By Lisa Miller
NEWSWEEK
Updated: 1:24 PM ET Dec 8, 2007
You need only go back to the first chapter of Genesis to see how elemental water is to the observance of faith: “And the Spirit of God,” the Bible says, “moved upon the face of the waters.” In the Torah, water is used to ordain priests and to purify the sons of Aaron before they enter the temple. In the New Testament, John baptizes Jesus with water from the Jordan River. Observant Muslims wash hands and feet before they pray, orthodox Jewish women take ritual baths once a month—and every Christian denomination still uses water as part of its sacred rites. Mormons, when they take the weekly sacrament, drink water instead of wine.

So it’s not surprising that a few savvy marketers would seize on this universal symbol of purity for financial gain. Inspired, perhaps, by vitamin and energy waters, a number of new companies have begun making more explicit claims: their water doesn’t just promote good health, it actually makes you good. Holy Drinking Water, produced by a California-based company called Wayne Enterprises, is blessed in the warehouse by an Anglican or Roman Catholic priest (after a thorough background check). Like a crucifix or a rosary, a bottle of Holy Drinking Water is a daily reminder to be kind to others, says Brian Germann, Wayne’s CEO. Another company makes Liquid OM, superpurified bottled water containing vibrations that promote a positive outlook. Invented by Kenny Mazursky, a sound therapist in Chicago, the water purportedly possesses an energy field that Mazursky makes by striking a giant gong and Tibetan bowls in its vicinity. He says the good energy can be felt not just after you drink the water but before, when you’re holding the bottle.

The most recent entry in this niche is Spiritual Water. It’s purified municipal water, sold with 10 different Christian labels. The Virgin Mary bottle, for example, has the Hail Mary prayer printed on the back in English and Spanish. Spiritual Water helps people to “stay focused, believe in yourself and believe in God,” says Elicko Taieb, the Florida-based company’s founder who was formerly in the pest-control business. All three companies give a portion of their profits to charity.

This small band of feel-good entrepreneurs may face objections from a surprising quarter. Some religious believers, also convinced of the elemental importance of water, are campaigning against its ubiquitous sale and packaging on the grounds that the practice is neither ethical nor good for the environment. “Water is life,” says Sister Mary Zirbes, a nun in the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minn. “It really should not be a commodity to be bought.” The Franciscan Sisters, together with a community of Benedictine nuns nearby, have launched a letter-writing campaign against the largest producers of bottled water and they’ve designed coasters to encourage people to drink glasses, not bottles, of water from the tap. The Vineyard church in Boise, Idaho, sells slim reusable plastic bottles in its bookstore, and it has placed water stations throughout the church. “In a world where a billion people have no reliable source of drinking water, where 3,000 children die every day of waterborne diseases, let’s be clear: bottled water is not a sin, but it sure is a choice,” says Richard Cizik of the National Association of Evangelicals. “Spending $15 billion a year on bottled water is a testimony to our conspicuous consumption, our culture of indulgence.” Taieb calmly refutes the implication that his Spiritual Water is bad for the planet. People put fewer of his bottles in the trash, he says, because they don’t want to discard images of Jesus or Mary. Instead, they refill them with other beverages. Obviously, even do-gooders can disagree. Some believe that water is life, while others believe that water is their livelihood.

URL: http://www.newsweek.com/id/74380©   Newsweek Mag

“Ye worship ye know not what. . .”  Jesus Christ, John 4:22

Throughout history the tattoo bears the mark of paganism, demonism, Baal worship, shamanism, mysticism, heathenism, cannibalism and just about every other pagan belief known.  The tattoo has NEVER been associated with Bible Believing Christians.  And whenever and wherever, in history Christianity appears –– tattoos disappear.  The only exception — 20th century, lukewarm, carnal, disobedient, Laodicean Christians.

The birth of the tattoo has always born the fruits of pagan religion and mysticism.  Without exception, research after research, study after study, book after book, the roots of the tattoo never wavers.  The following documentation is just a small (very small) drop of the ocean of research documenting the pagan and demonic source of the tattoo.

Please remember. . . The following documentation is from pro-tattoo books simply documenting the obvious spiritual and religious link to the tattoo.  These are not Christian writers trying to paint a negative portrait of the tattoo.  No matter how much the carnal, rebellious, Christian desires to justify their perverse reasoning for “marking” themselves with the forbidden demonic tattoo, the facts are loud and clear, backed by tons of research and documentation by the leading pro-tattoo authorities on the planet –– the foundation, origin, meaning and purposes of the tattoo is pagan demonism, shamanism, Baal worship, and occult mysticism.

A tattooist in many cultures is also a shaman, magick-man, priest or priestess.  According to the dictionary a shaman is a “intermediary between the natural and supernatural worlds, using magic to cure illness, foretell the future, control spiritual forces, etc.”

“Tattooing is often a magical rite in the more traditional cultures, and the tattooist is respected as a priest or shaman.”  (Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration, p. 73)

“In Fiji, Fromosa, New Zealand and in certain of the North American Indian tribes, tattooing was regard as a religious ceremony, and performed by priests or priestesses.”  (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 64)

“The actual tattooing process, which involved complex ritual and taboos, could only be done by priests and was associated with beliefs which were secrets known only to members of the priestly caste. . . Hambly concluded that historically tattooing had originated in connection with ancient rites of scarification and bloodletting which were associated with religious practices intended to put the human soul in harmony with supernatural forces and ensure continuity between this life and the next.”  (Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 158)

The tattooist, shaman or the occult priest many times uses the tattoo as a point of contact, or inlets into the spiritual world.  The tattoo is much more than just a body decoration.  It’s more than just a layer of ink cut into the skin.  In fact, the tattoo in every culture, in every country, up until the 20th century, was a vehicle for pagan spiritual and religious invocations.  Even today, in many countries (including the United States), the tattoo is believed to be a bridge into the supernatural world.

Famous witch and author Laurie Cabot writes of the tattoo: “The origins of tattooing came from ancient magical practices. . . “  (Laurie Cabot, Power of the Witch, cited in Masonic and Occult Symbols Illustrated by Dr. Cathy Burns, p. 301)

“According to Amy Krakow in her chronicle The Total Tattoo Book, “tattooing has had well-defined roles: marking a rite of passage at a stage of life, calling the spirits, proudly, defiantly or sneaky showing who you are via body art.”

“Many native tribes practiced therapeutic tattooing.  The Ojibwa, for instance, tattooed the temples, forehead, and cheeks of those suffering from headaches and toothaches that were believed to be caused by malevolent spirits.  Songs and dances that were supposed to exorcise the demons accompanied the tattooing ceremony.”  (Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 90)

“Tattooing is about personalizing the body, making it a true home and fit temple for the spirit that dwells inside it. . . Tattooing therefore, is a way of keeping the spiritual and material needs of my body in balance.”  (Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration, p.

Among today’s latest tattoo craze is “tribal tattoos”, which are pure paganism.  Tribal tattoos are designs that bear serious symbolic mystical and occult meanings.  Tribal tattoos, especially, are possible channels into spiritual and demonic possession.

“When the designs are chosen with care, tattoos have a power and magic all their own.  They decorate the body but they also enhance the soul.”  (Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration, p. 13)

“The reasons why puncturing the skin should be regarded with some degree of awe are not far to seek, for in the first place, there is the drawing of blood, which to the savage world over is full of significance as a rejuvenating and immortalizing factor.  There is in addition to the opening of numerous inlets for evil to enter. . .”  (Hambly Wilfrid D. 1925. The History of Tattooing and its Significance, p. 233, cited in Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 162)

Rolling Stone magazine describes famous tattoo artist Paul Booth during his tattoo as, “. . . allowing his clients’ demons to help guide the needle.”  (Rolling Stone magazine, March 28, 2002, p. 40)

“Burmese tattooing has been associated with religion for thousands of years.  Tattooing among indigenous North American groups including the Arapaho, Mohave, Cree, and Inuit (Eskimo) is rooted in the spiritual realm as well.”  (Laura Reybold, Everything you need to know about the dangers of tattooing and body piercing, p. 15)

“Skulls imprinted on skin abound, and depictions of the Grim Reaper are commonly seen. . . These images, indelibly marked on the skin, reflect uncertainty about the future, and sublimate the pervasive fear of the unknown.  Possibly, at the same time, to wear a death’s figure on one’’s body may be an invocation of whatever undefinable forces of nature and the cosmos that exist, in an attempt to protect the wearer from such a fate.”  (Henry Ferguson and Lynn Procter, The Art of the Tattoo, p. 76)

Ronald Scutt, in his exhaustive book, Art, Sex and Symbol covers a great deal about the history and culture of tattoos.  Scutt documents that most of the time tattoos are connected to spiritual, religious and mystical purposes. The following documentation is from Scutt’’s book:
 
“In fact tattooing is much more likely, in view of its subsequent development, to have had a mystical significance, or to have been used as a status symbol, the red ochre carrying an association with blood and life.” (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 22)

[Tattooing] “In association with sun-worship, megalithic building, ear-piercing, serpent worship, . . .”  (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 22)

“These marks [tatoos] are believed to be associated with the worship of the sun-goddess Neith”  (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 24)

“Be that as it may, primitive tribes were certainly convinced that the spirit, having escaped from the body at death, retained a replica of its earthly tenement. They therefore used tattoo marks as a means of identification in the next world and a passport to future happiness.”  (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 63)

“The Mohave Indians in the Lower Colorado instituted chin tattooing for both sexes because it was believed that a kind of Judge looks over each one who comes to Sil’aid (Land of the Dead) and if a man don’t have marks on his face, He sends him down to where the desert rats are.”  (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 63)

“Among other Indian tribes there was a conviction that on the journey heavenwards to the ‘‘Many Lodges’’ they would be stopped by an old woman and examined for the presence of tattoo marks on the forehead, chin or wrists.  I absent, the luckless warrior would be pushed off a dizzy height to fall back to earth with no hope of ever gaining readmittance to the spirit world.”  (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 63)

“Hindus in Begal believed that without tattoos parents would not be able to recognize their children in the next world.”  (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 63)

“Then there is the ghastly fate of the untattooed Frijan women: “struck down by the souls of their own sex and without further ado served up as food for the gods.”  (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 64)

“Yet the worship of the sun-god Baal had involved the marking of the hands [tattoos] with the divine token in a mystic attempt to acquire strength.”  (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 64)

According to survey and statistics, Scutt lists the reasons why people get a tattoo and the number two reason –– “to secure a place in heaven”.

Reasons for getting a tattoo:

2. To secure a place in heaven.
5. To propitiate malignant spirits at time of death.
6. To acquire special characteristics through totemism and ancestor worship.
9. To make the body sexually interesting.”

(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 13)

Dr. Hambly, probably the greatest tattooist historian and researcher that ever lived, writes over and over, that tattoos are based on pagan spiritual and religious rituals.  Any serious and honest study of the origin and foundation of the tattoo will clearly expose a demonic and supernatural intent of tattoos.

Tattoo enthusiast and historian, Steve Gilbert, in his popular, Tattoo History: A Source Book, cites some of the historical facts Hambly found in his extensive research.

[Hambly] “retailed a wealth of examples which he had culled from field work by anthropologists in many parts of the world.  Tattooing was supposed to: prevent pain; protect against gunshot wounds; cure illness; confer superhuman strength; preserve youth; enhance the supernatural powers of a shaman; ensure the survival of the soul after death; identify the soul in the hereafter; attract good luck; protect against witchcraft; ensure the protection of a deity; confer occult powers; prevent drowning; exorcise demons; ensure the protection of a totemic animal or spiritual guardian; record a pilgrimage to a holy place, etc. . .

Hambly reported that previous investigators had often been misled because obtaining information as to the religious and magical uses of tattooing was fraught with difficulties.  In the myths of many cultures tattooing was of divine origin.  The actual tattooing process, which involved complex ritual and taboos, could only be done by priests and was associated with beliefs which were secrets known only to members of the priestly caste.  Anthropologists were often misled because their informants either did not know or would not reveal the secret significance of the rituals and taboos.  Hambly concluded that historically tattooing had originated in connection with ancient rites of scarification and bloodletting which were associated with religious practices intended to put the human soul in harmony with supernatural forces and ensure continuity between this life and the next.”  (Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 158)

THE TATTOO’S GREATEST ENEMY. . . THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

In the pages of history, whenever and wherever “tattooing” pagan tribes were converted to Christianity, without exception, one of their first pagan practices to “pass away” [ 2 Corinthians 5:17] –– was the tattoo.  Why? Because, unlike today’s disobedient carnal “tattooed” Christians (or so-called?), the converted pagan KNEW the tattoo was against the Word of God. The Holy Spirit quickly “told” the converted pagan –– no tattoo.

“Just as occurred in other cultures with tattoo traditions, when these pagan tribes were ‘‘converted’’ to the Christian religion, their spiritual and cultural rites (which included tattooing, piercing and scarification) were outlawed. . .” (Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p.9)

Amazing. . . When the Lord Jesus Christ enters in –– the tattoo goes out.  “Whenever missionaries encountered tattooing they eradicated it.”  (Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 101)
 
“While these and other body modifications continued to be practiced underground as a way for non-Christian people to identify each other, God forbid you got caught and your mark was revealed.”  (Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p.11)

I have many friends before they were saved received a tattoo.  And without exception, everyone of them is ashamed, and as much as possible they cover it.  But before they got saved –– like the pagan tribes –– they proudly displayed their tattoo.  And let me add –– most of the time, this is before they’ve read Leviticus 19:28, or before anyone even told them a tattoo is wrong.  After receiving the Lord Jesus Christ, with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit, they KNEW the tattoo was displeasing to their God.  What about you?

A booming testimony to the author of the tattoo is recorded by Steve Gilbert:

“When Cortez and his conquistadors arrived on the coast of Mexico in 1519, they were horrified to discover that natives not only worshipped devils in the form of status and idols, but also had somehow managed to imprint indelible images of these idols on their skin.  The Spaniards, who had never heard of tattooing, recognized it at once as the work of Satan.”  (Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 99)
 
Even though, these Spaniards “had never heard of tattooing” –– they “recognized it at ONCE as the work of Satan”.

And some of today’s carnal, rebellious and disobedient Christians (or so-called Christians?) gibber-gabber nonsense about “marking themselves for Jesus”. . .

TATTOOS. . . AND TODAY’S CIVILIZED SOCIETY

Somebody says, “Sure that was back in the dark ages.  That was in heathen lands.  Today that has all changed.  Nobody connects any kind of ritualistic or pagan spiritual rituals to a tattoo.”

Yes. . . They do. . .

“These tattoos act as protective and empowering talismans for the wearer.  There are even some body artists who perform ritual tattoos, piercing, brandings and cuttings.  They may suggest you consult your astrological chart to pick the right time to get your body art.  They will burn incense, light candles, . . .”  (Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p. 29)

“Some tattooists in the West are experimenting with ritual tattooing.  This method of working incorporates doing a ritual to create a sacred space in the area where the tattoo is positioned.  Often incense is burned and the gods invited to bless the proceedings.”  (Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration, p. 75)

TATTOOS: THE CUP OF DEVILS

Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.  1 Corinthians 10:21

THANK YOU TO TERRY WATKINS WHO HAS DONE SUCH AN IN-DEPTH STUDY OF THIS TOPIC
http://www.av1611.org/tattoos/pagan.html

The Bible, from cover to cover, and over and over, condemns rebellion.  The Lord God considered rebellion so serious –– He compared rebellion to witchcraft.  And may I remind you, witchcraft was punishable by death!

“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, . . . “  1 Samuel 15:23

“Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.”  Exodus 22:18

And if there’s one message the tattoo cries out –– loud and clear –– it’s rebellion.

Throughout history tattoos have symbolized rebellion.  There’s nothing normal about a tattoo.  A tattoo screams of unabashed rebellion and deviancy.

Every tattoo book, and every article, I researched, both old and new, openly affirmed the deliberate rebellion symbolized by the tattoo.  Book after book, article after article, sung the same song –– tattoos are open rebellion.  It’s worth noting –– all the following quotes are from pro tattoo books.

“Since body art is still not mainstream, having marks on your body that you put there on purpose shows the world your rebellious and unconventional nature.”  (Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p. 32)

“In this culture, a tattooed person is still looked at as a rebel, as someone who has very visibly stepped out of the bounds of normal society, . . .”  (Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration, p. 75)

“Unquestionably tattoos are socially unacceptable.”  (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 179)

TATTOO: A MARK OF DISGRACE OR REPROACH

Steve Gilbert, in the very popular, pro-tattoo book, Tattoo History: A Source Book, documents that even the word “tattoo” means “. . . a mark of disgrace or reproach”.  “The Latin word for “tattoo” was stigma and the original meaning is reflected in modern dictionaries. Among the definitions of “stigma” listed by Webster are a “prick with a pointed instrument,”  “. . . a distinguishing mark cut into the flesh of a slave or a criminal,” and “a mark of disgrace or reproach.”  (Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 15)

In fact, for most of it’s slimy history the tattoo was used to mark the criminal, adulterers, traitors, deserters, the deviant and outcast.  The tattoo was a dreaded mark of reproach and disgrace.

“Adultery, also, was punished in this way [tattooed] in some parts of Britain, and “bad characters” were marked BC. . . In 1717, branding was abolished in the Army and replaced with tattooing. .. with the letter “D” “Deserter”  (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 162)

TATTOO: THE MARK OF THE “SIDESHOW FREAK”

As late as the early 1900’s, the tattoo was so far “out of bounds” of normal, civilized society, the tattooed was mainly found freaking people out as an attraction in the circus “freak show”.

“By 1897 tattooing had reached the United States, where it immediately became a circus sideshow attraction.”  (Laura Reybold, Everything you need to know about the dangers of tattooing and body piercing, p. 17)

“The popularity of tattooing during the latter part of the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century owed much to the circus.”  (Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 135)

TATTOO: THE MARK OF INDECENCY

Tattoos are so rebellious and disgusting to most people –– they compare a tattoo to filthy pornography –– “dirty, indecent and subversive to morality”.

“In a society that considers nudity as dirty, indecent, and subversive or morality . . .it is not surprising that decorations to the body are allocated to the same category.”  (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 179)

Even in the barbaric and immoral ancient Greek and Rome, the tattoo was considered “barbaric” and used primarily to mark slaves and criminals.  It’s interesting, they promoted slavery and other forms of depravity –– but felt tattoos were barbaric.  What does that testify of today’s barbaric Christian tattooing craze?  Is the next step in Christian depravity –– slavery?
 
“Respectable Greeks and Romans did not indulge in decorative tattooing, which they associated with barbarians.  The Greeks, however, learned the technique from the Persians, and used it to mark slaves and criminals so they could be identified if they tried to escape.”  (Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 15)

TATTOO: THE MARK OF DEPRAVITY

Criminals, drug addicts, sex perverts and social outlaws are the overwhelming majority of the tattooed.  Statistics, both old and recent, clearly reveal tattoos are largely worn by the rebellious and deviant.

“In addition to being a form of self-destruction, the tattoo seals the wearer off from the rest of normal society forever.  It’s not all that surprising to note that the largest number of tattooed in Japan belong to the underworld, and in America tattoos are most prevalent either in jail or hard rock bands.”  (Danny Sugerman, Appetite for Destruction: the Days of Guns N’’ Roses, p. 40)

“It was ancient Japanese tradition to tattoo convicted criminals. . . “  (Laura Reybold, Everything you need to know about the dangers of tattooing and body percing, p. 15)

“A study of young offenders on the West Coast of America concluded that delinquents tattoo themselves significantly more often than non-delinquents, and that the inclination develops at an early age without any thought for the future.”  (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 113)

“In the Borstal institutions [criminals] it has been estimated that the incidence of tattooing can be as high as 75 per cent.”  (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 113)

Comprehensive studies performed in Denmark, revealed the following enlightening statistics concerning tattoos:

42% of homes for short-term detentioned were tattooed 60% of homes for young men with behavior difficulties 72% of prisons for young men 52% of prisons population (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 114)
 
“The same Denmark studies also disclosed less than 4.8 in the general population were tattooed.”  (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 114)

Investigations by law enforcement officials also came to the conclusion that:

“the presence of ornamental body tattoos could serve to indicate the existence of personality disorders which are liable to manifest themselves in criminal behaviour”.  (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 117)

“Therefore, many authorities link tattooing with aggression, i.e. anti-authoritarianism, and it cannot be disputed that gangs and delinquents, juvenile or otherwise, display massive evidence of aggression”.  (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 114)

According to study after study, a tattoo so personifies and establishes a “rebellious atmosphere” that one of the most important steps in prison rehabilitation is the removal of the tattoo.  According to many serious studies, a tattoo is linked so strong to criminal behavior and delinquency, that without question, the mere decoration of the tattoo inherently contributes to the criminal behavior pattern.

“This [tattoos] is one of the problems behind prison rehabilitation. Hence the reason why some plastic surgeons associated with prison service are prepared to spend an enormous amount of time removing tattoos, especially those on exposed areas. . .”  (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 181)

The famous architect, Adolf Loos, who also studied the connection to tattoos and crime, blatantly wrote:

“Tattooed men who are not behind bars are either latent criminals or degenerate aristocrats.  If someone who is tattooed dies in freedom, then he does so a few years before he would have committed murder”.  (Adolf Loos, 1962 Ornament und Verbrechen. Samtliche Schriften, edited by F. Gluck.  Vienna: Herold, 1962, cited at www.into-you.co.uk/contents/misc.htm)

TATTOO: THE MARK OF PERVERSION

Studies have linked tattoos to homosexuality, lesbianism, and gross sexual perversion.

“To be fair to those who maintain that tattooing is linked to homosexuality, investigations conducted in a New Zealand Borstal for girls revealed that of the 60 per cent tattooed, 90 per cent admitted to lesbian behaviour during corrective treatment. . . Yet further analysis indicated a ratio of aggression to the number of tattoos, and that the most heavily tattooed girls were unstable and insecure and tended to take the masculine role in their sex encounters.”  (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 87)

“[associated with tattoos] Among these conditions Raspa cited: impulsiveness, low self esteem, lack of self control, homosexual orientation, sexual sadomasochism, bondage, fetishism, bisexuality, lesbianism, antisocial personality, borderline personality disorder, schizotypal personality disorder, mania and bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.”  (Raspa, Robert F. and John Cusack 1990, Psychiatric Implications of Tattoos, American Family Physician. 41: p. 1481 cited in Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 159)

TATTOO: AND PERSONALITY DISORDERS

Studies also show that “self-inflicted” tattoos are frequently associated with people with personality disorders, troubled backgrounds and self-mutilation tendencies.

“Evidence indicates that it is the mere presence of the tattoo, not its artistic content, that correlates with certain diagnoses.  Thus, any tattoo can be viewed as a warning sign that should alert the practicing physician to look for underlying psychiatric conditions.”  (Raspa, Robert F. and John Cusack 1990, Psychiatric Implications of Tattoos, American Family Physician. 41: p. 1483)

“. . . studies suggests that people with personality disorders frequently have multiple small tattoos. . .”  (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 115)

Research clearly indicates “. . . the presence of tattooing was often indicative of a deprived and troubled background,. . .”  (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 117)

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE TATTOOS OF TODAY?

I know what some are thinking. . . Sure, in the past tattoos were linked to criminals, depravity, and immoral behavior –– but not today.

Today, the tattoo is worn by celebrities, athletes, politicians and business people. It’s adorned in high fashion mags and sports mags.  There’s absolutely no data to even remotely suggest tattoos are linked to criminal or immoral behavior.  No sir.  Today’s tattoo is high-fashion and cool.

Oh. . . Really?

A very comprehensive study and analysis of tattoos, was recently published in April, 2001.  The study was performed by Dr. Timothy Roberts, a pediatrician at the University of Rochester Children’s Hospital.  The detailed analysis was taken from a study of 6072 young people, ages 11 to 21. From all over the United States.  From all different ethnic groups.  From all economic and social backgrounds.  In other words, very thorough and reliable data models were constructed for the study. In fact, this study is probably the most comprehensive and conclusive analysis of tattoos ever conducted.

According to the study, today’s tattooed young people:

* Are nearly four times more likely to engage in sexual intercourse
* Over two times more likely to experience alcohol related problems
* Nearly two times more likely to use illegal drugs
* Over two times more likely to express violent behavior
* Over two times more likely to drop out of high school

Dr. Roberts writes, that the results of the study reveal:

“Tattooing in adolescents was significantly associated with sexual intercourse, substance use, violence and school problems in bivariate analyses and in logistic regressions adjusting for sociodemographic factors and peer substance use.”  (Timothy A. Roberts, M.D. and Sheryl A. Ryan, M.D., Tattooing and High-Risk Behavior in Adolescents, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Strong Children’s Research Center, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY)

Dr. Roberts, writes in the “conclusion” of the study that tattoos “have strong associations with high-risk behaviors in adolescents”

“Conclusion: Permanent tattoos have strong associations with high-risk behaviors in adolescents.  The presence of a tattoo during examination of an adolescent should prompt in-depth assessment for high-risk behaviors.”  (Timothy A. Roberts, M.D. and Sheryl A. Ryan, M.D., Tattooing and High-Risk Behavior in Adolescents, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Strong Children’s Research Center, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY)

It is worth mentioning, Dr. Roberts, himself has a tattoo.  And before the study, Dr. Roberts admittedly believed that people with tattoos were unfairly stereotyped.  One of his purposes of the study was to prove that point.  After the overwhelming results, Dr Roberts, admitted, “I was more than a little surprised at the result.”

After evaluating the data, Dr. Roberts says, “A tattoo is a sign that doctors, parents, teachers ought to be asking about the teenager’s behaviour.”

BUT WASN’T JESUS A REBEL?

I hear this “rebel-party-line” from Christians: “Hey dude, yea man, I’m a rebel just like Jesus.  Yea, man, He was the real rebel.  He rebelled against the system, man.  Yea, man, He’s the ultimate rebel.  Man, like, that’s why I wear my tattoos –– I’m rebelling against the system.”

Heavily tattooed, Sonny of the “Rastafarianism-Christianity-AND-God-Knows-What-Else” punk-rap-metal rock band P.O.D. claims Jesus Christ was the first rebel —— and the “first punk rocker”!

“We believe that Jesus was the first rebel.  He was the first punk rocker going against all the rest of it”  -Sonny, P.O.D. (http://www.shoutweb.com/interviews/pod0700.phtml)

Let’s get something straight!  The Lord Jesus Christ was NOT A REBEL!  The Bible is very clear.  The Lord Jesus Christ was OBEDIENT unto death –– even the death of the cross!

“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” -Phil. 2:8

Even in the Garden of Gethsemane, knowing that every wicked, abominable sin committed in history was going to be placed upon Him (2 Cor. 5:17), knowing that He was going to drink the cup of wrath of God, and in great agony, His sinless sweat was dropping as it were great drops of blood —— even then, Thank God, Thank God —— HE DID NOT REBEL!  As He prayed “. . .not my will, but thine, be done.”

42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not mywill, but thine, be done.
43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.  Luke 22:42-44

Yes.  The Lord Jesus Christ was “against” the world and the system –– but it was because the world was the REBEL –– not the Lord Jesus Christ.  Thank God –– He was OBEDIENT to the will of God.  The world, the flesh and the devil REBELLED and is REBELLING against the Word of God.  Just like anyone that disgraces themselves with a “God-forbidden” tattoo.

Oh my friend, aren’t you glad that Jesus Christ was NOT a rebel.  That He was OBEDIENT unto His Father’s will.  Aren’t you glad that Sonny of P.O.D. is so wrong.  If Jesus Christ REBELLED, one second, one thought, one sin, there would be no hope.  Aren’t you glad Jesus Christ loved you so much that He died for you on Calvary?

Have you ever received the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour?

A THANK YOU TO TERRY WATKINS WHO HAS DONE SUCH A CREDIBLE IN-DEPTH STUDY OF THIS TOPIC… http://www.av1611.org/tattoos/pagan.html

In the Name of my Lord, Savior, and Deliverer, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, we come against and bind the Strongman, Prince, Prince-Ruling Spirit, and all Spirit Guides associated with (specific name or coven). We right now bind all psychic heredity that was enheritted through the blood line of these (this) witch(es) and ask you, Lord Jesus, to seal the third eye through which they see into the occult realm. We also ask, Father, that you would restrain them from astral projection and that their cursing come back upon their own heads as your Word declares. We also ask that you send your angels to make sure that their curses are returned to them, and that these returning curses are not blocked by their magic or sorcery. We come through the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Name of Jesus Christ as we bind, blind, gag, deafen, paralyze and silence you, demons, and forbid you from influencing or strengthening any witch, warlock, spiritualist, satanist, (or specific name) right now in the Name of Jesus Christ.

We bind the spirits of Hate, Bitterness, Murder, Wizardry, Sorcery, Witchcraft, Magic, Occult, Control, Lust for Power, Lust for Position, Rejection and Pride (etc.) in order to destroy the demonic work, power, influence, plans, or appointments of these demons in the Name of Jesus Christ. We place you on notice, demons, that you will not be able to use these (this) soul(s) any longer against any church, group, family, individual, or themselves, in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We take authority over and come against the spirits of Blindness, Spiritual Blindness, Darkness, Occult Darkness, Wicked Heart of Unbelief, Pride, and Deception; binding the spirits of Bondage, Heaviness, Fear, and Hate in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We ask You, Heavenly Father, in the Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, to send Warrior Angels to blind, gag, deafen, and paralyze these spirits, forbidding them from influencing or interfering with these souls so that they can have control over their own free wills and be able to make up their own minds should they choose to repent. We pray that they would be able to do this without any demonic or satanic interference.

Lord Jesus, we pray that you would release Warrior Angels to wage war against these demons and their activities. We also pray that you would send ministering angels of Salvation, Adoption as Children of God, Conviction, Repentance, Humility, Contrite, Brokenness, Knowledge, Revelation, Understanding, Grace, Mercy, Truth, Forgiveness, and any others necessary to minister to their souls.

Lord, open their eyes so that they can see the Glory of Jesus. Open their hearts so that they can hear Your voice. Break the yokes in their lives and give them liberty in their souls so that they may be free to repent. Show them every evil work and deed that they’re guilty of, and Lord Jesus, convict their hearts unto repentance. Bring these souls out of darkness, save these souls so that You may have the Glory.

Heavenly Father, we humbly ask all these things in Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen, Amen, and Amen!

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