Pretty much everyone knows someone who has a tattoo. For some reason; however, there is a huge debate on whether or not tattoos are respectable. I personally believe there is nothing wrong with tattoos. Not only does it appeal to your inner artist but it's like a part of you is put on display for the world to see. People get tattoos to celebrate life changing events, or to remember people. Like with most things, getting a tattoo comes with some risk. If you go somewhere sketchy you could end up with ink poisoning; however, going to a clean tattoo parlor with great reviews and artists almost guarantees your experience and tattoo will be great.
There are many secular arguments about tattoos being unprofessional or bad decisions. First of all, getting a tattoo doesn’t change you as a person. So, there should be no reason why a tattoo should keep someone from performing a certain job, whether it be as an office worker, teacher, or doctor. Any judgment comes from those too blind to see past prejudice. Secondly, we all understand that tattoos are forever. No one gets a tattoo expecting it to disappear in the next month. People like to say that if you get a tattoo, “you’ll regret it,” or “what will that look like when you’re older?” However, very few people say that about children. I think people who get tattoos versus children are getting the better end of the deal. Our tattoos don’t talk back for eighteen plus years, and we don’t have to pay for them to go to college. There are plenty of bigger life altering decisions than getting someone to draw a picture on your skin.
It has also been argued that getting tattoos goes against what the Bible tells us. One verse people use is Leviticus 19:28 where the Lord says not to make cut marks on your skin. But I would like to point out that there are many Old Testament religious practices that we do not follow anymore, such as sacrificing animals and not eating pork. Other people like to quote the verse about how our bodies are temples of god and we shouldn’t do anything to harm them. However, some hold tattoos as the ultimate sin against your body and tend to ignore other harmful things like overeating and not exercising. We as Americans consume so much junk and put medicines in our bodies that could destroy our organs. Getting a tattoo isn’t the worst thing you can do and is extremely unlikely to do your body any harm much less kill. Plus, last time I checked, we weren’t crucifying people for getting their ears pierced, which is something the bible speaks against too.
I really don’t think that getting a tattoo will keep you from getting into heaven. It’s a personal choice. I wouldn't recommend just getting a tattoo because you think it will look cool or for a significant other. That could just lead to deep regret. Take your time, do research, and choose wisely. Remember, a tattoo is permanent (unless you have money to get it lasered off) Also, If you feel like you need to judge people for their tattoos, try not to be so prejudiced, and maybe consider that a piece of art isn’t the end of the world.
Written by Jasmine Bonner
Great article Jasmine!
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