I’ll be honest – I’m not entirely sure how I feel about “tattoos”:http://decompressingfaith.blogspot.com/2006/04/christians-and-tattoos.html at this point in my life. I don’t necessarily view them as the great, evil things that a lot of Christians do, though I do understand the _why_ of their disdain. Tattoos have traditionally been associated with unsavory types of people, particularly those who buck against the rules in whatever fashion. I do know that just because someone _has_ tattoo does not necessarily mean that they are militant or contentious. I have known a great many people who have tattoos who are very friendly and are some of the most law-abiding individuals you will ever meet.
I think my two biggest marks against tattoos are 1) the danger of contracting some blood-borne illness due to a lack of hygienic maintenance of the equipment used (I’m told that can be avoided pretty easily with research), and 2) the permanence of such marks on one’s body. Tattoos do tend to fade and look nasty after several years, and if you aren’t careful, you may end with something that you hate down the road.
Ultimately, I think it boils down to a personal choice. I don’t see tattoos as being immoral or sinful. I just tend to think that they aren’t very practical, in the long-run.
Thanks for the link, Jim.
For every Christian I know that dislikes tattoos, I know a Christian that has at least one. (Although maybe that’s a testament to the company I keep?)
Fortunately, tatt tech and ink are always improving, but I have seen many a tattoo that is many years old and still looks great. I guess time will tell.
Thanks for your thoughts.
I love tattoos but there are some risks other than equiptment hygene. Tatoo pigments may contain lead and other toxic metals so that’s another consideration.
I think the fading issue is most problematic with color work. Black and grey tattoos age more gracefully.
And tattoos don’t have to be forever. You can add to or modify them. Or you can remove them with painful, expensive lasers.
So what are you waiting for ;)