I have a good friend who recently rediscovered his faith. He is christian and heavily tattoed and pierced. He was attending a nondenominational church and enjoying it until the minister pulled him aside one day and told him that unless he had all of his tats and piercings removed, he was surely hellbound. Is this a common belief? Are there more tolerant churches he could attend, short of the Church of Body Modification? And is there really any biblical basis to that belief?
2006-10-12 03:19:03 · 24 answers · asked by morgorond 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
This is not an issue of tolerance, but one of "religion" by religion i mean those who create their own set of rules for the sake of making themselves look holy.
This minister clearly does not understand the Bible he is preaching. The Bible does say in Leviticus 19:27,28 27 --Ye shall not shave the corners of your head round, neither shalt thou mutilate the corners of thy beard.
28 And cuttings for a dead person shall ye not make in your flesh, nor put any tattoo writing upon you: I am Jehovah.
But, this was because in that time, others who worshiped false gods performed these kinds of rituals (tattoos, cuttings, piercings, etc.) God wanted to ensure that His people of that time did not adopt the customs and rituals of these groups who worshiped a false god and be confuesed with them.
Today however, a tattoo does not signify that the person is worshiping a false god and they should not be judged or shunned for their tattoos. Fortunately for all of us, God looks at the heart of the person, not what is on his skin (as people do)
I know many outstanding preachers who are tattooed. This actually give them an "in" with certian groups and allows the word to be shared with them.
Tell your friend that he needs to find another church that accepts his heart, not his skin.
2006-10-12 03:29:54 · answer #1 · answered by Shamus 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Granted God doesn't want a huge satan tat on your back but I believe that minister is confused. God forgives us for all our sin and makes us whole again, if he can forgive a murderer why wouldn't he forgive a person with some tattoos, I wouldn't even consider having a tattoo a sin in the first place. Anything with naked ladies or that's profane I would suggest getting removed but God loves us for who we are, if there are any churches around that area from the Vineyard movement they should be better for him, Our vineyard church's logo is "come as you are, you'll be loved" God will clean us up after we come to him and what he wants us to clean up is his call not someone guessing or judging, and I can guarantee the bible does not say you cannot be forgiven for having a tattoo. (referring to ink decoration) Tell you friend to find another church and that God loves him very much!!
2006-10-12 10:28:00 · answer #2 · answered by steve 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Law of Moses seems to forbid tattoos (Leviticus 19:28). Since the apostle Paul said that Christians are no longer under the Law, it is debatable whether this command applies to Christians or not. Just to be safe, I do not get any tattoos (read Romans chapter 14 for what to do when in doubt).
Since your friend got his tattoos before he became Christian, most pastors would assume that his old body markings had been grandfathered in, since all of his old sins have been forgiven.
2006-10-12 10:33:15 · answer #3 · answered by Randy G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
good question. ask that minister for his proof in the Word of God that specifically says - you are going to hell if you have one piercing or tattoo. he won't find any verses because it doesn't say it. all it takes to be heavenbound is to accept Jesus as your Saviour and accept His sacrifice to be sufficient for your sin debt with God. Read Romans 3, 5, 8, and 10. Maybe John 3. Nothing else is needed but Jesus. You're friend can't go back in time to not get the tattoo's, just as I can't go back in time and right all the wrongs I've made. God forgives our past sins and mistakes if we humbly ask. Removing the tattoo's is definetely an option (my grandfather choose that) - but that is up to your friend and God to decide. I wouldn't go ahead and get more tattoos if I was your friend - because the Bible clearly says that our bodies were bought with a price - Jesus's blood - and we should use them to honor God. hope this helps :)
2006-10-12 10:29:39 · answer #4 · answered by j-Z 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately,there are some churches who have been led astray because of a misguided minister's teachings.These people need to know that we live by the Grace of God. He doesn't see our physical appearance. He looks at our hearts and souls. Our sincerity in our love and devotion to Him is all that matters.Tatoos and piercings are irrelevent to Him. Your friend needs to find a church with a pastor who truly knows God and who is not judgemental and intolerant of such small things.
2006-10-12 10:46:49 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask the preacher to point this out in the Bible. If he can't, then it is just the preacher's opinion and I wouldn't put much faith in it. The Bible is the final authority of God and anyone else's opinion is just that Just an opinion. The preacher will not be able to find that kind of nonsense in the Bible, I can tell you already. Your friend needs to just trust God's word and search for another church who is more in tune with God's word and not full of legalism and opinions. The way to heaven is through believe in our Lord Jesus Christ and confessing our sins. It says Nothing about removing tatoos to get into heaven!!
2006-10-12 10:25:50 · answer #6 · answered by Just me 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
He best be looking for a better church. Jesus desires people to come as they are. I go to a nondenominational church where all are welcomed and accepted. Including many bikers with many tattoes and earrings. That minister is what you call very legalistic and God disapproves of him more, believe me.
2006-10-12 10:25:22 · answer #7 · answered by Red neck 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have to believe in hell...
When I was growing up in a catholic church.. the priest was always saying.. blah blah you're going to go to hell.. Use the donation envelopes or you're going to go to hell...
I do know there is somewhere in the bible where it says.. treat your body as a temple.. So smoking and excessive drinking and I guess piercings and tats would be considered harmful to your temple....
I'd tell your friend to find another place of worship... God loves all.. and I'm sure if smoking and tats and piercings were bad it would be ok.. I'm sure he'd be forgiven
2006-10-12 10:25:26 · answer #8 · answered by SassySista 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the old testiment God says not to cut or tatto our bodies as the heathens did well it is too late for me cause I am covered in them but scince I read this passage in the Bible I have not gotten another for I was a heathen when I did a heathen is someone not knowing the word of God Jesus died for our sins and to be repentant is to be sorry enuff not to do the same thing again.
2006-10-12 10:23:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
i do not see any reason why having a tattoo or piercing would affect his relationship with God. God does not see people as we see people. maybe he should find another church? God is not a respecter of persons. Ask your friend to show these scriptures to that pastor.
"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him;" "And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him;" "But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons;" "And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear" (Acts 10: 34, 35; Eph. 6: 9; Col. 3: 25; I Pet. 1: 17).
2006-10-12 10:22:11 · answer #10 · answered by K 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋