Background information: Adam J. Copeland is a pastor conducting informal research for some Christian youth curriculum addressing tattoos. Adam’s also taking a grad school class on cyberculture. This meme combines these interests, and hopefully will help him thoughtfully consider getting a tattoo himself. So, please, pass on the meme below….
In a few sentences, respond to the questions below — respond on your blog, on this blog, on Facebook, wherever. When you’re done, share, tag a few friends, and pass on the questions. If you post this somewhere else, keep the title, “Meme: My faith, my tattoo” for easy searching. For background on what the heck a “meme” is, see this article.
My Faith, My Tattoo Meme:
1. Describe your tattoo(s):
2. What made you want that tattoo(s)?
3. How did your faith influence your tattoo, indirectly or directly?
4. What’s the relationship between your tattoo and your broader understanding of your body?
5. Was it worth it…do you have regrets?
6. What funny story has happened because of your tattoo?
7. How did your tattoo change your faith (and if not, why not)?
For background on how this meme started, see Adam Copeland’s blog at http://adamjcopeland.com
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Here are some inks to those who have already participated in the My Faith, My Tattoo meme via their blogs. Also, in the comments of this post several others have answered as well:
- Abby at extraordinary
- the gospel according to mark
- Bruce Reyes-Chow
- Heather at all we know is falling
- emmy at insert post-modern title here
- Adam at pomomusings
- Kendra Kinnison
- Steph at tales from the bathroom stall
- Ania Read ponders here
- mihee kim-kort
- more links goes here…
1. Describe your tattoo(s):(1)western style “o”-w/ wings & 3 stars, (2)tribal style jesus, (3)crown of thorns, (4)celtic trinity symbol.
2. What made you want that tattoo(s)?they were pieces of art that symbolize where i was on my journey at the time.
3. How did your faith influence your tattoo, indirectly or directly?pretty directly.
4. What’s the relationship between your tattoo and your broader understanding of your body?they are a permanent part of my body, an artful expression of it.
5. Was it worth it…do you have regrets? no regrets, it is worth it!
6. What funny story has happened because of your tattoo?i was amused having a conversation w/ a guy as to why a “preacher would have his tattoos showing”…he, was not amused.
7. How did your tattoo change your faith (and if not, why not)?they are constant reminders of different aspects of my relationship to god & others around me. they have strengthened my faith.
Thanks John. Very interesting. Others are welcome to comment here if they don’t have blogs. If they do, folks can post on their blogs and send me the link. Great stuff, John. I’m glad the tattoos have strengthened your faith — and sure some folks wouldn’t have predicted it! Peace.
Huh.
Nice photo.
Now where did you get that………?
As Adam realized later….it’s a picture of his tattoo, taken from http://pomomusings.com
questions answered!
http://takeout.wordpress.com/2010/09/13/9-my-faith-my-tattoos/
YIppee. Thanks, Abby. I also put a link in the main post. Great stuff–very interesting.
welcome!
1. Describe your tattoo(s): My tattoo is the Hebrew word “Shalom” (in Hebrew) on my right forearm.
2. What made you want that tattoo(s)? Shalom is such a beautiful concept. It’s peace, but it’s also more than the English word “peace.” Not just the end of war, but wholeness and fulfillment; a full, all-inclusive welcoming of those on the margins.
3. How did your faith influence your tattoo, indirectly or directly? I believe shalom is God’s vision for the world, plain and simple. Getting it on my forearm was also a testament to what I hope God’s promise is, post-holocaust. In the concentration camps, Jews were tattooed with their prisoner numbers on their forearms. I hoped shalom would be a counter-message to the atrocities of the holocaust (though I’m also aware of the potential for my tattoo to be seen as a misappropriation of Jewish culture/faith, though I hope that’s not the case).
4. What’s the relationship between your tattoo and your broader understanding of your body? My body is part of who I am. It speaks for me in ways my words never could. My tattoo is simply an extension of that.
5. Was it worth it…do you have regrets? No regrets, although if I did it today I’d get it bigger.
6. What funny story has happened because of your tattoo? Coaching some elementary-school boys on an athletic team, one kid — who goes to Hebrew school — looked at my tattoo and said, “Your arm says Shalom. That means “hello” and “goodbye.”
7. How did your tattoo change your faith (and if not, why not)? I can’t really say that it changed my faith much. Although I got it my first year of seminary, so my faith has changed dramatically over those years, but doubtfully from the tattoo itself.
Awesome, Dan. Very interesting and the funny story was just that, funny! It’s be fun, actually, to just do a study on tattoos in hebrew and greek and the different experiences, conversations, reactions, etc. folks have to them.
I answered your questions over at my blog. I’m looking forward to reading other peoples’ answers, too!
Awesome, Mark. I added a link to the original post above. Great stuff. And thanks!
1. It’s the Greek word monos with the Chi Rho symbol for Christ coming down the middle of it (through the Nu of Monos) on my left forearm meaning “Christ Alone”
2/3. It was an experience I had while studying abroad. I realized that I was placing my significance and meaning in all these things that were not Christ. I found value in dating relationships, abilities, opportunities… anything that wasn’t Him and it felt so empty. I also took 4 semesters of Greek and have a love for languages.
4. I understand that my body is God’s temple and should be used to bring Him glory and honor. I don’t think He made any mistakes in making me, as if I should have been “born with” a tattoo, but I do know that my ink has sparked numerous conversations and allowed me to truly share my faith with those that inquire.
5. I think it was worth it. Sometimes I don’t notice it as much as I would like to, but when I do it reminds me what I’m living for.
6. After I got the tattoo in college, one of my peers asked me if it was permanent. She thought I kept drawing it on myself for some reason, never thinking that I would get a tattoo.
7. I’m not sure the tattoo has “changed” my faith, but has made me to be without excuse about the boldness and uprightness of my faith and my example. Though many may not know what it means at first glance, I do. If I were not trying to live it, I would never put it on my body permanently.
thanks for your research into this. As a youth pastor, I’d love to see what you come up with. God bless.
Thanks, Justin. Cool stuff. I’ve often wondered about semi-permanent tattoos — like that last for a year or so. I don’t know, maybe they already exist. Anyway, thanks and I will try to link back to the final product when it comes. Peace.
I don’t know how long they last, but I know impermanent tattoos exist. Try http://www.amandawachobtattoo.com/ and click on Conceptual.
1. Describe your tattoo: a very detailed dove of peace with a green olive branch in it’s mouth located on my right leg – not exactly on the ankle, more to the front (because the artist said it would hurt a lot less there. Did it hurt? Yes, but not much.) It’s about three inches tall and two inches wide – much bigger than I orginally thought about, but when the artist showed me this piece of flash (with lots of detail in the feathers) I knew it was what I wanted. It truly is a piece of art.
2. What made you want the tattoo? In 1975 my college roommate and I decided we wanted to get tattoos (I was 19). Several friends were against it and convinced us not to based on (a) What will will look like when you are an old, wrinkled woman? and (b) You could easily get hepatitis (which at the time we definitely thought was a valid concern.) So I had wanted one for a long time. I finally went and got one 12 years ago, when I was 42 years old. As an adult I have done many things I wanted to do as a child or teen. It’s never too late. Hint: If you are going to get a tattoo, ask a police officer where to go. Almost all of them have tattoos and they know who runs a clean and safe shop and who does the best work.
3. How did your faith influence your tattoo? It had everything to do with what I selected.
4. What’s the relationship between your tattoo and your broader understanding of your body? I am just like everyone else and yet I am unique. That tat is a statement of who I am – a person who values peace. And it is also about having control over my own body.
5. Was it worth it…do you have regrets? Yes it was worth it. No I do not have regrets. (You didn’t ask this but) Do you want more? Not really.
6. What funny story has happened because of your tattoo? Several. People of all ages are surprised to see a female minister in her mid-50s with a tattoo. There are more of us than they realize, but many have their tattoos where they don’t show. Mine does. When I first got the tattoo, the father of two teenage girls in my congregation said, “Oh great, NOW what am I going to say when they want tattoos and tell me that YOU have one.” I replied, “You tell them that if they still want one when they are 42 years old they can have one.” BTW, both those girls have tattoos now. They did not wait until they were 42, but they did wait until college.
7. How did your tattoo change your faith, and if not, why not? It didn’t change my faith. It was more an expression of how my faith was changing, and by that I mean that I was becoming more open to sharing my faith, especially with people outside my congregation. It has definitely opened a few doors.
1. It is a vine with 3 dogwood flowers with an Alpha on one side and Omega on the other. It’s on the back of my left shoulder. It’s about 1″ tall and 3-4″ long and only visible in swimsuit or through very sheer fabric
2. I was with a friend who REALLY wanted a tat and I’d been considering it. When I saw the dogwood pattern, I remembered the dogwood legend and love that symbolism. I was finishing my first year of seminary (and Greek), thus the Alpha-Omega choice
3. I fought this call to ministry for over half of my life, which is saying something as a 40-something. This was my way of saying that my “yes” was as permanent as God’s “yes” to me. That I was submitting wholly to the One who was, is and is to come. That impacted the location, too, as it wasn’t about calling attention to me and my tattoo.
4. Oh, I haven’t really thought that much about it.
5. My hubby was none too pleased. My mom may or may not know (even 2.5 years later), but won’t be thrilled. Because I control when it’s visible, there’s not much to regret.
6. It’s just funny to sit in conversations about tattoos and ministry and listen, knowing that people have no idea that I’m sitting there with my ink. Other than that, not really.
7. It really does challenge me to think about how much I am living out that wholly devoted aspect of my walk. Am I letting things come between me and what I expressed that (painful) evening in Gatlinburg? It’s like having an accountability partner on my back all the time, literally, but in a good way.
I came across your post via presbymergent’s twitter account.
I can’t answer your questions in a few sentences. I can’t condense the interactions of my faith, spirituality, theology, life, action, sacraments, and my tattoos. If you want to read a little more than a few sentences:
http://trevar.blogspot.com/search/label/tattoo
Adam . . . i also posted on my SF Gate blog. Would be interesting to see if any traffic gets to you that way as well.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/reyeschow/detail?entry_id=72177
1. Describe your tattoo(s): I designed and drew mine (and I’m not by any stretch of the imagination an artist). It’s a wooden cross on a sunburst background with a ribbon of music wrapping from around the left side of the base to the right and trailing up and off; the notes are the melody line for the beginning of Amazing Grace (transposed so I didn’t need sharps or flats).
2. What made you want that tattoo(s)? I’ve wanted a tattoo for many years, and can’t really trace the origin of the desire. When I finally made the decision to get one, I was then faced with choosing something that I would want to have on my body for life. I love music and drama, so I knew at least one of those would be involved, but I also knew that God would never fail me and wanted to include Him in what I chose. I starting looking at flash and saw attractive designs, but nothing that really spoke to me. While examining the flash, I starting sketching out images that attracted me and kind of composited several ideas I saw into what I ended up with.
3. How did your faith influence your tattoo, indirectly or directly? I was away from God for about 20 years of my adult life, and thanks to my faithful husband was brought back into the knowledge of God’s love and faith in and for me. I was 55 when I got my tattoo, and when deciding what to get, I knew I had to get something that displayed my faith and love in and for God, maybe kind of as a tribute. God’s love, grace and forgiveness are things that I know will not falter, so I wanted something to help remind me when I have weak times.
4. What’s the relationship between your tattoo and your broader understanding of your body? It is a part of me, just as my brain and my heart and my toes and my nose. God gave me the parts that I use and need in my daily life, trying to do His will. My tattoo helps me remember that, and that I’m supposed to be using those other parts in His service.
5. Was it worth it…do you have regrets? It was most absolutely worth it. My only regret is that I got it on my shoulder blade and cannot see it whenever I want to but have to partially undress and look at it in the mirror.
6. What funny story has happened because of your tattoo? Nothing really funny, but I do community theater and am frequently with people a lot younger than I am. They are usually extremely impressed when they discover that I have a tattoo, and that I got it at such an “advanced” age.
7. How did your tattoo change your faith (and if not, why not)? I believe my tattoo helped to cement my faith in my own heart. I think we all have weak times and times when we forget to let God, and I hope that my tattoo helps me to remain steadfast and to remind me that even in my lonliest times that He is there.
Adam – Wrote you a nice long essay on my non-tattoo. Link if you want – but since it doesn’t fall within the meme, you don’t have to.
http://emm-in-sem.tumblr.com/post/1118548690/meme-my-faith-my-tattoo-sort-of
1. Celtic Cross on lower back. Outlined in Black with Red running through the middle; Two Celtic trinity knots together making a new knot on right ankle in blue.
2. I wanted the first one because I really liked tattoos and I wanted something that would always be a part of who I am. The second one was because of my love for celtic art and was designed after a ring my husband gave me.
3. My faith directly influenced my first tattoo. I wanted to adorn myself with something that would always be important to me and would always be a part of who I am. I specifically chose the colors for theological reasons. The black on the outside represents the death of sin, but the blood red running through the inside of the cross reminds me that with Christ there is new life.
4. I remember the night before I got my first tattoo. I sat staring at my back in the mirror thinking, this is never going to look the same again. And in a weird way, I morned that fact. But now I can’t imagine myself with out it. It has become a part of me.
5. Totally worth it! No regrets. I still want more, but I’m trying to restrain myself because I don’t want to go overboard with tattoos. There is a very fine line between just enough and excessive.
6. The same tattoo artist has tattooed my mom, both of my sisters, and myself. That’s the funniest story I have.
7. I know that there are a lot of people of faith that are offeneded by tattoos, but I see it as a physical representation of the trust and love I have for Christ. Even though I am not always able to see it (because of its location on my back), I know it’s always there and that’s what faith is.
Adam -
Fascinating questions. Here’s my reply -
http://kendrakinnison.com/2010/09/meme-my-faith-my-tattoo/
1. Describe your tattoo(s):
It is the word “Spirit” with a leaf swag around the bottom of it. The text is in purple ink with black outline and the leaves are in bright green. I had it placed on my rump check so it would be private. Not so private now!
2. What made you want that tattoo(s)?
I got the tattoo when I was 40 yrs old it was kinda sorta on an impulse. I had always wanted one and played with different looks. There were several times in my life that I experienced the Holy Spirit moving thorough me. I wanted to capture that – somehow forever. I had just got engaged that morning and later that day we walked past a tattoo parlor on our way to a book store. Doesn’t everyone get a ring and a tattoo on the same day?
3. How did your faith influence your tattoo, indirectly or directly?
Oh, I would only get one that would reflect the profound experiences I’ve had during my faith journey.
4. What’s the relationship between your tattoo and your broader understanding of your body?
Because I put another person’s initials with my art work I feel branded. My fiancé and I never married so there is some pain when I see it. It serves as a reminder of making right choices. I struggled with the concept of my body or God’s body for some time before I got the tattoo. I read, researched and asked a lot of questions. In the end, I wanted it.
5. Was it worth it…do you have regrets?
I do regret it being an impulse. I was out of state when it was done and did not have my original art work with me. I also did the unthinkable and put my fiancé’s initials under the tattoo. He was going to get a corresponding one with my initials. I had a hard time during the tattooing process and had to leave right afterwards. So, he never got his and we never got married. I’d like to change it or at least cover his initials but I’m not sure about the pain. Once was enough.
6. What funny story has happened because of your tattoo?
7. How did your tattoo change your faith (and if not, why not)?
It did not change my faith but it has given me a talking point for the concept of impulse to permanent.
Very interesting indeed!
Here’s my reply
http://modologyworld.net/steph/?p=1087
Hey Adam – not that I know anything about anything, but you should get Pastor Nadia on this. Her liturgical arm is amazing.
Yeah, I sent her something on Twitter. Will try again later. Nudges from others might help too
1. Describe your tattoo(s):
On the side of my right calf I have a simple Celtic Cross with shading and through the bottom Ephesians 3:7
2. What made you want that tattoo(s)?
My Grandpa’s choir cross which is the one thing of his I was given after he passed away is a simple Celtic cross. He was the person in my life who planted the seeds of faith and watered them. He was indeed a servant to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and always reminded me that I was too.
3. How did your faith influence your tattoo, indirectly or directly?
It made me question whether or not I should even get one, but in the end it was a decision of getting something that reminded me of what I am called to do in this world.
4. What’s the relationship between your tattoo and your broader understanding of your body?
My tattoo represents the fact that my body is a vessel to work for the Gospel in this world. So the tattoo is a reminder and a tool of engagement into conversations with others, when people ask what does Ephesians 3:7 say? “Of this gospel I am a servant according to the gift of God’s grace, given me by the working of his power.”
It reminds me that it’s never about me, but about Christ and the power of God’s grace in the world around me and through me to others.
5. Was it worth it…do you have regrets?
It was worth it 100%, no regrets although others do!
6. What funny story has happened because of your tattoo?
A woman from church approached me and told me she was against tattoos and never would understand them. She asked me 100 questions about it and then asked if I hated her for telling me she did not approve, when I said no she was shocked and said well why not? I replied that being a servant of the Gospel meant being a servant of love. She was taken back by this and thanked me for my honesty and not hating her.
7. How did your tattoo change your faith (and if not, why not)?
I would say that it has helped me to be more comfortable in sharing my faith journey. When people ask me about my tattoo it forces me to go back to the beginning and share how my Grandfather was influential in teaching me the Gospel and nurturing my faith over the years, but also it reminds me that being a servant to the Gospel is a daily task that I need to be ready for each day.
Hi! It took a while but I posted a response. I like the topic.
http://miheekimkort.com/2010/09/13/meme-my-faith-my-tattoo/
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