Tattoos  header image
   
 
Religious Objections to Tattooing Tattoos offend the religious of a variety of familiar denominations. The most dramatic example is found among Jewish believers, who deny a traditional Jewish burial to persons with tattoos, or even bodily piercing. Some Christian churches impose restrictions on bodily “modifications”.
 
While 21st century enlightened individuals might take surprise or offence at religious objection to tattooing or body piercing, basis may be found in an Old Testament passage. “Do not lacerate your bodies for the dead, and do not tattoo yourselves. I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:28). By this passage, lacerations and tattoos so described were part of non-Jewish mourning rituals, intended to disguise the living from the spirits of the dead. This curious mixture of neo-paganism with orthodox faith is as fascinating to some as disturbing to others. While cultural anthropologists and the religious may wage holy war over the subtext for a tattoo, religious motives seem to weigh very little on choices by those who adorn themselves with ink beneath the skin or piercing it with rings. Some might argue that they should. Vatican II Council’s declaration that human beings are called upon to view their bodies “As good and honorable since God created it and will raise it up on the last day” (Gaudium et Spes, #14) lends credence to opinions that some tattoo motifs seek to offend the more religious minded. At least, both secular and religious will agree that most tattoo designs seem less than “good and honorable” and so might seem “inappropriate” decoration for a body created by the divine. The very consideration of religious objection tattoos raises powerful questions of us as a society, and equally interestingly, the degree to which tattoo wearers and objectors view what precisely makes them “human”. If we judge body modification to be appropriate, do we need to acknowledge the reasons why others may not share our views? Whether we like it or not our decisions affect our futures. Potential employers look at people differently because of holes in their noses and tattoos on their calves. Forget life-careers for a moment. How we look affects our ability to get a part-time job nowadays. And, if we have a job, it might be wise to check to our employer’s unspoken policy on tattoos and body piercing. While “prejudice” is unfair – it is often inevitable. Is it consistent with the values espoused by any civilized religion? Moral arguments won’t pay your bills. Staring at our navels won’t pay for dinner any more than piercing it will. Choosing between right to self-expression and self-sustenance might seem unfair but it may well be a reality. My friend Lucian got his ear pierced for his 21st birthday. Friends gently ribbed him and his parents accepted it. Yet the law firm he interned at did not. His employer informed him he’d have to remove it during working hours. Since he’d just had the piercing he couldn’t take the earring out immediately or the hole would close. He was faced with walking around with a band-aid on his ear for a month and a chip on his shoulder for a lot longer. Some argue tattoos have religious significance and artistic merit. Do they deserve standalone appreciation rather than criticism? No reasonable person openly says that tattoos or body piercing are “bad” or that people who have them avoided. Our love of art or religious significance is valid reason for self-expression. It remains up to the individual to weigh the risks and issues they enjoin. Some gangs choose tattoos with a religious theme and such a tattoo may be misinterpreted. As with all forms of expression, tattoos are no different – they are open to interpretation. Perhaps the tried but true forms remain most valid. After all, you could always demonstrate your faith by wearing a medal or a cross. Shalom.

Magazines.com, Inc.

American Express

Too Many Tattoo Designs

Getting a tattoo is a cool thing nowadays. However, because it is a permanent thing that you will have to wear all your life, you have to think about what model you want to get, and where you should place it. Or simply choose to get a temporary tattoo.

Read more...


Superior Tattoo Announces Launch of New, Cutting-edge Product

Read more...


Choosing a Tennis Racquet - Sponsored Link

Ad -

Read more...


Rangers sink Caley

Mendes saw Rangers sink bottom side Inverness 3-0 and close the gap on Clydesdale Bank Premier League leaders Celtic to five points. The home side were made to rue their missed opportunities in the first half when Mendes opened the scoring with a

Read more...


Rangers sink Caley

Mendes saw Rangers sink bottom side Inverness 3-0 and close the gap on Clydesdale Bank Premier League leaders Celtic to five points. The home side were made to rue their missed opportunities in the first half when Mendes opened the scoring with a

Read more...


 
 
 
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
by Stieg Larsson
Our Price: $14.97
Used from: $9.97

Comic Book Tattoo Tales Inspired by Tori Amos
Comic Book Tattoo Tales Inspired by Tori Amos

Our Price: $19.79
Used from: $15.49

Russian Criminal Tattoo Encyclopaedia Volume III
Russian Criminal Tattoo Encyclopaedia Volume III
by Danzig Baldaev
Our Price: $21.75
Used from: $20.62

Tattoo
Tattoo
by Dale Rio
Our Price: $15.61
Used from: $9.95

No Regrets: The Best, Worst, & Most #$%*ing Ridiculous Tattoos Ever
No Regrets: The Best, Worst, & Most #$%*ing Ridiculous Tattoos Ever
by Aviva Yael P. M. Chen
Our Price: $11.55
Used from: $9.14

bottom bar