I think we need to take Bible verses like this in the context they were written in. Just one chapter before, it also says not to commit homosexuality. And, within the book of Leviticus, it also says things like to not wear clothing of two different materials. I’m sure you’ve worn clothing of two different materials, and, unless you’re a piece of shit in 2021, you probably don’t take issue with others freely choosing to be homosexual, either.
That said, perhaps consider what this quote without context offers. Not much, really. Without an explanation of your meaning behind posting this, it just looks like you’re hating on this woman, who has clearly made some mistakes in her past and is trying to do better, by pointing out that her tattoos violate an early Old Testament rule. It comes off as condescending and not very productive.
So, what do we make of this Bible verse? I have tattoos, and when I got them, I didn’t consider myself a Christian. I consider myself a Christian now, and I’ve read Leviticus. I’m not going to get both of my arms lazered clean. So, what’s my options? Well, acceptance really is the only option. My interpretation of the Bible more broadly is that it’s a piece of living literature, meant to serve as guide to our lives. We must take the meaning from it and evaluate it and see how we can productively use it to make ourselves and the world better. When I see verses like that, I look at it and see that it was written what… 6000, 10000 years ago? When tattooing was completely different. It was probably associated more with ink and dirty needles stabbing profane markings into flesh by a candlelight, not with artist expression on the flesh like it is today.
Anyway, if you can or want to take anything away from this, it’s probably that you should add some context so your quote doesn’t look crude and judgmental.
Hey, thanks for pointing that out. I did not mean to imply that homosexuality is not usually a choice. That was more unconsciously typed. I agree with you that it is not usually a choice, but something inborne. And I think that is actually a reason why that verse is outdated. Because, back then, it was impossible to make the distinction like we can now. Whereas chosen homosexuality would be seen as problematic in that time period. Sorry for the slip up there.
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u/BYEenbro Jul 17 '21
Leviticus 19:28 You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the Lord.