Catholic Imagery 07/23/2009
 
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Matt makes an interesting point here.
You're right, I'm not Catholic.  So why would I get a whole bunch of Catholic imagery tattooed on my arm?  Well, I think there's quite a few answers to that.

Firstly, I'm a Christian.  Personally, I don't like to get involved in denominational splits - I believe that all Christians are part of the Church - that is the Body of Christ.  That means that despite differences of opinion when it comes to doctrine, we are all part of the same Church.
I know for a fact that I don't agree with everything that everyone at TACF believes.  But that doesn't mean that I won't meet with them on a regular basis. 
When Matt (and Rob) ask why I would want to get my whole arm done in something I don't believe in, they are missing the point that it's not that I don't believe in it.  In fact, I do.  There's just a few things that Catholics focus on that I don't.  But more on  that in a minute.
I don't want to get into a long theological debate, because I have a better place for that.  But I do want to look a little at why I would get tattoos of Catholic images.

The imagery that I am talking about is, in every sense of the word, iconic.  You see a picture of Jesus with the Sacred Heart, you know it's Jesus.  The images are very obviously religious.  And that's a major reason for me to get these tattoos.  I've talked on here before about how many Christians disagree with tattoos.  Although I'm not about to make people change their mind on that (unless they try to get me to change mine!) I do feel like it's perfectly acceptable within my belief structure to get tattoos.  Although I note that much of the opposition I find within the Church to tattoos is a result of different interpretations of scripture, and of different revelation,  I also believe that a great deal of it is the result of Religious Spirits.  Again, my other blog is a better place for a detailed discussion on Religious Spirits, but here's a quick rundown of what I believe about them:

Jesus came to set us free from slavery to the Old Law.  That doesn't mean that we don't follow it any more, but that it isn't that that saves us.

A Religious Spirit is a spirit that comes to try to tie us to tradition and law in order to stop us from focusing on Jesus.

Jesus is the centre of my beliefs, as He is the only way to the Father.

I don't want to let anything else become the focus of my faith; be that tattoos, what songs we play at Church meetings, whether I should wear a hat into a Church building, or anything else that isn't absolutely essential to following Jesus.

So here's the thing.  Beth (my wife) thinks that I was put on Earth to challenge Religious Spirits.  I think that there's probably more to it than that, but I do believe that part of my calling to be a tattoo artist is to fulfill that.  By tattooing religious images on myself, I think that it challenges conventional thought about what it means to practice Christianity.

Like I said at the start of this post, Catholics are Christians.  Certainly some of their doctrine is at odds with mine - I don't pray to Saints, for example.  But the picture of Jesus on my arm represents the same Jesus that I sing to and pray to and trust and follow.  Just because the image came from the window of a Catholic Church building doesn't make it any less relevant to me.

Right.  Theological post over.  Thoughts, anyone?

 


Comments

Mr. Righteous link
07/23/2009 13:56

I'm praying for you...
Lol, j/k. Well, I might pray for you from time to time, but not b/c I'm judging you!
But I am still judging you...
J/K!
:)

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Paul Clague
07/23/2009 18:15

Interesting article Mark,

I personally have no problem with tattoos (whether catholic or otherwise) and I like your link with religiosity.

I might disagree with you on one point, although it will explain why I agree with your overall point on religious icons.

I believe that many catholics are indeed christians but also many are not, because their faith is not in Christ and his saving work on the cross but instead in the establishment, tradition and icons of the catholic church. This then becomes idolitary as their worship is not focussed on their creator but rather created things.

However you have been saved by Christ and with that comes a freedom. For some people the belief is that these images still hold some power, that by having them as a tattoo you making yourself less holy or less righteous.

When writing to the church in Corinth Paul addressed a similar issue regarding the eating of food sacrificed to idols. He says:

"So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one.......But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do." (1 Corinthians 8:4,8)

Paul was saying that idols (religious images included) hold no power in themselves and they have no effect on a believer's standing before God.

The challenge for you Mark and others with tattoos is in the verses that follow the above passage:

"Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols?" (1 Corinthians 8:9-10)

In being tattood with religious icons you are rightly exercising your freedom in Christ. But how do you deal with weaker brothers or sisters who do not realise that the images are an expression of freedom not of idolatory? It is a challenge although I do not doubt your ability to walk that line.

All the best mate and hope the family is doing well.

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Matt link
07/25/2009 00:07

Here Here Mark!

And, if I may, I'd like to comment a little on your comment Paul.

I think that while we're called to be careful not to allow our freedom to be a stumbling block to those who are weaker in the faith than us, the Bible does still say that it is for freedom that we're set free. I think the key is educating people and trying to show them how you're expressing yourself in freedom with grace, love, and truth. Also, while we're called to help each other and not hinder, each of us are responsible for our own beliefs, choices, and interpretations of scripture and on the way in which we go about living our lives. Like you said though Paul, it's a line to walk, and I'm sure Mark is one who is aptly prepared and capable of walking it.

Good blog Mark!

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Matthew Neugebauer
07/25/2009 09:34

so I was at Mass yesterday in Ann Arbor MI and I made a point of going outside the church after to look at the large stained-glass circular window of the dove placed prominently in the front. Usually, like at St. Michael's Cathedral in Toronto, the dove is descending, so it was kind of odd to see it facing up. The dove, of course, represents Holy Spirit, who is very, very, very much alive in Catholicism. All it takes is a little openness to see Him in that garb.

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Paul Clague
07/27/2009 17:18

@Matt

I agree with you entirely.

I dont have any tattoos (my wife hates them) but I am a huge poker fan and I even like the occasional cigar. I am very deliberate in being aware of my company when having the cigar but I know some people have issues with both.

As with Mark and the tattoo issue I have to learn to find that line between living in the freedom Christ6 bought for me and wanting to bless and encourage the church he has called me to serve.

Thanks for the reply.

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Linda Hope link
08/04/2009 12:00

Dearest Marcus Hardicus...

I thought of this when i was reading your post

"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." 1 Peter 3:14-16

Not that anyone here is slandering you or anything :), but if you are truly called to challenge religious spirits (which i believe you are) then i know God will speak through you His love. Love is the enemy of religion - oh for so many reasons i could blog about it next - but i know that Godly Tattooing in the Christian community is not only a massive need, but hugely controversial.

So, keep doing what God has called you to, and keep 1 Peter 2:14-16 in the forefront of your heart and mind when pelted with questions, because guess what? Forging a new path, pioneering comes with a lot of "why?"s.

Love you bro,
SnL but mostly L

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air jordan 1 link
10/29/2010 23:29

The photo and painting works on your blog are really impressive. Would you provide a tutorial on HDRI on your blog? That will be useful to the people who share the same difficulty in work like me.

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