Tattoos in a Temple?

One of the latest rages in popular culture are tattoos.  It seems as if almost everyone has at least one, with some people even being covered with them on every square inch of their skin. However, stats released a few years ago state that 22% of women have at least one tattoo, and 26% of men have at least one. 36% of people age 20-31 have a tattoo, while the number falls drastically as the age spectrum climbs with 15% of people aged 43-53 sporting at least one. 21% of Canadians have at least one tattoo. (stats from: National Post)

With these numbers climbing, but staying fairly low surprisingly, as Christians the question should be asked; do we ignore the rise of tattoos, or should we condemn tattoos, and fight to lower the stats even more?

Perhaps before we answer this question, it is of worth to mention the stats regarding religious people who have tattoos. It is reported that as of 2006, 19% of religious peoples have a tattoo. (stats from: National Post) This stat is slightly misleading as it includes all religious people, but if the Christian group was separated from other religions, the stat would only slightly drop. An even more interesting stat would be how many Christians have tattoos out of the population of just Christians, rather than the whole population.

In the past, our religion's stance has been strictly against tattoos. However, it seems we are relaxing with our previous rule, as the stats demonstrate. Historically, the argument against tattoos was that our bodies were meant to be temples, not defiled with any abnormal substances such as paint, tattoos, unique piercings, e.t.c. Two biblical verses used for this argument are "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?" (1 Corinthians 6:19, ESV) and "If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple." (1 Corinthians 3:17, ESV) On top of these New Testament verses, there are also Old Testament ones from the Pentateuch specifically stating that the use of tattoos are forbidden. However, for now we will classify the Old Testament as the Old Covenant, and concentrate on the New Covenant.

Cleansing Fire

These two verses can be tackled efficiently in view of the pro tattoo argument. First, are these verses really talking about tattoos? Many times we take verses way out of context, and try to mash them to fit our own beliefs. When we are talking about our bodies as temples, some would argue that this has nothing to do with our outward appearances. Granted, what is on the inside reflects on the outside, but judgement cannot be made every time simply on what is on the outside. Secondly, if we are going to the argument that what is on the inside is reflected on the outside, the actual historical temple of the Lord was heavily decorated with drawings and paintings, not that much different than tattoos!
In truth, I am in favor tattoos. I see nothing wrong with them up to a point. Profane language, sinful images, and tattoos along that thought process I do not condone. However, small biblical images, bible verses, song lyrics, e.t.c. are fine. In fact those tattoos can provide some excellent evangelistic opportunities. My mom who has a few tattoos also has a wealth of great stories involving non-Christians striking up gospel conversations with her because of her tattoos.

So, I believe the motive behind tattoos would prove to be a bigger cause of concern for our religion. If you are getting one to fit in, or getting one that is of profanity, than Christians have reason to condemn the practice. However, if the reason to get a tattoo is pure such as evangelistic opportunities, permanent reminders, or even just for pleasure, and if that tattoo is not of sinful nature, than Christians have no reason not to support tattoos.

What is Worship?

What is worship?

As a member of a praise team, and someone that aspires to be a worship leader, I always thought I knew what the term worship meant. When I think of worship I see people with hands raised singing to the Lord with all of their hearts, hearts broken with pure passion and full adoration. However, after reading various literature, and participating in multiple university courses, I've come to question exactly what the definition of worship is.

After attending a university music appreciation course, my eyes were opened to the many different possibilities that were available musically, and the historic past of some of my favourite songs. As we studied all different types of music, from the historic Gregorian chants to the previously glorified hymns to the undeniable power of a full orchestra, I found a few questions arise concerning what worship is, and certain aspects that constitute our current stereotype of worship.

At first, my pondering was centered around the style of music that provoked worship. My personal experience is that my definition of worship can only occur with contemporary songs that include synth, piano, guitars, e.t.c. Bands such as Jesus Culture, and Hillsong United are the best examples of this genre of worship. However, after listening to the first musical records we have of chants that constituted the worship of the churches of old, I was challenged to perhaps see a bigger picture. Impacting me even more was learning about how many of the hymns I experience at church were so important to the worship experience only a few decades ago! The style of music has nothing to do with the worship experience, as can be proven by history. The same worship can be offered to the Lord whether it be sparked by chants, hymns, or song. Worship goes much deeper than music style.

I also held the thought process that only unflawed music could produce an atmosphere of worship. Over the past few years, many mentors have helped showed me the falseness of this statement. Worship has nothing to do with the skill, or perfectness of the piece being played. While it can influence us, worship again is more powerful, digging within our own personal desires and emotions for the Lord. The music being played, and the words being sung are only a method of helping us draw closer to God.

This brings up another point. Is worship solely centered around music? If indeed worship goes beyond the notes, and words being sung, it would follow that it can also reach to the happenings of life, the artistic expression of people, and the gratitude and emotions offered up by humble servants. I believe worship can also be shown when someone paints a picture, when someone writes a story, or even when someone falls on their knees and cries out to God.

I have come to believe that worship is the act of praising God, thanking Him for everything He has done, but also more than that. It's the act of submission, the act of offering our gifts to Him, pleading with Him, asking of God, and above all else, showing Him our love. I believe worship should be prevalent in every area of our life, not just the musical experience on a Sunday morning.

In conclusion, worship isn't simply music, or something that happens while others play songs for us. Rather, it is the everyday expression of our discipleship and fellowship with the Lord. Music is an excellent tool to help us drawing into the attitude of worship, and refresh our use of praise, but it cannot be relied on as the sole method. The importance of musical worship cannot be stressed enough, but perhaps it is time we expand our horizons, and look to include worship in every area of our lives, to transform the way we live.

Gender Equality in the Church

I love debates. Especially when I win them, which I normally always do! Just kidding, ask my brothers who really wins. Recently, I have come to realize that losing isn't so bad, because it opens new doors of realization and understanding.

A few years back in the youth group I attended, we debated almost every night. Every time, the same topic arose; should women be pastors? Ultimately this evolved; should women speak at church? Should women be leaders?

At first, I was strongly pro in the argument. Of course God would allow women to be pastors, speakers and leaders. After all, He isn't a discriminating God and He loves all equally, which would translate to letting all do everything. Take the Old Testament laws for example, where God allows for women to inherit land from their fathers, in the same way men are allowed to. (Numbers 21:1-11) Obviously God lets men and women participate in the same things. After all, if He didn't, would He be able to remain constant in a society that is pushing for more and more gender equality? Isn't His goal to show the world that He loves all no matter what gender, or race?

However, the opposition has a strong argument. Vital to their thesis is 1 Timothy 2:12, "I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet." (NIV) Another verse states the same point, 1 Corinthians 14:34 "Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says." (NIV)

At first, I argued that using this verse was taking the words out of their context. Both times the books were written by Paul to new churches that were dealing with authority problems. In essence, all he was trying to do at this point was provide structure to the churches that were just starting off. I believed that Paul wasn't forbidding women to teach at all; rather just not at this point.

However, while I have not completely changed my view, I have succumbed in a few areas. First, I do believe that women should not teach in a church service consistently. Just as I argue with the issue of homosexuality, we must look at the way God created his perfect world. Man came first, and women followed. Essentially we are breaking the basic rules of structure if we place a women in lead. With that being said, at this point I do not have an issue with women business managers, rather only in an religious setting (however I am still studying this). Also, I do feel that God sometimes gifts women or lays upon their heart a topic that does need to be shared in front of the whole church. I have no issue with women leading women, or maybe even having a female teacher/pastor that is solely responsible for helping the female members of the congregation mature in their faith.

One of the greatest areas for women to serve is as Family Pastors. Again, going back to creation, God created women as nurturers for a specific reason: to care for children. While I do not think we should restrict males from serving in this area (one day I would like to possibly serve as a pastor here), I do feel that 9 times out of 10, females will be more successful.

While it may seem that I have set new strict standards for how I view women teachers, I still haven't completely rested all the issues. For instance, I'm still not 100% sure if women should be worship pastors. While at one point I may say that there shouldn't be an issue, on the other side if we restrict women from leading a congregation or teaching them, shouldn't we be consistent across the board?

I think that this issue goes beyond the simple questions of should we allow women pastors. I think at the heart of this issue we are wrestling with the character of God. For many us, we hold preconceived ideas about how our God should and would act. If we go back to my two questions about God staying constant in society, and loving everyone equally, basically what I was trying to do was mold God into a more admirable, likable entity for THIS society. Ultimately, we can't do that. God is way bigger then any of our issues here, and we certainly can't fit Him into this society. Does God really need to change His ways to remain constant with society? Should we really be judging God for His love instead of judging ourselves? And dealing with equal love, do we really think by restricting certain people from doing certain things, God is not spreading His love equally?

When we deal with issues such as gender equality, where I don't believe we will ever all agree on a "right" answer, each of us personally has to pray, study, and dwell in God's presence to come to our own realization. We must be respectful of each other's opinions, and make sure that our differences don't create a rift in the family of believers. One of the biggest mistakes we can ever make is dragging God down to society's level. Doing this does not make Him seem more attractive to non-believers, and it certainly doesn't solve our own problems. God is much more powerful than anything we could ever imagine, and we must continue to revere Him in awe.

Judge a Book by its Cover

I was shocked to overhear a conversation between two co-workers a few days ago regarding appearances and attitudes. My two fellow lifeguards were discussing the attitude and appearance of two people, two that I knew personally. Although they had never talked to these people before, they were saying that the two seemed to be self-absorbed, disdainful, and unappreciative. They gathered all this information simply from facial expression, clothing, and the way the two acted. 

This situation got me thinking on multiple levels. It also shocked me, and raised a giant concern in my mind.

Now, a lot of people would use this situation to show how mankind has fallen to a whole new level, one where we simply judge people by looking at them. The old cliche "Don't judge a book by its cover" no longer matters in society. All of the work people have put in to try and stop this judgement has not worked. Personally, I say just accept it. It's part of our fallen nature to judge people. Of course, Christians are in a different boat. We are supposed to judge in a different way, and definitely not in this kind of way. My statement revolves around the non-believers. They are simply never going to stop judging UNTIL they become Christians. Anyways, that wasn't the issue for me.

I knew these two people, and I knew that my co-workers description was completely off. What was even more shocking for me was the fact that these two people were Christians. Don't see the issue with this yet? Here's why it is a major concern;

We as Christians are supposed to be drawing people to the Lord, not scaring them away. How can we evangelize when people are afraid to come and talk to us? Our mission, our purpose on Earth centers around our evangelistic movement, and granted, it is difficult to approach people and talk to them about Jesus. But shouldn't the easiest step here be talking to someone who approaches you? That seems most logical, yet we seem to be failing at the simplest attempt? Also, we are supposed to be demonstrating a different life, one that makes others question their ways. Our actions will always speak louder then words! And whether we like it or not, our facial expressions and body stance do affect how people view our actions.

If you saw someone who constantly looked angry, would you want to be like them? If you saw someone who always had a smile on their face, wouldn't want to be more like them? I do understand that the person who has a smile may be fake, or the person who looks angry actually be a very generous person, but people are naturally drawn to the one who smiles. Plus, we have real reason to smile! If we truly are Christians, and the love of Jesus is in our lives, we shouldn't have a single moment when we are down. We should constantly look happy, appreciative, and joyful! Our lives should be a shining beacon of light!

I know that these two people would have loved to share the gospel, and this is nothing against them. I am not judging them at all, or zeroing in on their behavior. But to all you Christians out there, wake up! Appearances and attitudes matter. We need to be careful that we are not falling into a rut where we simply act comfortably, or look a certain way. We should look excited, thankful, and enthused in every situation!

About this Blog

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

I have become increasingly convinced that this Bible verse means nothing to the people of today. We either don't understand exactly what John is saying here, or we are just completely being ignorant and stubborn headed. Where is our love? Our appreciation? Our dedication? Our passion? For many, it is nowhere to be found. This problem is crippling the Church, in a time where we are desperately needed to step up in society. I believe this generation has the potential to change the world, we just have to realize that, and then take action.

That is my mission purpose, my goal. I wish to use this blog as a means or as a tool to continue to work on achieving what God wants.

Through this blog, I will discuss Biblical principles, review sermons and other literature works, and reveal my own thoughts. I'll provide devotions, tools, and resources to help anyone progress on their Christian journey.

Those who are not Christian can also find something in this blog. I will be reviewing mainstream movies, novels, and other artistic works. I'll offer up my own opinions on worldly news involving as many industries that I can touch on.

I hope that God is able to use this blog as a means to impact people's lives. I pray that eyes are opened, minds spurred into gear, and hearts healed.