T11:39:11.398-04:002013-08-21T11:39:11.398-04:00Thank you for your comment, and your spirit, Tim S...Thank you for your comment, and your spirit, Tim S.Martin LaBarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14629053725732957599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-31892952946118179082013-08-21T03:21:40.719-04:002013-08-21T03:21:40.719-04:00Thank you for your insight. In my opinion Leviticu...Thank you for your insight. In my opinion Leviticus 19:28 is telling us not to tattoo our bodies with statements saying we are the lord or god or some type of supreme being. It is my belief as the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 our bodies are temples and we should glorify god in our bodies and spirits. To me that means treat our bodies like a church. Any church you go into is decorated with pictures and banners honoring god, if our body is a temple/church then I think its OK to decorate it as long as its honoring god. All the tattoos I want are from my Christian beliefs. God is the only person who really knows our hearts therefore if a person claiming to be Christian turns away from someone because of a tattoo or appearances or lifestyle then they are not showing gods love which is what brings people out of the darkness into the light of salvation. Again this is my own personal interpretation of this topic. Thanks again.Tim Snoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-76443710241089235762013-07-27T07:23:26.229-04:002013-07-27T07:23:26.229-04:00Thanks, Suefan. I'm not clear on how this appl...Thanks, Suefan. I'm not clear on how this applies, though.Martin LaBarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14629053725732957599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-4369993500316234832013-07-26T21:01:06.951-04:002013-07-26T21:01:06.951-04:00
Jesus Christ said “Do not think that I have come ...<br />Jesus Christ said “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. For truly I tell you, until Heaven and Earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 5: 17-19 NIV)<br /><br />Jesus said “I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them” (the Law and the Prophets), making clear that “abolish” means one thing and “fulfil” means another. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-61579773516505735442013-07-26T21:00:43.216-04:002013-07-26T21:00:43.216-04:00
Jesus Christ said “Do not think that I have come ...<br />Jesus Christ said “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. For truly I tell you, until Heaven and Earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 5: 17-19 NIV)<br /><br />Jesus said “I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them” (the Law and the Prophets), making clear that “abolish” means one thing and “fulfil” means another. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-69536093937452031892013-07-26T21:00:11.163-04:002013-07-26T21:00:11.163-04:00
Jesus Christ said “Do not think that I have come ...<br />Jesus Christ said “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. For truly I tell you, until Heaven and Earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 5: 17-19 NIV)<br /><br />Jesus said “I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them” (the Law and the Prophets), making clear that “abolish” means one thing and “fulfil” means another. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-89744180535163913212013-07-26T20:59:19.213-04:002013-07-26T20:59:19.213-04:00
Jesus Christ said “Do not think that I have come ...<br />Jesus Christ said “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. For truly I tell you, until Heaven and Earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 5: 17-19 NIV)<br /><br />Jesus said “I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them” (the Law and the Prophets), making clear that “abolish” means one thing and “fulfil” means another. <br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-65420949326702490122013-01-21T17:01:07.521-05:002013-01-21T17:01:07.521-05:00Thanks for your comments, Anonymous.Thanks for your comments, Anonymous.Martin LaBarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14629053725732957599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-71077873563748875832013-01-21T15:21:32.942-05:002013-01-21T15:21:32.942-05:00Cont... because this is not the sole judgment of w...Cont... because this is not the sole judgment of what we do. Its all in God's hands. <br /><br />Again, the arguments are both valid. It was great, really fascinating and it helped me broaden my understanding. Peace be with us. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-15447220758032456822013-01-21T15:16:01.987-05:002013-01-21T15:16:01.987-05:00James 4:12. Good arguments btw. Both sides have go...James 4:12. Good arguments btw. Both sides have good points. These points are products of our OWN understanding enforced by what we have learned from our experiences, teachings from elders teachers, commentaries, blogs, and the Bible it self. These are opinionated views mashed up into one. It would be best if all of whatwe have shared here came directly from God to us. There would be no point of feeding ones mind with our beliefs and understanding if we have different positions reagrding the topic. We have been given free will, we know what is morally right and what is not. Let God be the judge for the purpose of our actions and not what it may seem to othersAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-39367429387719280412012-12-02T07:12:36.673-05:002012-12-02T07:12:36.673-05:00Thanks, Jon. I think so, and not commanding agains...Thanks, Jon. I think so, and not commanding against tattoos in general.Martin LaBarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14629053725732957599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-14832195020555477462012-12-02T02:11:03.764-05:002012-12-02T02:11:03.764-05:00Leviticus 19:27: Ye shall not round the corners of...Leviticus 19:27: Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.<br /><br />Thats a great thought. Like I said it dose require a small amount of research but I found several places that confirmed both the Egyptians and other pagans in the time of this command had a practice of cutting their beard and hair in a circular fashion to create a roundness. This symbolized the deity of the person and was often wore by kings, priest or Pharaohs (Egypt)<br /><br />So we see God is commanding against 5(6 if you include tattoos) pagan rituals.<br /><br />1 - Meat with blood<br />2 - Enchantments<br />3 - Observation of times<br />4 - Pagan haircut<br />5 - cutting of flesh for dead<br />6 -TattoosJonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-66743910606755261172012-11-29T06:23:05.286-05:002012-11-29T06:23:05.286-05:00Perhaps, Jon.
But if so, doesn't this section...Perhaps, Jon.<br /><br />But if so, doesn't this section require that men have a beard, as part of a moral code? (I've got one, and have had for decades, but not because of Leviticus 19:27.) I think it more likely that this is a commandment not to participate in pagan burial customs by getting a tattoo, and not a moral prohibition against tattoos in general. The statement about tattoos in Leviticus 19:28 doesn't seem to be reaffirmed in any way in the New Testament.<br /><br />Thanks for your comment.Martin LaBarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14629053725732957599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-10962480426570283752012-11-29T01:28:30.159-05:002012-11-29T01:28:30.159-05:00Great context of dividing scripture ! however I pe...Great context of dividing scripture ! however I personally real that tattoos do fall under the moral code. If we look at the verses around Leviticus 19:18 and do a small amount of research this is evident.<br /><br />Leviticus 19:26: - don't eat meat with blood,don't practice enchantments<br />Leviticus 19:27: Don't even cut your hair how the pagans cut theirs (round to represent a halo - or deity of a person)<br />Leviticus 19:28: Cutting - directly related with demons - (Mark 5- maniac)<br />In context we have three verse talking about pagan practices, demons and witchcraft. It is no coincidence tattoos are mentioned in these verses!<br /><br />Jonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-26641667072810317142012-11-07T17:37:09.805-05:002012-11-07T17:37:09.805-05:00Thanks for your comment, krisjamel.
You seem to b...Thanks for your comment, krisjamel.<br /><br />You seem to be a lot surer about what went on in Bible times than I am, for example saying that men didn't wear jewelry in Paul's time. Maybe, maybe not. I don't think we know.<br /><br />But I like this: "I'm just stating what the Bible says and how our answers should come from our individual study of God's word through prayer. The Bible gives us moral principles as well as commandments. The Lord meets us where we are in an attempt to get us where we need to be." I would add that we should also consult with mature Christians, and examine what, if anything, the church did, about important issues, not just depend on ourselves and our own interpretation of the Bible.Martin LaBarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14629053725732957599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-30149839162130991902012-11-07T10:31:09.895-05:002012-11-07T10:31:09.895-05:00Hello Again Mr. LaBar,
The Bible explains itself i...Hello Again Mr. LaBar,<br />The Bible explains itself in almost all areas including why God told the Israelites not to make markings on their bodies and why Paul and Peter wanted Christians to emphasize Christ-like character over outward adornment. It's very simple, he chose us to be peculiar and standout in the world (Ex. 19:6, 1 Peter 2:9. Not by words or even individual actions but our lifestyles. There are principles involved with understanding the Bible and Christian living that go far beyond simple cultural references or whether it was commanded. Paul spoke to women because at the time men in general did not adorn themselves in such a way, however in modern society men adorn themselves in the same manner as women and even to more of an extreme. God continues to deal with us in his infinite wisdom and longsuffering because he knows us, however He has shown us in the Bible that He will only be patient but for so long. Jeremiah 2:32 mentions jewelry, however everytime something is mentioned in the Bible, whether it be right or wrong, it will not always be condemned. How often was it mentioned that the patriarchs had multiple wives and in turn how often was it condemned? Please understand, I'm not saying jewelry or tattoos are inherently wrong, nor am I by any means judging those who partake of either. I'm just stating what the Bible says and how our answers should come from our individual study of God's word through prayer. The Bible gives us moral principles as well as commandments. The Lord meets us where we are in an attempt to get us where we need to be. For instance, could the money spent on a tattoo be given as a freewill offering to help your local church pay bills or feed the hungry? Could the jewelry you wear tempt a recovering thief or make someone covet what you have? If the answer is yes to either question then the Bible is asking us, not commanding, "Why take the chance of ruining someone elses salvation over insignificant trinkets, body decoration, entertainment, etc.; even if it doesn't cause you to lose your own salvation?" Everyone is unique and therefore anything can be made into a salvivic issue and even further we can make anything an idol; including self. Romans 14:21 states, "It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak." This is clearly embodied above in your point #6. It seems that many of your readers miss your clear discernment of Biblical principle and I just pray that they are lead back to the Word. Thank you again for your always clear and respectful discourse.krisjamelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01458199724094247763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-43411864602276664252012-11-07T06:13:22.818-05:002012-11-07T06:13:22.818-05:00Thank you for your post, krisjamel.
I'm going...Thank you for your post, krisjamel.<br /><br />I'm going to stick mostly to jewelry in this comment. I wear a wedding ring, for what it's worth.<br /><br />I note the passages you cite, on jewelry. It is possible that the first one was a special case, applying to the Hebrews at that time. I'm not sure. They still had the ornaments in Exodus 35. Whether they put them back on between 33 and 35, I don't know.<br /><br />1 Timothy 2 mentions only women, which indicates pretty strongly that it is a commandment applying to that culture, not a moral commandment. <br /><br />1 Peter 3 seems to be more about having inner beauty than about not having jewelry.<br /><br />Jeremiah 2:32 indicates that maidens and brides, at least, wore jewelry, and the verse does not condemn the practice.<br /><br />In other words, I don't think there's a rock-solid biblical case against wearing jewelry.<br /><br />I don't think that we can be sure that Jesus didn't have one or more tattoos, or that He did. As far as I know, the Bible is silent on the subject, so we should be careful about making dogmatic statements, either way.<br /><br />The Bible is not silent on pride, however, or on being ornamented by a humble, Christ-like spirit. There's a rock solid case for both of these. I believe that there are people who can, and do, have tattoos without pride, and with a humble, Christ-like spirit. There are, of course, those who have tattoos out of pride, or in mimicry of people who shouldn't be mimicked, and without a Christ-like spirit.<br /><br />Thanks again for your comment.Martin LaBarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14629053725732957599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-84977176759946378842012-11-05T11:33:07.374-05:002012-11-05T11:33:07.374-05:00Hello,
Actually Mr. LaBar I think your initial arg...Hello,<br />Actually Mr. LaBar I think your initial argument sums up the argument with far more sense and sensibility than this most recent rebuttle you made. The things you named are a modern day convenience and for some a necessity, well that is except for jewelry of course. By the way, we know that Jesus did not wear jewelry because it was commanded by His Father (Exodus 33:5, 1 Timothy 2:9-10, 1 Peter 3:3-5). He being poor did not matter for if he were rich He would not purchase something so worthless and intended to bring attention to himself. We are to put on Godliness not jewelry, fancy garb and tattoos. Which leads me to my point; I believe our annonymous contributor was simply trying to say that we should use the "What would Jesus do?" measure rather than "What did Jesus do?". However her argument still holds merit because tatoos were available in His day and He could have chosen to get one. Can any Bible student look at the Character displayed by Jesus Christ and say that he would approve of us decorating our bodies with ink? After so many instances throughout the Bible where we are instructed to be not like the world how can you justify seeking something that comes from the world. Mr. LaBar, I have a request; correct those who read your blog and feel justified in their decision to get a tattoo with the equal amount of logic and correction you used to correct those who speak against it. These people need to study their Bible for these answers with prayer and supplication. You have established a very resonable argument in your original posting regarding tattoos, however I believe that your argument can apply to most of what we do in this world. If the Bible say do or don't do it, we should study the Bible for these answers, not seek comfort in what other like-minded souls have to say about it. I have read too many people that thank you for your post as it has verified some sort of inclination they've already had or helped them make their decision. However your blog should lead them back to the Bible and to prayer not to a decision. Thank you for your time.krisjamelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01458199724094247763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-19385065468692713402012-11-05T06:42:10.757-05:002012-11-05T06:42:10.757-05:00I understand and sympathize with your comment, ano...I understand and sympathize with your comment, anonymous. We need to be careful as to wanting to adorn ourselves overmuch, because doing so may be an expression of pride.<br /><br />However, we know very little about what Jesus wore. He probably didn't wear, or have, jewelry, because He described Himself as poor. We do know that He didn't wear glasses, or underwear with an elastic band around the waist, because they hadn't been invented yet, but I don't think that's a valid argument as to why I shouldn't, so even if Jesus wasn't tattooed, that's not a slam-dunk argument that 21st century people shouldn't be.Martin LaBarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14629053725732957599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-21715424319906615892012-11-04T21:16:48.962-05:002012-11-04T21:16:48.962-05:00Dear all who care,
If you truly think about it ou...Dear all who care,<br /><br />If you truly think about it our money can be better used than plastering our bodies with ink. Do you think Jesus would've got a tattoo? Personally, no. I believe Christ would find many reasons why he should not get one. Now I may be wrong, but the Bible isn't about acting like Christians, it's about acting like Christ. I never saw once that He had tattoos nor piercings, then why should I think it ok to them? If my heart is focused on Christ then I'd want to be like Christ, not like what seems to be Christian. If we are truly are seeking what God wants on the subject of anything, we should simply stop and see how Christ lived His life. Pray about it, yes. But still, I, not once, saw that Christ endorsed tattooing. Not to sound conceited, but this argument is rather silly. Look at what Christ did and act on, not on what other Christians have done.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-36460695249751047152012-11-04T06:40:46.775-05:002012-11-04T06:40:46.775-05:00Thanks for your comment, Maria. I appreciate the f...Thanks for your comment, Maria. I appreciate the feedback.Martin LaBarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14629053725732957599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-26590076494751852702012-11-04T01:05:53.428-05:002012-11-04T01:05:53.428-05:00I thank God I got to read this although I've a...I thank God I got to read this although I've already decided on having a tattoo in the next few days. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and spiritual conviction. :)Mariahttp://www.freemindsfreelines.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661811.post-73749674552344043292012-09-26T20:39:50.736-04:002012-09-26T20:39:50.736-04:00Thank you, anonymous.
As I understand it, people ...Thank you, anonymous.<br /><br />As I understand it, people are condemned because of unbelief. Hebrews 3:19, and other passages, indicate that. It is true that unbelief may lead to disobedience, which could, I suppose, include having a tattoo, if God doesn't want a particular person to have one, or doesn't want a particular tattoo.Martin LaBarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14629053725732957599noreply@blogger.com