The Rebuttal :Dlady_dorothyJanuary 11 2008, 04:40:27 UTC
1. Were I doing this to follow a trend, you might have a point. It is true that tattooing is becoming more widely acceptable (over the course of many years, which doesn't really qualify it as a "trend"), but that's not why I am getting it. And I know it's forever. If it wasn't, what's the point of getting one? I might as well just draw it on.
2. I know the health risks associated with tattooing, and I know that they are almost exclusively associated with improper hygiene and disposal of needles. Not only have I asked very serious, detailed questions, I have also made sure they are licensed and certified by the health board.
3. I've considered getting a tattoo for a few years; a lot of time and thought went into the design, and it means a lot to me. I have made sure both that I want it and that I will have nothing to regret.
4. I'm not fond of Renoir anyway ;D I have reviewed the work of artists in the area, of whom the majority are very skilled. I have chosen the one with the most experience and talent in the areas I need. I am entirely confident in his ability with very complex designs, but mine will actually be quite simple- especially since he will be using transfer paper as a guide.
5. Pain is fleeting but the design and its meaning- as you so accurately pointed out- is forever. I know the healing process is less than attractive, but again, it will last about a week.
6. As long as I know it is not sinful or stupid or ugly, why would those pose any problem? It would be stupid to say "Hey, I have forty bucks, I think I'll go get Tweety Bird tattooed on my bum." I have put careful consideration into this, and it's not a frivolous, meaningless tramp stamp. If you think it's sinful, I think this site puts it quite nicely. As for ugly... honestly. You should know how much of an aesthete I am. Why on earth would I have something ugly imprinted on my skin for life? Also, I -AM- getting it in an easily concealed place. I want it in the center of my back- low enough that a moderately low backline would reveal it, and high enough that it wouldn't be visible in any gap between pant waist and shirt hem. I know well that they are not widely accepted, and as I intend to go into a professional field, I kept that in mind.
7. I realize that it will not stay as crisp as the day I get it, but tattooing inks and techniques have come a *long* way in 30 years. There will be some inevitable spreading in the lines over the years, but it will not be anything drastic. As for the flaws that come with aging skin, that's one of the reasons I'm getting it on my back.
8. One of the reasons I've waited this long to really decide to get this is to be sure I wouldn't want to change my mind. This whole thing isn't just about me wanting to decorate myself. It expresses a belief that I want to be as much a part of my physical body as it is a part of my lifestyle. Have you ever seen the design? It's a Seraph, feet and face veiled, holding banners that read "Salus, Honor, et Virtus, Omnipotenti Deo." The whole thing is about eternal worship before the throne of God. I want it to be a constant reminder to live every part of my life as an act of worship.
9. I have just explained why I want one. It is not an act of rebellion, nor is it an attempt to change my image- it is an expression of a belief and a promise to live in light of that belief. "Because it will annoy my parents," "Because my friends will think I'm cool," and "Because I can," are the second, third, and fourth stupidest reasons to ever get a tattoo. The stupidest is "Because I was drunk and had money," but that's another story entirely ;D
10. Please DON'T mention Leviticus. The verse forbidding tattoos come right after the verse forbidding haircuts. As for honoring my parents, that is my biggest concern. I've talked to mom about it, and she didn't seems *too* concerned, but it was over AIM so there's all kinds of opportunity for things to be lost in translation. That's one of the reasons I intend to wait I good while before I actually get it done; Dad will probably object, but he had a cow when I cut my hair, too. We'll see what happens there.
As for the rest of it, though... I've done my homework. Promise!
Re: The Rebuttal :Dlady_dorothyJanuary 12 2008, 06:29:26 UTC
If you're not a fan of Renoir, then I question how much of an aesthete you really are (4 and 6). But to more meaty matters, you're referenced site basicaly says "we live under grace not the law" and hey, that's true. But if I may quote a friend of mine (Paul) "All things are legal unto me but not expediant" (or something to that tune). Just because you CAN do something doesn't mean you SHOULD do it. If you want to be an Uber Christian you should act as though you still live under the law in as many aspects as is rational; sacrifices would be a scaralige in the context of Jesus but I don't think God laid down his comands becuase he felt like being arbitrary, he probably doesn't like tats.
Another point of contention is this line: "It expresses a belief that I want to be as much a part of my physical body as it is a part of my lifestyle." I think Jesus makes it extraordinarily clear that we, as Christians, should NOT place importance on the physical body which decays but on the spiritual. Incorporating Christianity into your physical body just seems corrosive because your body is sinful.
A point you failed to answer involves this line: "Also, I -AM- getting it in an easily concealed place." So, then, why? What is the point of getting it in a place only God and your husband will see? Why do you think doing something that God specifically asked us NOT to do is a good way to honor him? Yeah, you CAN do it, but it seems like you're picking an awfuly stupid way to honor the Lord. Why not fast? Or do one of the many many ways God actually HAS asked us to glorify him? Nothing in the bible supports tattoos, and the one place they are mentioned it says not to get them so your rationale as to why this honors him must be simmilar to the Cathloic's rationale as to why praying to carven images of Mary, or crusifixes, isn't idolitry.
I would also like to put the above quote in this context: "I want it to be a constant reminder to live every part of my life as an act of worship." So, you're putting it someplace you are biologicaly unable to see? (unless you have had a neck transplant with an owel).
Taking a step back I'd like to go to reason #7. There will be diteriation of the ink over time and that is EXACTLY why Jesus tells us not to place importance on the physical; it decays. when you are 60 you will be offering up some smudged, wrinkeled leathery old thing as an offering to God? He asked for Calves to be sacrificed, not the oldest cows the people had. (not that I'm calling you a cow, you understand).
2. I know the health risks associated with tattooing, and I know that they are almost exclusively associated with improper hygiene and disposal of needles. Not only have I asked very serious, detailed questions, I have also made sure they are licensed and certified by the health board.
3. I've considered getting a tattoo for a few years; a lot of time and thought went into the design, and it means a lot to me. I have made sure both that I want it and that I will have nothing to regret.
4. I'm not fond of Renoir anyway ;D
I have reviewed the work of artists in the area, of whom the majority are very skilled. I have chosen the one with the most experience and talent in the areas I need. I am entirely confident in his ability with very complex designs, but mine will actually be quite simple- especially since he will be using transfer paper as a guide.
5. Pain is fleeting but the design and its meaning- as you so accurately pointed out- is forever. I know the healing process is less than attractive, but again, it will last about a week.
6. As long as I know it is not sinful or stupid or ugly, why would those pose any problem? It would be stupid to say "Hey, I have forty bucks, I think I'll go get Tweety Bird tattooed on my bum." I have put careful consideration into this, and it's not a frivolous, meaningless tramp stamp. If you think it's sinful, I think this site puts it quite nicely. As for ugly... honestly. You should know how much of an aesthete I am. Why on earth would I have something ugly imprinted on my skin for life? Also, I -AM- getting it in an easily concealed place. I want it in the center of my back- low enough that a moderately low backline would reveal it, and high enough that it wouldn't be visible in any gap between pant waist and shirt hem. I know well that they are not widely accepted, and as I intend to go into a professional field, I kept that in mind.
7. I realize that it will not stay as crisp as the day I get it, but tattooing inks and techniques have come a *long* way in 30 years. There will be some inevitable spreading in the lines over the years, but it will not be anything drastic. As for the flaws that come with aging skin, that's one of the reasons I'm getting it on my back.
8. One of the reasons I've waited this long to really decide to get this is to be sure I wouldn't want to change my mind. This whole thing isn't just about me wanting to decorate myself. It expresses a belief that I want to be as much a part of my physical body as it is a part of my lifestyle. Have you ever seen the design? It's a Seraph, feet and face veiled, holding banners that read "Salus, Honor, et Virtus, Omnipotenti Deo." The whole thing is about eternal worship before the throne of God. I want it to be a constant reminder to live every part of my life as an act of worship.
9. I have just explained why I want one. It is not an act of rebellion, nor is it an attempt to change my image- it is an expression of a belief and a promise to live in light of that belief. "Because it will annoy my parents," "Because my friends will think I'm cool," and "Because I can," are the second, third, and fourth stupidest reasons to ever get a tattoo. The stupidest is "Because I was drunk and had money," but that's another story entirely ;D
10. Please DON'T mention Leviticus. The verse forbidding tattoos come right after the verse forbidding haircuts. As for honoring my parents, that is my biggest concern. I've talked to mom about it, and she didn't seems *too* concerned, but it was over AIM so there's all kinds of opportunity for things to be lost in translation. That's one of the reasons I intend to wait I good while before I actually get it done; Dad will probably object, but he had a cow when I cut my hair, too. We'll see what happens there.
As for the rest of it, though... I've done my homework. Promise!
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Oops! Dang those tiny, crucial little words!
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Another point of contention is this line: "It expresses a belief that I want to be as much a part of my physical body as it is a part of my lifestyle." I think Jesus makes it extraordinarily clear that we, as Christians, should NOT place importance on the physical body which decays but on the spiritual. Incorporating Christianity into your physical body just seems corrosive because your body is sinful.
A point you failed to answer involves this line: "Also, I -AM- getting it in an easily concealed place." So, then, why? What is the point of getting it in a place only God and your husband will see? Why do you think doing something that God specifically asked us NOT to do is a good way to honor him? Yeah, you CAN do it, but it seems like you're picking an awfuly stupid way to honor the Lord. Why not fast? Or do one of the many many ways God actually HAS asked us to glorify him? Nothing in the bible supports tattoos, and the one place they are mentioned it says not to get them so your rationale as to why this honors him must be simmilar to the Cathloic's rationale as to why praying to carven images of Mary, or crusifixes, isn't idolitry.
I would also like to put the above quote in this context: "I want it to be a constant reminder to live every part of my life as an act of worship." So, you're putting it someplace you are biologicaly unable to see? (unless you have had a neck transplant with an owel).
Taking a step back I'd like to go to reason #7. There will be diteriation of the ink over time and that is EXACTLY why Jesus tells us not to place importance on the physical; it decays. when you are 60 you will be offering up some smudged, wrinkeled leathery old thing as an offering to God? He asked for Calves to be sacrificed, not the oldest cows the people had. (not that I'm calling you a cow, you understand).
Reply
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