Should Christian Visual Artists Create Tattoos?

Though it says that the body is to be a temple, I would like to say that some temples have art in them. It all depends on what you think, God will not hate you if you decided to get a tattoo or tattoo others as long as its not of the demonic type.

Keep in mind, there are several "denominations" of Christianity. Some are more repressive or have different ideas than others.

I'm christian and other than the fact that my mom and dad don't like them, there's no other decree that says I can't put ink on my body. As an artist I think of it as art, not as something ugly. At least anything that I would consider.

But it should be something positive and something that a person want to keep forever. And it should be respectful.

what happened to your body being Jesus's temple? Talk about hipocrits. I guess your only christian on Sundays! Oh, to answer the question, No.

It does not take a genius for one to realize that tattoos are becoming indelible in our society today. People from all walks of life are getting themselves inked for various reasons. For some, the reasons are merely skin-deep: to increase their “level of sexiness” up a few notches, to identify themselves with a group of tattooed individuals, or to exercise their freedom and be cool. But for some, it involves a deeper, religious meaning.

Religious tattoos are quite common nowadays. We see cross tattoos or religious symbols and images being sported by different individuals around. And, in all truthfulness, a few of these individuals do not fit into the bill of what a religious person should be. But one question remains: Is tattooing of religious symbols recognized as a religious act? It would depend on which religious sector you belong to, and on what your religious beliefs are.

The advent of religious tattoos dates back to the pre-biblical era when the art of tattooing was widely practiced by the pagans as a means of worship until it was forbidden when Constantine became the emperor of Rome. According to Leviticus 19:28: “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead; neither shall you make in yourselves any figures or marks. I am the Lord.” This then became the basis for Christians to shun tattooing.

Islam tradition forbids any bodily alterations made as a way to enhance physical beauty, and this includes body tattoos. Generally, the Muslim culture also considers tattoos unacceptable; as well as traditional Jews. However, maybe due to the changing of the times, this body art is now slowly being accepted by these religious sectors, though not as a religious act.

But in some Asian cultures, having religious tattoos is traditional practice. It is common custom for Buddhist monks to wear tattoos that are believed to ward off bad luck and evil spirits, and therefore serve as an amulet. In Hindu religion, tattooing is also common practice as part of their culture. For the Egyptians, religious tattoos such as The Eye Of Horus also serves as protection from evil spirits, to bring good luck, and to gain entry into after-life.

In recent times, religious tattoos seem to be just that: a skin-deep image of a once-revered symbol. The Ankh, Ichthus, the Sacred Heart and the Crucifix of the Christians; the Star of David, Menorah, and Allah symbols of the Islams; the Eye of Horus, Yin Yang, Dharma, and other religious symbols for different religious sectors are seen worn by people who do not practice the religion.

But it is also fairly common for a person to show his devotion by having something of religious importance etched on his body even on this day and age. So the question of whether religious tattoos are taboo or not lies on the personal belief of the wearer. It is no longer dictated by society but by how one chose to show his spirituality. Tattoos, like religion, have become a personal thing.

If you want to know more about religious tattoos and religious tattoo designs, visit body-jewelry-useek.com. Here you will also find information about sun tattoos, dolphin tattoos, and other tattoo ideas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Art_Nahshon

I'm 51 and for some reason, I don't know exactly where I heard this, but I thought tatoos were taboo for Christians.

At any rate this is a bit "out there"....

So, say you get a "Crucifix Tatoo" now does that really mean that you are a Chrisitan or does it mean that you just think it's a "funky tattoo"?

Actions, speak louder than words. How we live our life day to day is much more important than wearing a
tattoo like this.

Of all the things Christians tend to be against, I didn't think tattoos to be one of them. I really don't understand the question.
Furthermore, how is a "Christian Visual Artist" different from a "Visual Artist" who may occasionally do Christian themed artwork or go to church? Is it necessary to group the two separately?
It is such a moot concept and one based on personal choice, not something that requires rules from the church...