Comments on: Tattoos? http://www.joelstockstill.com/2009/08/tattoos/ Drunk in the River. . . Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:13:26 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Patrick R. Soares http://www.joelstockstill.com/2009/08/tattoos/comment-page-1/#comment-5499 Patrick R. Soares Sat, 04 Sep 2010 02:56:28 +0000 http://www.joelstockstill.com/?p=312#comment-5499 I heard about this blog and just had to comment! I just did the internship there and before I did it I agreed with everything you said. I personally have more then 5 tattoos all over my body. I am covered with them from when I was an unbeliever. I was heavy into the culture of tattoos and I loved them. But when I got saved and delievered I realized that they were wrong. Witches in ages past would get the name of there chief warlock tattooed on there skin when he would die as a sign. Amen Pastor Joel! Tattoos on the believer can be summed up as a lack of conviction. Black and White is true. I heard about this blog and just had to comment!
I just did the internship there and before I did it I agreed with everything you said. I personally have more then 5 tattoos all over my body. I am covered with them from when I was an unbeliever. I was heavy into the culture of tattoos and I loved them. But when I got saved and delievered I realized that they were wrong. Witches in ages past would get the name of there chief warlock tattooed on there skin when he would die as a sign. Amen Pastor Joel! Tattoos on the believer can be summed up as a lack of conviction. Black and White is true.

]]> By: KW http://www.joelstockstill.com/2009/08/tattoos/comment-page-1/#comment-4848 KW Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:10:46 +0000 http://www.joelstockstill.com/?p=312#comment-4848 If we're going to do away with all things pagans, how about we change the days of the week because they're all named after some pagan god. Tuesday - Norse god of war and love Tyr. Wednesday - Anglo/Saxon god Woden Thursday - Norse god Thor Friday - Norse goddess Frige (day of Venus) Saturday - Roman god Saturn And next year, how about not giving children any Easter candy or allowing them to participate in an Easter egg hunt because that's pagan. Just like Halloween. But I guess since we love Easter, we can look past all that. So it's easy for you to say you dislike tattoos because you don't have any. But the same said for painting one's finger nails, cutting hair, dying hair, putting on make-up, getting plastic surgery...but that's different? Because you said it is that makes it okay? Right. Because I'm at church EVERY Sunday and I don't see a lot of women sans make-up or long hair and with pierced ears. So how are they able to alter their appearance and not get called out? If we’re going to do away with all things pagans, how about we change the days of the week because they’re all named after some pagan god.

Tuesday – Norse god of war and love Tyr.
Wednesday – Anglo/Saxon god Woden
Thursday – Norse god Thor
Friday – Norse goddess Frige (day of Venus)
Saturday – Roman god Saturn

And next year, how about not giving children any Easter candy or allowing them to participate in an Easter egg hunt because that’s pagan. Just like Halloween. But I guess since we love Easter, we can look past all that. So it’s easy for you to say you dislike tattoos because you don’t have any. But the same said for painting one’s finger nails, cutting hair, dying hair, putting on make-up, getting plastic surgery…but that’s different? Because you said it is that makes it okay? Right. Because I’m at church EVERY Sunday and I don’t see a lot of women sans make-up or long hair and with pierced ears. So how are they able to alter their appearance and not get called out?

]]> By: Leigh http://www.joelstockstill.com/2009/08/tattoos/comment-page-1/#comment-4837 Leigh Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:58:50 +0000 http://www.joelstockstill.com/?p=312#comment-4837 I must preface this to say that some might be offended by what I am about to say, however I must say it....I see a lot of foolish views. Sounds like some pharisees have written above. I am left wondering if the Christian folks here also shun homosexuals, bikers, strippers, those covered with tattos, etc. who try to come into church. Do you invite those to church or speak to them about Jesus. How will you approach them? Can you approach them? Have you ever tried? Do you ever say the words 'good Christian'? Isn't that a funny one? But that's another topic. I think a lot of you are the exact folks that those lost folks I speak with tell me about..those who keep them out of the church... Those folks need to be in church desperately. As Jesus said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” My husband was lost before we met. He was agnostic. God chose to use me to bring him to Christ. My husband thought we could never be friends because he wasn't religious like me. I corrected him quickly. I am not religious. He was intrigued by that response. I love the Lord, I trust God, I depend on God, I believe God for life and that is how I live and speak. Loving others, having mercy on the lost, being bold, taking a stand when necessary. My husband accepted Christ and then about a year later, he shared with me how he felt led to get a tattoo with the scripture that spoke to him so shortly after his spiritual eyes were opened - Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." My husband is the most faithful, loving, non judgemental (however strong in his beliefs and character) person I have ever known...and I grew up in church. God has taken someone who was so lost for 40 years and brought him into His kingdom - but my husband is bringing others into the kingdom by the Holy Spirit's guidance, his faith, and his boldness. His tattoo is an excellent tool that is used as a testimony for Christ. I must preface this to say that some might be offended by what I am about to say, however I must say it….I see a lot of foolish views. Sounds like some pharisees have written above. I am left wondering if the Christian folks here also shun homosexuals, bikers, strippers, those covered with tattos, etc. who try to come into church. Do you invite those to church or speak to them about Jesus. How will you approach them? Can you approach them? Have you ever tried? Do you ever say the words ‘good Christian’? Isn’t that a funny one? But that’s another topic.

I think a lot of you are the exact folks that those lost folks I speak with tell me about..those who keep them out of the church… Those folks need to be in church desperately. As Jesus said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

My husband was lost before we met. He was agnostic. God chose to use me to bring him to Christ. My husband thought we could never be friends because he wasn’t religious like me. I corrected him quickly. I am not religious. He was intrigued by that response. I love the Lord, I trust God, I depend on God, I believe God for life and that is how I live and speak. Loving others, having mercy on the lost, being bold, taking a stand when necessary. My husband accepted Christ and then about a year later, he shared with me how he felt led to get a tattoo with the scripture that spoke to him so shortly after his spiritual eyes were opened – Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
My husband is the most faithful, loving, non judgemental (however strong in his beliefs and character) person I have ever known…and I grew up in church. God has taken someone who was so lost for 40 years and brought him into His kingdom – but my husband is bringing others into the kingdom by the Holy Spirit’s guidance, his faith, and his boldness. His tattoo is an excellent tool that is used as a testimony for Christ.

]]> By: Dave http://www.joelstockstill.com/2009/08/tattoos/comment-page-1/#comment-4641 Dave Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:26:22 +0000 http://www.joelstockstill.com/?p=312#comment-4641 I completely agree with Pastor Joel... And am SOOO thankful that there are men of God like him that are willing to stand up for the truth, and not only that, but are also sensitive and obedient to the Holy Spirit. What saddens me, is that almost always in the church of America (yes, I am a foreigner here... :)) everybody thinks they know what is right - and there is no respect for men in authority that God has placed. It is not just about being in a place of authority - but Pastor Joel, as we all know, is mightily used by God; there is much fruit in his life that we can see even with the naked eye. When reading the scriptures, the main thing is to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit - not worry about the historical, cultural backgrounds... and about all the theology that come with it (although all of those are very important! I myself am studying early church history...). Having lived in many countries as a foreigner, there is one thing I have come to realize - I am a foreigner on earth. And my citizenship is in heaven - even taking 'souvenirs' to heaven just doesn't make sense; much less adding to the body that the Lord has said is "beautifully and wonderfully made". I also agree that if you really want to make an impact on this world (or at least your family!) spend the money you would've spent on getting the tattoo on missions - or supporting your church. There are so many people in this world that are DYING EVERY DAY (physically, as well as spiritually) and here we are, arguing whether it's ok or not to get a tattoo... I completely agree with Pastor Joel… And am SOOO thankful that there are men of God like him that are willing to stand up for the truth, and not only that, but are also sensitive and obedient to the Holy Spirit.
What saddens me, is that almost always in the church of America (yes, I am a foreigner here… :)) everybody thinks they know what is right – and there is no respect for men in authority that God has placed. It is not just about being in a place of authority – but Pastor Joel, as we all know, is mightily used by God; there is much fruit in his life that we can see even with the naked eye.
When reading the scriptures, the main thing is to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit – not worry about the historical, cultural backgrounds… and about all the theology that come with it (although all of those are very important! I myself am studying early church history…).
Having lived in many countries as a foreigner, there is one thing I have come to realize – I am a foreigner on earth. And my citizenship is in heaven – even taking ‘souvenirs’ to heaven just doesn’t make sense; much less adding to the body that the Lord has said is “beautifully and wonderfully made”.
I also agree that if you really want to make an impact on this world (or at least your family!) spend the money you would’ve spent on getting the tattoo on missions – or supporting your church. There are so many people in this world that are DYING EVERY DAY (physically, as well as spiritually) and here we are, arguing whether it’s ok or not to get a tattoo…

]]> By: BDR http://www.joelstockstill.com/2009/08/tattoos/comment-page-1/#comment-4591 BDR Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:53:16 +0000 http://www.joelstockstill.com/?p=312#comment-4591 "The Power of sin is the Law" (I corinthians 15:56) “The Power of sin is the Law” (I corinthians 15:56)

]]> By: Nate http://www.joelstockstill.com/2009/08/tattoos/comment-page-1/#comment-4571 Nate Sat, 12 Sep 2009 06:18:04 +0000 http://www.joelstockstill.com/?p=312#comment-4571 Firstly I have to preface my comments by saying that your other posts have been great and have encouraged me as a Christian However... I think your black and white stance on this issue is not only conservatively biased, but a possible (and completely unnecessary) stumbling block to fellow Christians. I do not have any tattoos, and I tend to agree with the majority of the sentiment behind your post, but I have an issue with the way you (and some of the commeters) have made tattoos to be detestable to God. I think the Lev references have been adequately squashed, so there's no need to revisit that ground, and John covered the importance of cultural context in regards to pagan traditions becoming part of culture (as per the example of Christmas trees). In terms of using them for beautifying ones self, it was also noted & there seems to be no difference (in this sense) to wearing makeup. I personally feel that a tattoo is what you (which includes your own context) make of it, and I would be more worried about the context and content of a tattoo than whether or not somebody had one. If you live, work and socialize in conservative circles, then I think tattoos are probably inappropriate for you, as would wearing a studded leather bracelet, but there are many contexts where it would be appropriate to have ink in order to be the Light to people who would otherwise not have any. My biggest concern is your statement "I would like to say that I do not believe anyone is going to hell over a tattoo". I think you have clearly stated that you believe tattooing is a sin, yet you say that nobody is going to hell for this one? Might I remind you that sin has no weighting scale applied to it? One sin ranks on the same scale as another, and the punishment of sin is death. If you're going to preach in black and white, you can't soften the fallout with a throw-away comment like that. I appreciate your conviction and heart, but I believe that you're preaching out of a conservative fundamentalist mindset rather than someone who's aim is to show Jesus love to the world. Firstly I have to preface my comments by saying that your other posts have been great and have encouraged me as a Christian
However… I think your black and white stance on this issue is not only conservatively biased, but a possible (and completely unnecessary) stumbling block to fellow Christians.

I do not have any tattoos, and I tend to agree with the majority of the sentiment behind your post, but I have an issue with the way you (and some of the commeters) have made tattoos to be detestable to God.

I think the Lev references have been adequately squashed, so there’s no need to revisit that ground, and John covered the importance of cultural context in regards to pagan traditions becoming part of culture (as per the example of Christmas trees). In terms of using them for beautifying ones self, it was also noted & there seems to be no difference (in this sense) to wearing makeup.

I personally feel that a tattoo is what you (which includes your own context) make of it, and I would be more worried about the context and content of a tattoo than whether or not somebody had one.

If you live, work and socialize in conservative circles, then I think tattoos are probably inappropriate for you, as would wearing a studded leather bracelet, but there are many contexts where it would be appropriate to have ink in order to be the Light to people who would otherwise not have any.

My biggest concern is your statement “I would like to say that I do not believe anyone is going to hell over a tattoo”. I think you have clearly stated that you believe tattooing is a sin, yet you say that nobody is going to hell for this one? Might I remind you that sin has no weighting scale applied to it? One sin ranks on the same scale as another, and the punishment of sin is death. If you’re going to preach in black and white, you can’t soften the fallout with a throw-away comment like that.

I appreciate your conviction and heart, but I believe that you’re preaching out of a conservative fundamentalist mindset rather than someone who’s aim is to show Jesus love to the world.

]]> By: Chris & Tara McCabe http://www.joelstockstill.com/2009/08/tattoos/comment-page-1/#comment-4563 Chris & Tara McCabe Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:28:13 +0000 http://www.joelstockstill.com/?p=312#comment-4563 I love my tattoos, I got them when I wasnt following the Lord whole heartedly. But now I love the Lord enough not to get anymore and to honor my body as the temple of the holy spirit. I f I didnt go through my past I wouldnt be the Jesus lover I am today. I love my tattoos, I got them when I wasnt following the Lord whole heartedly. But now I love the Lord enough not to get anymore and to honor my body as the temple of the holy spirit. I f I didnt go through my past I wouldnt be the Jesus lover I am today.

]]> By: Tania http://www.joelstockstill.com/2009/08/tattoos/comment-page-1/#comment-4556 Tania Thu, 10 Sep 2009 02:32:39 +0000 http://www.joelstockstill.com/?p=312#comment-4556 I think the theme Pastor Joel pointed out is that tattoos are tied to Paganism. There is no justification for getting a tattoo after knowing Jesus Christ as your Savior. Once you accepted Christ your flesh is no longer in control. It doesn't matter what theme you choose to mark yourself with whether its a "christian" symbol or a family member...that's not the point...it's the act of getting inked that has ties to supernatural world of paganism... I think the theme Pastor Joel pointed out is that tattoos are tied to Paganism. There is no justification for getting a tattoo after knowing Jesus Christ as your Savior. Once you accepted Christ your flesh is no longer in control.

It doesn’t matter what theme you choose to mark yourself with whether its a “christian” symbol or a family member…that’s not the point…it’s the act of getting inked that has ties to supernatural world of paganism…

]]> By: John http://www.joelstockstill.com/2009/08/tattoos/comment-page-1/#comment-4545 John Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:46:06 +0000 http://www.joelstockstill.com/?p=312#comment-4545 So if a doctor needed to cut your skin open for an organ transplant to save your life, you'd refuse because it'd leave a permanent scar and "change the way God made you?" People dye their hair and put on make-up. Doesn't that also mean you are changing the way God made you; even ALSO covering up "imperfections"? So if a doctor needed to cut your skin open for an organ transplant to save your life, you’d refuse because it’d leave a permanent scar and “change the way God made you?” People dye their hair and put on make-up. Doesn’t that also mean you are changing the way God made you; even ALSO covering up “imperfections”?

]]> By: Mikiya http://www.joelstockstill.com/2009/08/tattoos/comment-page-1/#comment-4540 Mikiya Mon, 07 Sep 2009 06:50:46 +0000 http://www.joelstockstill.com/?p=312#comment-4540 I completely agree with Pastor Joel! The justification for tattoos that I am reading in some of these responses are scary. Even before I got saved, I never understood why people would mark their bodies with something that will never be taken off. If you want something memorable, why don't you have someone draw it out for you and place it in a frame instead of on your body? I just don't get it. There is no tattoo "artist" that I would like to honor for his work, when it contradicts the Word of God. It is very obvious from some of these responses that sanctification and salvation needs to be prayed for! Awesome blog...I need to copy this and put this on my facebook page!!! I completely agree with Pastor Joel! The justification for tattoos that I am reading in some of these responses are scary. Even before I got saved, I never understood why people would mark their bodies with something that will never be taken off. If you want something memorable, why don’t you have someone draw it out for you and place it in a frame instead of on your body? I just don’t get it. There is no tattoo “artist” that I would like to honor for his work, when it contradicts the Word of God. It is very obvious from some of these responses that sanctification and salvation needs to be prayed for! Awesome blog…I need to copy this and put this on my facebook page!!!

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