Can I Get a Tattoo?
TLDRFather Mike Schmitz discusses the significance of his priestly ring inscribed with 'You are a priest forever' in Hebrew, a phrase from Psalms. He explores the biblical context of tattoo prohibitions in Leviticus, noting they relate to tribal or ritual markings, not modern tattoos. He advises Christians to consider the meaning and permanence of tattoos, suggesting a trial period with the image on a t-shirt before getting inked. Ultimately, he emphasizes that living as a Christian is a daily decision, more significant than any external symbol.
Takeaways
- 💍 Father Mike's ring inscription, 'You are a priest forever,' is a significant personal and religious statement derived from the Psalms and the Letter to the Hebrews.
- 📚 The context of the biblical prohibition against tattoos in Leviticus is about not marking the body for tribal identity or dedication to the dead, rather than an absolute ban on all tattoos.
- 🚫 Tattoos that are evil, lewd, crude, or misrepresent one's faith are not advisable for Christians, according to Father Mike.
- 📍 The location of a tattoo can have implications, potentially being linked to misuse of sexuality or other inappropriate symbolism.
- 🔢 The number of tattoos a person has might raise questions about their motivations, such as self-loathing or seeking uniqueness, which should be considered.
- ❓ The purpose and meaning behind getting a tattoo is crucial. It should reflect a considered and meaningful expression of one's identity or beliefs.
- 🔄 Father Mike suggests a test for the permanence of one's desire for a tattoo by wearing an image on a shirt daily for a year before committing to a tattoo.
- 🔑 Living as a Christian and representing one's faith through daily actions is more important and challenging than any physical symbol like a tattoo.
- 🤔 Before getting a tattoo, one should reflect on whether the image or message would still hold significance in 10 years.
- 🎯 The true identifier of a person's faith is not a tattoo or an accessory but the way they live their life, as emphasized by Father Mike.
- 🙏 Father Mike concludes by emphasizing the daily commitment to live as a priest and a Christian, symbolized by the ritual of putting on his ring each morning.
Q & A
What does Father Mike's ring say and what is its origin?
-Father Mike's ring says 'You are a priest forever' in Hebrew. It comes from the Psalms and is also quoted in the Letter to the Hebrews.
What was the reaction of the Israeli man when he saw Father Mike's ring?
-The Israeli man was impressed and said 'Whoah! Oh! Wow! I like that.' He translated the inscription as 'You are an everlasting priest.'
What does Father Mike think about the idea of getting a tattoo?
-Father Mike suggests that getting a tattoo is not inherently sinful or evil, but it depends on the context and meaning behind the tattoo.
What does Leviticus 19 say about tattoos and what is the context?
-Leviticus 19 prohibits tattoos that are associated with marking one's body for tribal identity or dedicating oneself to something other than God.
Are there any types of tattoos that Christians should avoid according to Father Mike?
-Yes, tattoos that depict evil imagery, are lewd or crude, or are placed in a manner that misuses one's sexuality should be avoided.
What is the significance of the location of a tattoo according to the script?
-The location of a tattoo can be significant if it relates to a misuse of sexuality or if it has a deeper meaning that conflicts with one's identity as a Christian.
What is Father Mike's view on having multiple tattoos?
-Father Mike suggests that having multiple tattoos might be a sign of self-loathing or seeking identity through tattoos, and it's important to consider the message one is sending with such markings.
What advice does Father Mike give for someone considering getting a tattoo?
-He advises to first wear an image of the tattoo on a t-shirt for a year to see if the desire for the tattoo persists, as a way to test the permanence of one's interest in the image.
What does Father Mike believe is the best identifier of a Christian or a priest?
-Father Mike believes that the way one lives is the best identifier of a Christian or a priest, rather than external symbols like tattoos or rings.
What does Father Mike do with his ring every day as a reminder of his commitment?
-Father Mike takes off his ring at night and puts it on in the morning as a daily reminder and commitment to live as a priest.
What does Father Mike suggest might be too easy of an identifier for a Christian?
-Father Mike suggests that wearing a t-shirt, a cross around the neck, or even getting a tattoo might be too easy of an identifier for a Christian, compared to the more challenging and meaningful way of living one's life.
Outlines
📿 The Significance of Father Mike's Priesthood Ring
Father Mike Schmitz discusses the inscription on his priestly ring, which reads 'You are a priest forever' in Hebrew. He explains the origin of this phrase from the Psalms and its significance in his life as a priest. He also shares an encounter with an Israeli man who offered an alternative translation, 'You are an everlasting priest,' which Father Mike prefers. The conversation transitions into a broader discussion about tattoos, their cultural and religious implications, and the importance of understanding the context behind biblical prohibitions on body markings.
🖊 Tattoos and Their Spiritual Significance
Father Mike Schmitz addresses the topic of tattoos, a common question he receives from his audience. He explains the biblical context of Leviticus 19, which prohibits tattoos, and clarifies that the prohibition is related to specific cultural practices rather than a blanket ban on all tattoos. He advises that tattoos should not be used to consecrate oneself to anything other than God or to mark oneself in a way that conflicts with one's identity as a Christian. Father Mike also suggests a test for the permanence of one's desire for a tattoo by wearing an image on a shirt for a year before getting it tattooed. He emphasizes that the true identifier of one's Christian faith is not external symbols like tattoos, but the way one lives their life.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Priest
💡Hebrew
💡Psalms
💡Tattoos
💡Leviticus
💡Identity
💡Consecration
💡Evil
💡Self-loathing
💡Scripture
💡Cultural Context
Highlights
Father Mike's ring inscription 'You are a priest forever' in Hebrew is from Psalms and signifies his eternal priesthood.
An Israeli man's translation of the ring as 'You are an everlasting priest' is even more appealing to Father Mike.
Father Mike humorously contemplates getting a tattoo of the inscription but opts for a ring instead.
The conversation about tattoos explores whether they are permissible from a Christian perspective.
Leviticus 19 prohibits tattoos for reasons of tribal identity or dedicating oneself to the dead, not as an absolute ban.
Tattoos are not inherently evil, but their meaning and context are crucial for Christians.
Avoid tattoos of evil imagery, lewdness, or crudeness as they may conflict with Christian values.
The location of a tattoo can reflect misuse or misrepresentation of one's sexuality.
Excessive tattoos may indicate deeper issues like self-loathing, warranting introspection.
Tattoos should be considered deeply, asking what statement they make about one's identity.
Father Mike suggests wearing an image on a t-shirt for a year to test the desire for a permanent tattoo.
A year-long test can help determine if the image still holds significance and is worth a tattoo.
Father Mike admits his own fickleness and the reason he has no tattoos despite his desire for them.
Living as a Christian and a priest is a daily decision that is more significant than any tattoo.
The way one lives is a more profound identifier of faith than any physical symbol.
Father Mike emphasizes the importance of daily commitment to living as a Christian over a one-time decision like a tattoo.
Transcripts
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