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Swan
Guest
I agree. I know a lot of folks with tattoos. Some have copies of artwork they really like (anime or graphic/comic type). I also know a lot of Latinos who have Catholic symbols and such which mean a lot to them.
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microhun2700
Guest
Who are you to decide what piercings are okay? Just becausethey are acceptable in society TODAY does not mean that Jesus would accept them if he were here today.
I’m not saying ear piercings are bad… I just wonder why YOU get to decide where to draw the line.
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Harmony1988
Guest
Don’t take things out of context please.
We can take this to a whole new level
It will start with fasting on bread and water, avoiding all sweets, live on broccoli and avoiding meat to really be a temple to the Holy Spirit.
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Harmony1988
Guest
That’s a false assumption, you don’t have one, already took the words of the Bible out of context and now trying to question their personal integrity, great.
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Harmony1988
Guest
I don’t see Jesus sitting on a chair and responding in these forums either, he would be more likely going out and doing something.
I love this bit though: ‘multiple piercings’, so just two earrings is fine, but having multiple is a sin and is an adverse effect, you people I tell you…no wonder people see the Church in a negative light, what false agenda are you propagating here?
There is nothing wrong with a tattoo, perhaps there is if you decide to tattoo your whole body or have obscenities, tell me, is there something wrong with having a tattoo of say a CROSS on your arm?
Very well then, start your fasting now, pray for hours, don’t bother with any makeup, remove your earrings, wear a veil, wear some very homely clothes that is bound to get people talking about you on the streets, yes start now, don’t start pointing the finger about ‘how jesus would have lived’ if you aren’t going to do something similiar.
Geez, this went from tattoos as to how Jesus would do something.
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Harmony1988
Guest
IMO it depends on what kind of tattoo it really is and a thought of whether you a prepared to live with it, even though you can still get it removed later thanks to simple surgery.
Like someone said he has a tattoo of his children’s names, and that’s beautiful, is someone going to tell me now that Jesus wouldn’t approve of it?
Contrary to popular beliefs here, tattoos aren’t going to take you to hell. However if you have something saying ‘I HATE GOD’ across your chest, then you are crossing the line.
Like someone said he has a tattoo of his children’s names, and that’s beautiful, is someone going to tell me now that Jesus wouldn’t approve of it?
Contrary to popular beliefs here, tattoos aren’t going to take you to hell. However if you have something saying ‘I HATE GOD’ across your chest, then you are crossing the line.
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cho_pilo
Guest
We are created in the image and likeness of God, therefore our bodies have an important role in our salvation hence we cannot do something that is “harmful” to it like body modification, heavily tattooed body (including the face) and so forth. besides you start caring for others by start caring for yourself.
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Suspicious_Mind
Guest
Do you have anything to back up your claims or do you suppose your conjecture and insufficient analysis is enough?
jimmyakin.org/2004/03/tattoos.html
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dsmantz
Guest
Coming from a former “rock star” (Texas Country star is more like it), I’m pretty much covered. Daggers, shamrocks, script, and skulls. Oh, and Our Lady of Guadalupe on my forearm. And the Sacred Heart on my calf.
I’ll say this. I strive every moment to please God, and sometimes need visual reminders to do such. I see it as no different than carrying a picture, a passage of scripture, or piece of artwork with you at all times. As the Catholic church, we are up to our armpits in beautiful artwork to stimulate the visual senses. That’s exactly what my artwork does.
I will say this, on the day I give an account for all my actions standing before His Most Holy Throne, in awestruck wonder, I can say that my tattoos, indeed brought me closer to Him, and have humbled me to become His most unworthy servant.
Every line of ink is a movement in my heart. Every dot of color is a reminder of the times I’ve fallen.
Don’t judge me because I’ve chosen to put ink in the first 3 layers of my skin by means of an osculating bundle of needles, and I won’t judge you because you did things that I find wrong… Deal? Deal.
I’ll say this. I strive every moment to please God, and sometimes need visual reminders to do such. I see it as no different than carrying a picture, a passage of scripture, or piece of artwork with you at all times. As the Catholic church, we are up to our armpits in beautiful artwork to stimulate the visual senses. That’s exactly what my artwork does.
I will say this, on the day I give an account for all my actions standing before His Most Holy Throne, in awestruck wonder, I can say that my tattoos, indeed brought me closer to Him, and have humbled me to become His most unworthy servant.
Every line of ink is a movement in my heart. Every dot of color is a reminder of the times I’ve fallen.
Don’t judge me because I’ve chosen to put ink in the first 3 layers of my skin by means of an osculating bundle of needles, and I won’t judge you because you did things that I find wrong… Deal? Deal.
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cho_pilo
Guest
Try looking for it in one of the letters of saint paul. and it is also in the current catheccism.
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stevekehl
Guest
I’m surprised at the lack of Scripture in these posts. Someone did mention Leviticus, but we must remember that the Law of Moses was superceded by grace at the cross.
Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under law, but under grace.
When a controversy arose in the early church about whether Gentile believers should be required to be circumcised, follow dietary restrictions, observe the law of Moses, the elders in Jerusalem placed few restrictions on them.
Act 15:28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell."
The question is why does someone get a tattoo. Do they really think it will protect them, or is it an acknowledgement of their ancestry? Are they getting skulls and crossbones hoping people will think they are tough? Naked women tattoos, no,no,no. When we start making assertions like a few tattoos are ok but a sleeve is a sin, or two or three piercings is fine, but six or eight, or a nose ring is sinful we risk falling into pharisee thinking. Don’t forget “whosoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” Not whoever believes in me and has short hair,less than six tattoos and four piercings, or two tattoos and long hair, or wears jeans to church but puts $50 in the offering…
Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under law, but under grace.
When a controversy arose in the early church about whether Gentile believers should be required to be circumcised, follow dietary restrictions, observe the law of Moses, the elders in Jerusalem placed few restrictions on them.
Act 15:28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell."
The question is why does someone get a tattoo. Do they really think it will protect them, or is it an acknowledgement of their ancestry? Are they getting skulls and crossbones hoping people will think they are tough? Naked women tattoos, no,no,no. When we start making assertions like a few tattoos are ok but a sleeve is a sin, or two or three piercings is fine, but six or eight, or a nose ring is sinful we risk falling into pharisee thinking. Don’t forget “whosoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” Not whoever believes in me and has short hair,less than six tattoos and four piercings, or two tattoos and long hair, or wears jeans to church but puts $50 in the offering…
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benidict
Guest
The only tattoos that are forbidden by the Law of moses are Tattoos for the Dead. does this fall into that category? If not, then your fine. some people get their astrological sign tattooed also. I dont think there is a problem for this, as long as there is no superstion on your part with the symbol you are getting. Peace
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jobelorocks
Guest
I have some religious tattoos. It is a part of my spiritual life. Think of it as similar to mortification. I have the Chi-Rho (labarum) the little px symbol on my feet to remind me to walk in the ways of Christ. My priest actually likes them quite a bit. I think that if they are done right they are just fine.
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jobelorocks
Guest
AMEN!!!
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TimothyH
Guest
Some have alluded to it but no one has brought up Church teaching on modesty and pride.
Article 9 in the Catechism (The 9th commandment) deals directly with modesty. When one’s outward appearance draws inordinate attention to oneself, especially with intent to elicit a sexual response, that is immodesty.
In so far as tatoo’s are sought to show off, act out against society, stand out in the crowd they are public exhibititons of pridefulness and show a tremendous lack of humility. Having so many earrings that you draw attention to yourself or wearing bright orange shoes to a business meeting like one of my co-workers does is no different. Jesus Christ has plenty to say about pride and humility, no?
Many say, “I have tatoos and I’m a good person” but isn’t it better to be a good person yet go through life humble, meek and unnoticed? Two hours after you die your corpse is going to be loathsome to the people who love you the most and all the tatoo’s and nose rings in the world won’t change that.
Contempt and persecution are blessed signs of divine predilection, but there is no proof and sign of predilection more beautiful than this: to pass unnoticed.
-St. Josemaria Escriva
And he is right. Jesus went unnoticed for 30 years until he revealed himself as the Christ at the wedding feast at Cana, even then not wishing to do so but only obeying his mother. And he remains humble to this day, passing unnoticed to the world, quietly resting through the night in the tabernacle with only a candle to keep him company while we watch Sports Center and Desperate Houswives.
Personally, I’d rather take the way of the monks and nuns who live cloistered lives, unnoticed, just like our Lord. What a reward they will have.
-Tim-
Article 9 in the Catechism (The 9th commandment) deals directly with modesty. When one’s outward appearance draws inordinate attention to oneself, especially with intent to elicit a sexual response, that is immodesty.
In so far as tatoo’s are sought to show off, act out against society, stand out in the crowd they are public exhibititons of pridefulness and show a tremendous lack of humility. Having so many earrings that you draw attention to yourself or wearing bright orange shoes to a business meeting like one of my co-workers does is no different. Jesus Christ has plenty to say about pride and humility, no?
Many say, “I have tatoos and I’m a good person” but isn’t it better to be a good person yet go through life humble, meek and unnoticed? Two hours after you die your corpse is going to be loathsome to the people who love you the most and all the tatoo’s and nose rings in the world won’t change that.
Contempt and persecution are blessed signs of divine predilection, but there is no proof and sign of predilection more beautiful than this: to pass unnoticed.
-St. Josemaria Escriva
And he is right. Jesus went unnoticed for 30 years until he revealed himself as the Christ at the wedding feast at Cana, even then not wishing to do so but only obeying his mother. And he remains humble to this day, passing unnoticed to the world, quietly resting through the night in the tabernacle with only a candle to keep him company while we watch Sports Center and Desperate Houswives.
Personally, I’d rather take the way of the monks and nuns who live cloistered lives, unnoticed, just like our Lord. What a reward they will have.
-Tim-
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benidict
Guest
I have some of this too. Mine are more of the Jewish persuasion though. I have star of david and the Name of the Creator 2 letters each wrist. Yod He on one, then the Vav He on the other. Usually when I run into someone Jewish, they dont get it until I put it together. I always get a big smile and a hand shake from them. And generally make a new friend.
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joclucsylv
Guest
I was thinking of getting a tatoo of a beautiful rosary on my shoulder. I do not see this as sin, but I do see it as carrying my faith with me whereever I go!! 
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TimothyH
Guest
Your soul was tatoo’d when you were baptized and that ink, my friend, can never be removed. The tatoo is a picture of a dove, which represents the Holy Spirit, descending on you with the words, “This is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased.” Is this not enough?I was thinking of getting a tatoo of a beautiful rosary on my shoulder. I do not see this as sin, but I do see it as carrying my faith with me whereever I go!!
If you receive the Eucharist, you carry your faith, and infinitely more, with you wherever you go. Is this also not enough?
Why do you feel the need to show outwardly what God has placed in your heart and written on your soul?
Instead of getting an outward symbol of your faith (and then placing it on your shoulder where most people won’t ever see it), why not let the world know you are Christian through your good deeds?
Your body is goding to die some day, maybe soon, and then your relatives will put you in a box in the ground, complain at how much it cost and then argue over who gets to keep your iPAD. 75 years later, no one will even remember your name. Your soul however, will live for ever. That is where the tatoos should go.
-Tim-
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michelleds
Guest
When I was in my early 20’s, I got a tattoo on my shoulder that epitomized my secular and irreligious choices. In March this year, before my acceptance into the Catholic Church, I got a cover up tattoo…it’s the Sacred Heart surrounded by roses. Totally beautiful and very symbolic for me. I have no regrets.
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TrueLight
Guest
Humble, one must be, but that doesn’t mean one needs to wear a cloak of invisibility. God creates us with different personalities. Some are quiet and some are louder. Some have timid, soft voices and some have loud booming voices (See Father Corapi).
Jesus actually did not go unnoticed for 30 years. Remember 12 year old Jesus in the temple?
I know someone is going to say, “But he was discussing the word of God.” My point is, Jesus was always charismatic and there is nothing wrong with that.
In the case of tattoos and piercings, we all know when there is a point where it becomes too much. If people flinch when they look at you, then obviously it is too much. Whether you have 1 or 3 is a matter of discernment and I don’t think anyone can say unequivocally that Christians should not have tattoos or piercings.
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