tat

[Dr. Ron]

I think you should pose that question to your FPU class Thursday night.

[Full Quiver]

As long as I am debt free and pay cash I don't think they'll have a prob doc. Of course I could do it before I am debt free and consider it "blow money" which is budgeted. I got a quote a few years ago and we are looking at $80 or so.

As far as marking our bodies being pagan then wouldn't piercings follow that line of thinking?

[paul]

Danny

I would give much thought to it before you decide. Long story, but when I was 15 I got my first tats.....love and hate across my fingers, then when in the navy on my shoulders and forarms. I have more than my share.

I was blesses in that I was able to get the ones on my fingers removed. As the years have passed, they have blurred, after 45+ years I have grow very tired of them and wished I had never gotten them.

Just my personal feelings.

[MacUser]

To me you will never know the position that God will place you in your life. If you think you will always be some "A" and then mark yourself all up as a result of that... God may say.. no.. I want you to be a "B" and then you might be less effective as the "B" as a result of your "A" endeavors. Get it?

Either way. I'm a designer... and I design different stuff all the time and to think that one design was going to always follow me.. scares the jeeepers out of me. My opinion on what looks good CHANGES and my life does and as I age. Things I wanted 10 years ago are much different that what I desire and want now.

You are not a static person... so don't look that way.

[dolfan]

First, the tattoo would be very, very cool to have. I'm a Dolphins fan, of course, but the Steelers are a sentimental favorite because as a kid, I idolized Lynn Swann and John Stallworth. I loved the Steelers, and when they play anyone other than Miami, I'm a Steelers fan.

Second, I've had the same exact thought process about both a Dolphins logo and a Bama logo. I just finally came down to this: I don't want something I can't take off if I take a notion. Now, there are things one can do to fade or even remove some tattoos, but I don't think it makes much practical sense to have something added on to me aftermarket that I may have to go see a doctor to remove it. It may be okay to Trick My Truck, but I don't want to Trick My Torso, y' know?

My own view, since you asked, is save the $80. If you feel that determined to have a tattoo to express this determination about the steeliness of your devotion, etc., then at least think "minimize". If it is really just for you and Wendy, smalling it down and making it as inconspicuous as possible so that it retains that intimate 'we're-in-this-together' feeling is also cool enough. I like well done, well placed tattoos that aren't garish (and, no, not all tats are garish).

How 'bout a temporary tat of the kind you've described? Just a trial run? They are availablen, and you can decide whether you really want to be one flesh with the Steelers.

[DaJudge]

Danny

Long story, but when I was 15 I got my first tats.....love and hate across my fingers, .

I've seen people with love and hate across their knuckles, and I've always wondered, what does that signify?

[Full Quiver]

Where can I find temp. tats? I would certainly go this route and especially if I could design my own temp. tatoo.

[Paully_44]

I got a quote a few years ago and we are looking at $80 or so.

Seems relatively cheap for a tat, especially with color. how big will it be?

[dolfan]

Try this one, for example.

Also, for something less temporary (1-2 weeks), try a henna tattoo. Won't be in color, but an outline form of the tat could give you an idea of living full time with it. I actually got one once in Florida, an elephant -- very tiny one -- and wore it for about 2 weeks. It faded out and was gone, but didn't just wash off.

Or, if you want to play with the design and print your own, there is this temporary tattoo paper.

[Mat]

removed

[Full Quiver]

I've tried the henna deal; it was junk. I am looking into the tattoo paper though. The steelers tats won't allow for customization. Thanks though!

[Pastor Bill]

My problem is my children wanting to follow in their fathers footsteps. I already got a 13 year old wanting one and that is not okay!

I am not so opposed to it if he keeps it between me and him but he walks around without his shirt on so that isn't possible. Steelers is stupid and out of the question for me. Whatever. I would say its not my body but technically it is!

DO NOT hide things from you kids, if you feel this is something you need to hide from them, then take that as a clue and don't do it.

If you don't feel there is anything wrong with it, then you should not be ashamed of it. But lying to your children, or hiding the truth generally comes back to bite you later.

[one love]

Yes, I know it’s not cool, but I must say, I struggle with tattoos. To me, tattoos are often an expression of a former life and its hard for me to get my mind around a Christian putting a permanent logo or slogan on their body. Yes, I know I am being legalist, but I have met a few former gang members who after turning to Christ faithfully cover their tattoos. Yes, within my church are men and women, some young some old, who have tattoos. Butterflies, cartoon characters and flowers are popular with the women.

The Apostle Paul said he had the marks of Jesus on this body (Gal. 6:17), but I don't think they were tattoos. Rather, he was scared and disfigured by the beatings, stoning, whippings, and imprisonments that he suffered for Christ. Those are marks you can not buy with money but they have eternal value.

Some years ago the fad among “cutting edge” Christians was a pierced ear and ear ring. As time progressed we have more piercing, such as eye brows, lips, noses and who knows what else. Tattoos are the big thing today, first discreet and for private viewing, now for decoration and to make a statement. As a pastor in the intercity I can assure you that religious tattoos such as crosses, angels, Christ with a crown of thorns, scripture, etc., have little bearing on the spirituality of the wearer. However, generally my experience is that these tattoos are acquired before conversion.

Now I know not being opened minded about tattoos places me in the “spiritual moron category” or as some kind of legalist, but let me give you a secondary argument. Tattoos are much like the idea of cremation at death instead of burial. If you can accept the thought of your child being cremated then cremation is for you. Likewise, if you can accept the thought of your child being tattooed, then go for it.

I do not have any tattoos myself, but would have considered an “eagle, globe and anchor” when I was in the Corp, but then I was just 18. At that time the Corp prohibited new tattoos during enlistment (they also prohibited tattoos that could not be covered up, circa 73-74). Now I’m glad they did, but as an honorably discharged Marine I have been tempted. I do feel you should never wear what you did not earn, so for example, if you were not a Marine you better get that tattoo removed or cut your #!*!*# arm off ( I digress and am just kidding).

Some kids like to show me their tattoos for “shock value”, since I am a pastor and all. When they exhibit the “machismo” they bought, I pull up my pants leg and show them the entrance and exit wound from being shot when I was 12. That said, I have lived long enough to see piercing and tattoos as acceptable Christian practice. Brandings can’t be far behind, so brother whatever floats your boat.

Mat

PS The Steelers? Really?

I can say that when I was in a gang in high school I almost got a tat of I.T.B. across my back or stomach I am so glad I did not.
This has nothing to do with Danny but thought I would add.
Now My advice is that if you feel yu need to hide it dont do it. Think about it very hard and make sure it is what you want because you are stuck with it. I do feel it is wrong, call me legalistic but I do. I would not however judge you, that is your choice, My personal conviction is to not have one