Stupid Question... Tattoos - Page 2

RemRam · #16 Sep 12, '12, 12:53 pm

I always wanted to have a tattoo. Ghost Rider, but because I am the current youth minister of our parish, Im just gonna say no to it for now. But I still want it so bad XD

**Church Militant** · #17 Sep 12, '12, 1:02 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by RemRam

I always wanted to have a tattoo. Ghost Rider, but because I am the current youth minister of our parish, Im just gonna say no to it for now. But I still want it so bad XD

Better idea. Why not set a better example and get a Miraculous Medal tattoo?

You might even consider consecration to Mary in the Militia Immaculata. I've recently heard that a number of newly ordained priests have done so and had the MM tattoed on their upper arms/shoulders like a badge.

johnnyjones · #18 Sep 12, '12, 1:15 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Portrait

Dear friend,

Cordial greetings and a very good day.

Whilst our Church has not made any official pronouncement upon so called body enhancements, such as tattoos, our own conscience should inform us that such unsightly bodily mutilation does not sit comfortably with the holy religion of Christ. Moreover, it is a fundamentalist mindset, dear friend, that always looks to the Church to be spoon-fed on every single issue where doubt exists. We are to use our own prudential judgment or good old fashioned sanctified common sense in our decision making about many issues on which our Church is silent.

However, dear friend, tattoos undeniably express a certain anti-authoritarian attitude and convey an ostentatiously assertive outlook that is diametrically opposed to a profession of godliness. Even if the tattoos in question are of Catholic symbols, they are, alas, inseparably wedded to an unsavoury and uncouth image and cannot shed this distasteful image. Moreover, tattoos are also a form of brash exhibitionism which is intrinsically un-Catholic as it falls short of the virtue of humility and a gentle and quiet disposition, which ought to characterize the devout Catholic, especially a woman.

Another argument against this unseemly practice apertains to the Fifth Commandment, which forbids any unnecessary harming of the body, "the temple of the Holy Spirit", as St. Paul terms it. Catholic moral theology teaches that by the Principle of Totality, a man or woman is not permitted to authorize the mutilation of the body except for the benefit of the whole body by the Principle of Totality. Mutilation of the body, dear friend, can only ever be justified on the supposition that it is necessary or useful towards obtaining some physical benefit (for example, amputation of a limb to prevent gangrene).

It is frequently said nowadays, that times have changed and that tattoos no longer have their anti-authoritarian unsavoury image. But that is only because our Western culture has sadly become more vulgar and men and women now habitually transgress the boundaries of propriety. This is a monumental tragedy of the first rank. How deeply saddening to see even middle-class girls and women, who supposedly have been well-bred, having hideous tattoos and seemingly being very proud of them. Once again, this only exemplifies how far we have plummeted, especially when you have even Catholic women straining to justify being tattooed. This, dear friend, is so un-lady-like and surely reveals a distinct absence of a "meek and quiet spirit", to which St. Peter refers in his First Epistle (I Pet. 3: 3,4), indicative of a pious interior character.

It is good to hear, dear friend, that you have decided not to have a tattoo. You have made the correct prudential judgment, which you will not regret in years to come.

God bless.

Warmest good wishes,

Portrait

Pax

Well said. Unfortunately in youth I did succumb to my worldly outlook and had some tattoos afixed upon me. Fortunately they are mostly hidden wearing even casual attire. I do not recommend geting them as you so aptly stated. Although widely embraced, tattoos present the folly of ourpresent culture when even young women are marred in unsightly areas such as the neck and face.

From paegon tribal cultures to seafaring men, it is sad to see the long history of tattoos evolve into a accepted way of displaying the human body. If you are Christian and feel an absolute need to get one, be wise an get the tattoo in an inconspicuous area.

lerapt78 · #19 Sep 12, '12, 1:41 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Portrait

However, dear friend, tattoos undeniably express a certain anti-authoritarian attitude and convey an ostentatiously assertive outlook that is diametrically opposed to a profession of godliness. Even if the tattoos in question are of Catholic symbols, they are, alas, inseparably wedded to an unsavoury and uncouth image and cannot shed this distasteful image. Moreover, tattoos are also a form of brash exhibitionism. . . . .

It is frequently said nowadays, that times have changed and that tattoos no longer have their anti-authoritarian unsavoury image. But that is only because our Western culture has sadly become more vulgar and men and women now habitually transgress the boundaries of propriety.

Good points, Portrait. I've always disliked tatoos, though at times I've found it difficult to actually verbalize the reasons for my distaste. As you've mentioned, even good, moral, and respectable people are getting tatoos these days (so previous assumptions/prejudices may not be as accurate as they once were), but I still think they carry a negative symbolism that would do well to be avoided for prudence's sake.

tonyk84 · #20 Sep 12, '12, 3:06 pm

I have a tattoo sleeve of all religious images.

I have virgin Mary face, the last supper and the a dove with the words Veni Sancte Spiritus around my forearm.
I have St Anthony with the baby Jesus, and St Michael the Arc Angle on front and inside of bicep.
I have Jesus with to lambs on out side of upper arm, and to cherubs on tricep. All joined together with clouds and the bible verse Philippians 4:13. I can do all things in him who strengthens me over shoulder to finish off.

The advice I would give anyone is to really think it through, as I know regret mine and hate having it on show at Mass or any Holy place.

Portrait · #21 Sep 12, '12, 5:03 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by lerapt78

Good points, Portrait. I've always disliked tatoos, though at times I've found it difficult to actually verbalize the reasons for my distaste. As you've mentioned, even good, moral, and respectable people are getting tatoos these days (so previous assumptions/prejudices may not be as accurate as they once were), but I still think they carry a negative symbolism that would do well to be avoided for prudence's sake.

Dear lerapt78,

Cordial greetings and a very good day. Thankyou kindly for that.

Whilst, dear friend, many of the professional middle-classes are now getting 'inked', to use the modern parlance, it must be remembered that these people take their cue as to what is acceptable and normative from the prevailing secular culture. They are living lives that are in complete conformity to the transient norm of worldly life, unlike those who profess the holy religion of Christ. Therefore we would expect such earthbound people to embrace and live by the debased standards of the godless world (cf. Eph. 2: 2). However, the pious Catholic is striving not to be conformed to the world (Rom. 12: 2) and so ought to be actively opposed to the world's undignified practices and fashions.

You are quite correct, dear friend, tattoos do indeed continue to have negative associations. However, it is true to say that they have ceased to have those negative associations for worldly people with jolly low standards and also Catholics who have sadly sucumbed to the secular drift. However, those of good social standing, be they Christian or non-Christian, continue to find tattoos objectionable and unseemly and would still consider them to be off-limits for respectable people. The widespread increase in those having tattoos, especially women, is symptomatic of a much deeper malaise within Western society, namely the corrosion of moral standards and a general corsening of conduct.

This issue, as with so many others, is bound up with the much broader issue of sanctity and separation from the godless world and its distasteful practices. Alas, dear friend, the pursuit of holiness and separation from the world have never been popular topics, especially with those who are content with a sort of 'Catholicism Lite', I mean a hand in hand with the world type of religion which makes little or no demand in terms of self-denial.

God bless.

Warmest good wishes,

Portrait

Pax

SgtSchultz · #22 Sep 12, '12, 9:15 pm

I wonder if anyone ever heard about where the fad of tattoo sleeves came from. I was talking about tattoos with a friend once and he said that tattoo sleeves came from gay porn. He said that about 3-5 years after they had become prevalent in that "genre" of smut, it had spread to the general culture. Has anyone else ever heard of this?

lerapt78 · #23 Sep 12, '12, 9:40 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by SgtSchultz

I wonder if anyone ever heard about where the fad of tattoo sleeves came from. I was talking about tattoos with a friend once and he said that tattoo sleeves came from gay porn. He said that about 3-5 years after they had become prevalent in that "genre" of smut, it had spread to the general culture. Has anyone else ever heard of this?

I don't say this with any authority SgtSchultz, but if I had to guess, I would say the "sleeve" fad possibly comes from western society's more recent infatuation with all things eastern/oriental. Namely in this case, the Japanese Yakuza. Maybe it has to do with a "tough guy / gangster" image?

Again, it's only a guess.

SgtSchultz · #24 Sep 12, '12, 10:10 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by lerapt78

I don't say this with any authority SgtSchultz, but if I had to guess, I would say the "sleeve" fad possibly comes from western society's more recent infatuation with all things eastern/oriental. Namely in this case, the Japanese Yakuza. Maybe it has to do with a "tough guy / gangster" image?

Again, it's only a guess.

That makes as much sense as any theory. But here's the thing: in Japan or Korea, having tattoos is extremely frowned upon. They are associated with, as you said, criminal elements or the kind of people with whom "civilised society" dare not mix. In fact, one cannot enter a bath house* if tattooed in either country.

*A Korean or Japanese bath house being akin to a sauna and not a place where men seek to have sex with other men. Unlike what "bath house" has come to mean in North America, in East Asia bathhouses are for both sexes (even kids) though they are separated just as washrooms are. They're usually attached to centres where people can go swimming or engage in sports whilst clothed.