Devout Catholic and a punk

[child_of_God85]

I’m a very devout Catholic. I’ve had a calling to be a consecrated virgin for some years now. But I’m also what would be called a ‘punk’ (clothing style that is). I don’t have tattoos or piercings (I don’t even have my ears pierced). But my clothing is a lot of times wild. I do dress modestly. I never show any cleavage and my hemline never comes higher than just above the knee. I wear a lot of black with bright neon colors, sometimes fishnet tops under my t-shirts, stuff with skulls on it, that sort of thing. My make-up can be wild too. Hot pink eye shadow, black nail polish, ect. And I haven’t completely discounted getting a tattoo someday (no more than one or two), as well as ear piercings.
But my style has never taken me away from my faith. God is the center point of my life basically.
I’m just wondering what everyones thoughts are about being a devout Catholic and a punk at the same time.

 

[Rawb]

I think you and Goth Catholic would get along really well. She’s around here somewhere usually, and is also a devout Catholic, despite dressing what many would call ‘alternatively’.

I think you aught to be dressed formally or at least semi-formally while at Mass. Other than that, Jesus did not give us a dress code, within the bounds of modesty (which it sounds like you’re trying to obey).

 

[blessedtoo]

I reflect back on my punk and goth period with chagrin. By presenting myself in this way I was trying to achieve two things:

• attract attention
• demonstrate a point of view
  As a Catholic, I don’t feel that either of these intentions fit with my walk with Christ today. I would not say that one can’t live their faith while presenting such an image. But for me, a huge part of the Catholic lifestyle is witness and example. Dressing or presenting messages instrinsic in punk conflict with the true message I want to impart to others. I am not, in fact, an anarchist, nor do I question all authority or find death fascinating. Why would I want the clothes I wear to possibly convey that message?

In my dopey younger years, in my re-conversion zeal, I had myself abundantly tattooed. I can’t possibly express how I regret this now. I realize now that, regardless of my initial motivation, marking myself in this way only draws attention to me, not to the art or the message I wanted to convey. Most people don’t care to know what the sacred heart and cross on my breastplate means. They just say dopey things like “cool ink, man.” It’s a form of pride, IMO, to display yourself in a way that guarantees you will attract much attention. It doesn’t help in our quest for humility.

 

[StandUp4Truth]

This is an interesting post, and I’m sure you’ll get a variety of responses on this one.

I think it’s great that you’re keeping God first in your life, and I don’t think that it’s fair for people to judge each other based solely on appearance. It sounds as though you’re dressing modestly, and I applaud you for that(especially in today’s society).

There is a lot of good information out there on the Catholic view of tattoos, piercings, and various forms of body art. I would refer you to the Catholics United for the Faith website to get the Catholic Church’s take on body art.

I’ve always wanted a tattoo of the Blessed Virgin or the Crucifixion of Christ in the middle of my back, somewhere that can be easily hidden but visible when I want it to be. It would be like my way of stating, “I’ll always be Catholic!” - something I can show to Jehovah’s witnesses or anyone else intent on converting me.

However, I also feel that it’s up to me to provide a good role model to my nieces and nephews and someday to my own children. While I may be getting a religious tattoo now for the right reasons, I wouldn’t want one of my kids to one day return home with a giant flaming skull on their arm and think it’s okay because, “Dad has a tattoo!”

It’s also important to note that extensive body modification can create obstacles in everyday life(getting jobs, meeting new people, etc.), and as awful as it is, people will judge you. Also, as you age, your body will go through a lot of changes. That cool tattoo of a horse may look more like a giraffe after a few decades!

 

[grinch]

Hello, I just joined this forum and this is the fist thing i’m writing on it cos it caught my eye. My first thought was “why”? Why be a “punk”? What does it mean? Who are you copying and what message are you sending to little kids who see you? Kids are great judges in that they don’t have so much media in their heads. When I was a kid I said to myself that I would never pierce or tattoo myself and as I’ve watched fashions come and go I look at people who are always modifying their bodies and clothes and who are dissatisfied with their plainness and I’m glad that none of it is a concern for me and I’m free. I know that one day I’ll be dead and what would it all have been worth? Anyways, you sound young and you’re just having fun, probably harmless but possibly vanity.
Just remember, you should feel just as good about yourself if you’re in rags!

 

[nkmeck]

I’m a very devout Catholic. I’ve had a calling to be a consecrated virgin for some years now. But I’m also what would be called a ‘punk’ (clothing style that is). I don’t have tattoos or piercings (I don’t even have my ears pierced). But my clothing is a lot of times wild. I do dress modestly. I never show any cleavage and my hemline never comes higher than just above the knee. I wear a lot of black with bright neon colors, sometimes fishnet tops under my t-shirts, stuff with skulls on it, that sort of thing. My make-up can be wild too. Hot pink eye shadow, black nail polish, ect. And I haven’t completely discounted getting a tattoo someday (no more than one or two), as well as ear piercings.
But my style has never taken me away from my faith. God is the center point of my life basically.
I’m just wondering what everyones thoughts are about being a devout Catholic and a punk at the same time.

I may be partial cause I’m a sucker for the very look you’re discribing but since “punk” has traditionally defined itself by going against the norm or mainstream, being Catholic is about the most punk thing you can do now days. So I say ROCK ON!

God Bless

 

[Mirdath]

Hello, I just joined this forum and this is the fist thing i’m writing on it cos it caught my eye. My first thought was “why”? Why be a “punk”? What does it mean? Who are you copying and what message are you sending to little kids who see you? Kids are great judges in that they don’t have so much media in their heads. When I was a kid I said to myself that I would never pierce or tattoo myself and as I’ve watched fashions come and go I look at people who are always modifying their bodies and clothes and who are dissatisfied with their plainness and I’m glad that none of it is a concern for me and I’m free. I know that one day I’ll be dead and what would it all have been worth? Anyways, you sound young and you’re just having fun, probably harmless but possibly vanity.
Just remember, you should feel just as good about yourself if you’re in rags!

Some people have different ideas about how the temple of the holy spirit should be decorated

Anyway, child of God, your taste in clothing sounds pretty stylin, and from my heathen apostate perspective I can’t see any reason it should interfere with your faith. Fishnets do not cause one to deny the real presence, and black nailpolish is not a rejection of the trinity.

You probably should consider toning it down a little for mass though – don’t want to give the elderly heart attacks

So, you like the music too, or just the fashion?

 

[Cran]

I’d agree with the above: Punk clothing, dapted for mass, is not a thing to worry about.

So if you dress just this way for reasons of fashion - do as you please. But most people dress “punk” or “goth” or whatever to express also a certain mode of thought, which can be contrary to the church. Judging from your first post, this doesn’t seem to be the case, but what do I know

 

[child_of_God85]

I think you and Goth Catholic would get along really well. She’s around here somewhere usually, and is also a devout Catholic, despite dressing what many would call ‘alternatively’.

I think you aught to be dressed formally or at least semi-formally while at Mass. Other than that, Jesus did not give us a dress code, within the bounds of modesty (which it sounds like you’re trying to obey).

Oh I knew I was forgetting something. I don’t dress this way at mass, ever. I wear what my mom calls my prober English lady clothes. Usually a knee length plaid shirt and a modest button up blouse.

 

[child_of_God85]

I don’t dress this way to send a message or to get attention. I like the clothes. I also don’t want to dress like the ‘normal’ girls of my age group dress. Everytime I try shopping for a blouse or a skirt it takes me forever to find something that doesn’t look like a stripper would wear.
I wouldn’t call my self a punk in anything else but appearance. I don’t believe in dressing a cetain way for attention, and I wouldn’t call myself vain. I spend less time in front of the mirror than the rest of my family. I usually just make sure I’m clean and look well put together.
I used to dress like girls my age to follow the norm. I can tell, I never felt good about myself or comfortable. I felt awful about myself. I was always worrying about what I looked like. Sinse I started dressing like this I feel better about myself, more covered up, and I don’t worry about how I look.
As far as the tattoo thing, It’s not something I would get without putting a lot of thought into it. I have to take two things into consideration. 1. will I regret it someday. 2. will my mom let me live through the night if I do get one I love the Rosary. It’s my favorite prayer, I say it every night along with the devine mercy. I even have my own Rosary making business. So I would love to get a tattoo of a Rosary (a small one) to show my devotion. But it’s not a definate thing.
And to answer someones question, I’m not that into the punk music. I have some songs, but most of the songs I’ve heard I don’t like the lyrics (too questionable). I like rock music and a lot of classical (I think most would consider me a very strange punk ).

 

[Mirdath]

And to answer someones question, I’m not that into the punk music. I have some songs, but most of the songs I’ve heard I don’t like the lyrics (too questionable). I like rock music and a lot of classical (I think most would consider me a very strange punk ).

I can understand you not taking to the Meatmen or Richard Hell and the Voidoids too well (though I love both of them), but there’s plenty of punk rock that isn’t offensive at all – or, uh, not very: the Ramones, the Dead Milkmen, X-Ray Spex, the World/Inferno Friendship Society, so on and on. If you can handle a lot of rock’n’roll, you can handle that.

Liking other music doesn’t make you a ‘strange punk’, though. I have a huge collection of punk and goth music, but I still adore calypso

 

[TOP]

I don’t dress this way to send a message or to get attention. I like the clothes. I also don’t want to dress like the ‘normal’ girls of my age group dress. Everytime I try shopping for a blouse or a skirt it takes me forever to find something that doesn’t look like a stripper would wear.
I wouldn’t call my self a punk in anything else but appearance. I don’t believe in dressing a cetain way for attention, and I wouldn’t call myself vain. I spend less time in front of the mirror than the rest of my family. I usually just make sure I’m clean and look well put together.
I used to dress like girls my age to follow the norm. I can tell, I never felt good about myself or comfortable. I felt awful about myself. I was always worrying about what I looked like. Sinse I started dressing like this I feel better about myself, more covered up, and I don’t worry about how I look.
As far as the tattoo thing, It’s not something I would get without putting a lot of thought into it. I have to take two things into consideration. 1. will I regret it someday. 2. will my mom let me live through the night if I do get one I love the Rosary. It’s my favorite prayer, I say it every night along with the devine mercy. I even have my own Rosary making business. So I would love to get a tattoo of a Rosary (a small one) to show my devotion. But it’s not a definate thing.
And to answer someones question, I’m not that into the punk music. I have some songs, but most of the songs I’ve heard I don’t like the lyrics (too questionable). I like rock music and a lot of classical (I think most would consider me a very strange punk ).

Look into Minor Threat. They are a hometown band that was straightedge. Nobody in DC liked them then though, because Ian would shove it down everyones throat. My son likes the same music I used to listen to and now I’m the one yelling turn that **** off.lol. He’s a pretty devout Catholic. Don’t get ink! Tim

 

[Goth_Catholic]

I think you and Goth Catholic would get along really well. She’s around here somewhere usually, and is also a devout Catholic, despite dressing what many would call ‘alternatively’.

Hehehe. I’m actually painting my nails as I read these posts.

Okay, I have a simlar style as you, being a Goth, but it rarely consists of anything other then black, although i do have some pink fishnets, a pink skirt, jeans, and some cameo stuff. I’m also pretty modest, my skirts are short but i’m short so it’s all good, and if i feel they’re too short i’ll wear them over pants. For mass though, i don’t really have a “special” outfit. Just nice black pants and a shirt or dress. I have gone to mass wearing a skirt and combat boots though. And i useally always wear my black eye makeup. I have dark eyes so it actually isn’t that shocking. In the winter time I do have a favorite “mass” outfit. It’s black pants, a black skirt with white stitching, and a black and white striped tank top under a long sleeve white shirt with a black collar.

Tattoos. Oi, I have a few designs I will putting on my body when i turn 18 in a year and a half. But they all mean something to me. The heartagram I have planned for my right shoulder is for HIM, my favorite band and because the meaning behind it is Love and Death intertwined. Which to me means that Love doesn’t end with Death and that Death brings us into the arms of the one who loves us the most, God. I also have a purple gothic cross planned for my left wrist, which i may or may not inculde rosary beads with. Purple because it’s the color of Advent, the begining of the church year and my favorite time of the year. And a gothic cross because there is nothing more fitting for me. And a band of black roses around my right wrist because I am the black rose; dark, mysterious, rare, and beautiful.

Anyway, yes you can be a punk and a devout Catholic. Just know that clothing and music isn’t everything and isn;t what makes one “Goth” or “Punk”. Punk like Goth is about the soul. Be true to your soul, always.

p.s I love the rosary too. I wear mine around my neck so that it’s always with me.

 

[Bruno_esqueXXII]

I may be partial cause I’m a sucker for the very look you’re discribing but since “punk” has traditionally defined itself by going against the norm or mainstream, being Catholic is about the most punk thing you can do now days. So I say ROCK ON!

God Bless

I agree with this. Punk and similar movements are “anti-establishment” (i.e. anti-materialistic, anti-hypocracy and the other negatives attributed to the so-called “establishment”) These days, being Catholic is definitely counter-cultural if not anti-establishment too.

I think as long as your intention is noble and your choices are artful and not in poor taste I think it is pretty cool actually.

I can admit I am partial as I was pseudo-goth in my day (the Cure was my favorite band back in the 80’s when I was a lad in high school and college, yea yea i know they are more alternative and pretty pop now…) I was pretty lost and depressed in those days though, but in my defense I think of the beatitude “Blessed are they who mourn” and mourn I did (mostly over my parent’s divorce and loneliness Anyway, I digress…

HOWEVER: you have to keep in mind that many people will misinterpret how you look (a skull could be confused as a display of the worship of death --even though, in the tradition of Art you could call it a “Memento Mori” as a reminder that we are of mortal flesh and will meet our Maker someday, etc-- (even Saint Bruno is often depicted with a skull in his hand and you don’t hear people complaining) and it might be a good idea to include a “show of Faith” in your attire as well (a necklace or something). I don’t know. just a thought

 

[puzzleannie]

I’mI’m just wondering what everyones thoughts are about being a devout Catholic and a punk at the same time.

well one probably could not be a devout Catholic and a real punk at the same time, because the actual derivation of the word originally referred to a young male prostitute living on the streets, and by linkage to a style of clothing and living that reflected that lifestyle. It has since become of course just another fashion statement, and one that probably has little relationship to one’s religious or moral beliefs. My opinion, since you ask, is that you dress as you would wish others to perceive you, and you should continue to dress that way as long as it conveys the image you want to portray. It is quite possible that when you want to change that image for professional, career or other reasons, your personal style will change as well.

having worked with so many students and young adults over the years, I don’t believe any of these various fashion statements are anti-materialist since they cost as much as mainstream fashions, or anti-establishement, since they each have their own cultural establishments.

 

[Mirdath]

well one probably could not be a devout Catholic and a real punk at the same time, because the actual derivation of the word originally referred to a young male prostitute living on the streets, and by linkage to a style of clothing and living that reflected that lifestyle.

‘Punk’ also means ‘baby elephant’ – meaning, of course, that Henry Mancini wrote the first punk song

The clothing style as it’s popularly imagined was more or less invented by Malcolm Maclaren, the manager of the Sex Pistols. He owned a fetish shop and dressed the band to look different. There’s also a big connection with glam fashion, through the New York Dolls and similar bands.

For what it’s worth, the Ramones wore jeans, t-shirts, and plain black leather jackets their entire career, and nobody is ever going to say they weren’t real punks.

having worked with so many students and young adults over the years, I don’t believe any of these various fashion statements are anti-materialist since they cost as much as mainstream fashions, or anti-establishement, since they each have their own cultural establishments.

That’s just if you don’t know where to look

 

[m134e5]

I’m a very devout Catholic. I’ve had a calling to be a consecrated virgin for some years now. But I’m also what would be called a ‘punk’ (clothing style that is). I don’t have tattoos or piercings (I don’t even have my ears pierced). But my clothing is a lot of times wild. I do dress modestly. I never show any cleavage and my hemline never comes higher than just above the knee. I wear a lot of black with bright neon colors, sometimes fishnet tops under my t-shirts, stuff with skulls on it, that sort of thing. My make-up can be wild too. Hot pink eye shadow, black nail polish, ect. And I haven’t completely discounted getting a tattoo someday (no more than one or two), as well as ear piercings.
But my style has never taken me away from my faith. God is the center point of my life basically.
I’m just wondering what everyones thoughts are about being a devout Catholic and a punk at the same time.

There is nothing wrong with dressing however you want- as long as you don’t show off anything you shouldn’t be- or explicitly promote immorality.

 

[repo_man]

i’m in the same boat. i don’t dress wildly. but i love punk music. like old-school hardcore punk, bands of which genre shall not be named here because they could offend people. let’s just say if you thought the dead kennedys were bad you haven’t heard anything.

my handle actually comes from a punk movie from the 80s made on a shoe string budget. i chose it on a whim and started to regret it as i remembered that there is a lot of smearing of organized religion in it. however the more i thought about it the more i thought it was applicable. i’m here because i want to become a solid defender of catholicism and christ in general in the face of evangelicals and new atheism, the goal being to win them back, to repossess them from secular society and back to their original owner, god … maybe that’s just exegesis though.

regardless of how much it offends me on the occasion, i can’t stay away from it. i prefer punk in a fun ramones, queers, or mr. t experience way (MTX’s singer, dr. frank, i believe is catholic actually). but DOA, the germs, reagan youth, crucifix, and black flag. i love them too.

at one time i was considering getting tattoos to show devotion to my favorite bands on my body. however i’ve decided if i ever do it’s going to be one across my back saying ad majorem dei gloriam.

it’s good that there are punks who aren’t total nihilists. that was never supposed to be what punk was about. yes, some rebelling against authority, but a lot of it goes too far. i’ll still listen though as long as it’s really fast and loud.

 

[TOP]

The whole hardcore movement was clearly a result of hippie parents. Them with there protest sign’s " vegetable rights and peace". I remember when I was punk rock. My flock of seagulls haircut and going to Duran Duran shows. You should have been there. Ah , the memories.

 

[ltravis]

I love it. Catholic means universal and although each of us is unique, we still fit the mold. I shake your hand in a virtual “sign of peace”

LT