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Pastors and Tattoos

If you know me and/or are observant you'll notice that I have tattoos. I have 4 to be exact and I'll probably get at least 1 more in my life time. The latest 1 I put on my left wrist. The other 3 or on different places on my back. I got them in places that are easily covered and not really out for people to see. I wanted to get them so I did but I was concerned that having a visible tattoo would not be well received by people in the church. All of my tattoos are religious symbols so it's not like I'm showing off something that would be inappropriate. However, I felt that stigma of trying to live up to what other people wanted a pastor to be. But this last tattoo has been interesting. 1) not as many people have even noticed it. 2) Another clergy person decided that it was their job to give me a lecture on the fact that my tattoo was not a Christian symbol. The first reaction has helped me realize that not as many people care as I thought. I think there's a shift in this generation about tattooing and piercings. As long as it's not vulgar I think people are more relaxed about the subject. The second reaction though really just pissed me off. What does it matter if the symbol is Christian or not? (By the way it is a symbol that is used widely across Eastern Christianity, Judaism and several other world religions.) It's an expression of my faith and my journey. Why is it so wrong to be influenced by another tradition? Last time I checked Christians don't have the market on world religion. Several other clergy in the group I was with had tattoos on their wrists and nothing was said to them. Probably because they were clearly and easily defined as Christian. I left this encounter annoyed that I got singled out. I was annoyed that I got another lecture because I've had enough in my lifetime. I was annoyed that the person was speaking out of ignorance. I was annoyed because instead of asking why I choose this tattoo at this time in my life all I got was a verbal diatribe about the need to show of Christianity instead of my faith. Yes I am rooted in the Christian tradition - I was raised and nurtured it, I've studied it, I've lived it. But that's not solely who I am. I am more then just one tradition or label. It might mean that if you have a question about my faith we'll have a conversation verses a short 1 sentence answer to your question. Faith is complicated and messy at times. For me and several other pastors I know tattoos are a visible sign of something that is invisible. I'm happy to use mine as a time to teach and explain myself. So I ask that if your pastor/rabbi/clergy have a visible tattoo that you give us some grace in the matter and you might even learn something new and do some walking with a person on their faith journey.
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