Tattoos BANNED In The Vatican?! w/ Jacob Imam

Full Episode: mattfradd.locals.com
Jacob Imam and Matt Fradd discuss the recent rule changes on attire and lifestyle for Church employees working in the Vatican. They discuss why tattoos are popular, and if they are wrong.
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Article Source: cruxnow.com/vatican/2024/07/p...
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[@MC-ze8wj]

I have an aunt who I love dearly who is Catholic. She made me promise her I would never get one and I had no idea why she was so adamant to extract this promise from me as a little girl but I promised her because I love her not because I didn't want any. I thought they were cool then; my much older sister had just had a sleeve done. I have kept my promise. I am 32 now and so glad I have none! Thank you Tía 💞

[@brokula1312]

Tattoos are ugly, especially on women body. It's like taking a peace of art (the woman body) and ruining it.

[@countdowntohalloween31]

⁠@@brokula1312piece*

[@QNSimple]

@@brokula1312like a bumper sticker on a Porsche

[@migdeliaarvizu2298]

I promised my mom who too was a devout Catholic. She’s no longer with us and I’m 49 years old with no tattoos. I have nothing against tattoos and I now have returned to my Catholic faith for 3 years. I was told it’s not a bad thing only if it’s a demonic tattoo

[@mikie123]

​@@QNSimpleor racing stripes on a fiat

[@briancollins515]

I guess Shayne Smith isn’t going to get that Vatican comedian gig anymore

[@alisterrebelo9013]

He's only got 1 too many 😂

[@joenguyen9475]

@@alisterrebelo9013his face is the Sistine chapel…. Michael Angelo would be proud.

[@davidshane8009]

North Dakota

[@Rmurrayusmc1]

We all bare scars of our stumbling, some times we do bare them on the outside. When I came back to the Church, I was ashamed of the tattoos had gotten while I was lost and trying to be my own person. Then I realized that they are scars of my stumbling, always reminding me of my sinfulness and of God’s patience and mercy. If I ever think myself righteous, my skin humbles me.

[@uikmnhj4me]

That’s beautiful!!

[@countdowntohalloween31]

thats literally how i feel about mine…i don’t look like the stereotypical Catholic and that’s ohkay. just shows that everyone is welcome in God’s house.

[@mrsB0915]

I got the majority of my tattoos between ages 16 and 20.. yes I regret most of them and I encourage my children not to get them.

[@NorthwoodsWolf]

Thank you for being honest. Definitely lacking in our narcissistic age.

[@revelation20232]

I have a sleeve but if I could go back in time I wouldn't get tattoos. Who I am today is far different than who I was as a young man in my late teens, early 20s. I am thankful to God I didn't get any on my hands, neck, or face.

[@whateverman13]

As baptized Christians, God has tatted us with an endelable mark in our souls. That is the only tattoo I need.

[@laura8324]

My 48 year old daughter recently me told me that she is so thankful she did not get a tattoo when she was a very young women. She thanked me for so strongly opposing it, she was afraid of my reaction if she got a tattoo.

[@curiousmadcat480]

Dont regret mine. It actually helped me back into the faith and to the Church. It's a crusader shield near my heart. Nothing fancy. I see it every morning before I put on my scapular.

[@NogGonnaMakeIt]

Cope, bro

[@twentyfaces6915]

Tattoos are immoral

[@N3CR0_C0RP0]

@@twentyfaces6915Tell that to Father Mike

[@nataliej.3579]

I thought you couldn’t take off scapulars please explain

[@LydiaBee13]

Same. My husband and I love all of ours. Granted, we spent many years contemplating each of them and we love em

[@AllTheHandlesTaken]

Tough break for Fr. Mike. He has the most Catholic tattoo possible and his reasoning and disposition seemed pretty good. Edit: Oh, now that I read it, it's just Basilica staff and visible tattoos. He's good to go.

[@joane24]

He's also not advocating for tattoos in general, in fact he's quite against. A tattoo like his is an exception, and has a different culture/history than the typical modern tattoos.

[@cheerfulbombadil8052]

Would highly recommend a short video titled: “Fr. Chad Ripperger - Christian Tattoos.” I think he touches on the topic really well, though I will say he is far more opposed them than Matt is, that’s for sure 😂

[@angelicavazquez6946]

Didn't Father Mike get one while on pilgrimage at the Holy Land or something ? I saw that video more than a year ago and forgot the details.

[@HennyyR]

I will preface my comment with saying that I absolutely enjoy Pints with Aquinas! One of my favorite podcasts to watch/listen to. I totally understand the rules the Vatican now has for anyone employed with them, I think it’s something that more work places should implement. I myself have a tattoo sleeve and would absolutely cover it if I score a “once in a lifetime job” and that was part of the dress code. But I am self employed in the beauty industry and have a part time job at a brewery, so the rules a pretty lenient. The one comment that really hit me (and it may be just a me thing) is saying “see that girl, she’d be prettier without those tattoos”. In my opinion (again, may be just a me thing) saying something like that can imply that beauty is defined by what is in on the outside, specially when you don’t know the person or their heart. Still a fan of the channel! I found Matt Fradd content about ten years ago and it has helped me understand the faith and come back to it when I’ve gone astray.

[@outoforbit00]

As a woman, i never even got round to getting my ears pierced.

[@OrangeXenon54]

❤

[@user-mf9yl2pf3v]

As a religious young woman with no tattoos, I’ve tried being open-minded to Christian men with tattoos. I don't like the lifestyle choices associated with lots of tattoos though. Often less wholesome, less sophisticated. So I’m not as open-minded anymore

[@angelicavazquez6946]

I agree. There's a difference between a man who has one or very few in select places, and one who has many. It's especially unnattractive if you can tell it was a spur of the moment, meaningless cartoon or something of the sort.

[@anastacha63]

What you said about people without tattoos being the unique ones I’ve been saying for awhile. The same with nose piercings. Everyone has their nose pierced now. It used to be unique, not anymore.

[@garyratkovich3705]

Not having a tattoo is the new tattoo. It meant something when it was a type of counter cultural marker for bikers, goths, Russian and Asian mafia gangsters, rockabilly revivalists, metal heads, pin up models, circus freaks, carnies, sailors, etc. But once the normies got them they became lame.

[@folofus4815]

Cardinal Zen happy about this one

[@jonahstephens2904]

I'd like to say that I never got a tattoo because I was super counter-cultural and incredibly based. Instead, I'm lame and just don't really want one...

[@realbobphilips]

Yeah I totally agree that it’s time to start discouraging tattoos

[@cw4191]

When did influential Catholic personalities ever not discourage tattoos??

[@jessepotts2890]

@@cw4191Matt Fradd has an article about how tattoo are not immoral.

[@realbobphilips]

@@cw4191 I mean society in general. Like fathers to daughters, pop culture, between friends.

[@emilio6425]

I have no tattoos. I never will have tattoos. However, i dont get talking about tattoos in this way. The reasons for, and thoughts on, tattoos are too vast. Its one thing to say they are *blank* in totality, but you have to understand that you may only be talking about a percentage less than.. 20% or something idk. I think Jacob seems to add that to the conversation. Some people just love art. It can be STRICTLY a visually pleasing thing to the owners.

[@FonkyMonk3359]

My biggest issue with tattoos is that people never know when to stop. They start to look more like a walking billboard.

[@francistocco8222]

In the words of Father Ripperger “tattoos, they are mutilating of the flesh, vandalism of the body”

[@emilio6425]

Ok i dont care to fight about it, as i have no desire for tattos, but by definition those things arent true. Vandalism MAYBE, if God is the own of our body. However, i think he gave them to use. So in a sense they are ours.

[@francistocco8222]

It is by definition, mutilation. There are no if, and or buts about it. I don’t argue with theologians who have 9 years of seminary over me. Father Ripperger is right! Appreciate the effort though

[@emilio6425]

@francistocco8222 no it isnt. It's not seriously damage. It doesn't inhibit any function of the body. Ir doesn't destroy, remove, or severely damage any part of the body.

[@lampsaltlight]

@@emilio6425 Is the natural body God gave us not beautiful enough? most importantly, how does mutilating the temple of God glorify Him ?

[@dansedevie123]

Coptics traditionally get a tattoo on their wrist of the Cross as a symbol of their faith even in the face of persecution. I see a beautiful gesture of faith, not vandalism

[@Charlie_alpha_romeo]

I got all my tattoos before my conversion and engagement in the sacraments. If they’re sinful they are washed away before the Lord and that’s all that matters.

[@northernlight5889]

Me too❤

[@johnwilliams2768]

I tell people that I intend to go out the way God made me, unmarked.

[@serafin1352]

Cain was marked by God in Genesis so no one would kill him. Tattoos or not its between an individual and Christ in the time of judgment. The Vatican ironically permits other things that are in the bible as taboo.

[@jperez7893]

don't put stickers on a rolls royce

[@Crisofora_]

This is the worst stance on tattoos.

[@matthewfleck747]

Ooooh, that’s a great way to put it. As a temple of the Holy Spirit, God made us beautiful already.

[@uikmnhj4me]

@@Crisofora_might not be one you agree with, but it’s not the worst stance. It’s important to note the nuances of tattoo quality and how some tattoos are more like “stickers” on a waterbottle (think when people get Betty Boop or Minnie Mouse) while others are true works of art that the person proudly displays on their body. Your body is a temple, and the most beautiful temples often have art painted all over the walls and ceilings! But Betty Boop would not fit in a temple. She fits in a waterbottle. If you get my drift.

[@PeteV80]

I regret mine.

[@maggieness6342]

I love my tattoos. I think people over think this. I like them. You don’t have to. My tattoos are beautiful, not all are. I liken it to makeup. Some women know how to wear makeup well - it draws you into what is lovely like mosaics in a church. Many women do not know how to wear makeup, it distracts. When we add enhancements to our body they need to draw you into what is beautiful. I think a well done tattoo, makeup, piercings, hair styles, etc can all do this. There are always going to be extremes. Scripture says “Whatever is lovely…think about these things.”

[@lampsaltlight]

It is forbidden by God if I'm not mistaken. Something about paganism and idol worship...

[@NorthwoodsWolf]

So ugly and dirty are now “beautiful.” Keep telling yourself that.

[@Marc-kw4tk]

@@lampsaltlight Man made prohibitions. Nothing in the Ten Commandments said, thou shall not get a tattoo.

[@melaniewashbish7914]

I can hide mine if needed. It represents my re-conversion. It has the handwriting of an amazing Mother Superior who has been a large part of my journey. I wanted to declare my faith and carry her with me. It's a constant reminder of the path I'm on.

[@andrewrozario5127]

I live in Nashville and the tattoos are out of control. I think tattoos 90% of the time are symbols of tribalism, and less acknowledged, about projecting lust and sexuality.

[@josie6497]

I’m not opposed to tattoos. I don’t love mine but sometimes it breaks down barriers between people. I’m 49 and got mine the night Kurt Cobain died in 1994. My tattoo reminds me to pray for his soul often. I think maybe that’s too much focus on the outward person if you are so distracted by someone’s outward appearance isn’t that a prompting to your heart to check in with the Holy Spirit about your requirements for showing a person that you see their dignity? Behavior is one thing as a prerequisite to working in the Vatican, but outward appearance as long as they are dressed appropriately and the tat isn’t representing something evil, I think it’s too much outward focus. It’s like a rejection. At the same children seeing all that is a different story depending on how sensitive they are. There is a probably a line that is crossed though maybe it’s really a problem for the workers of late, or the visitors like an egregious amount of tattoos and piercings or some really weird stuff going on. For myself, I have enough baggage I try to see the person because that’s what I would have needed. I guess they are representing a holy place though. We are all so prone to feeling rejected by God in this culture I would maybe nuance the rules to focus more on behavior not something you have no easy way of hiding or removing. Good topic!

[@igorlopes7589]

Posting this immediately after Cdl Zen talking bad of Lofton's tattoos is wild lmao

[@Charlie_alpha_romeo]

Be glad that your mistakes aren’t written on your body forever but be reminded how you treat your brothers and sisters is engrained in your soul before the Lord.

[@fake_name841]

Ive actually been rethinking my position on tattoos lately. I dont have any and bought into the argument that you shouldn't deface yourself since you're made in God's image. I recently found out that the oldest tattoo shop in the world is a Christian shop in Israel. The story goes that Christians used to get tattooed there to prove pilgrimages, gain entry into churches during Muslim rule, and a few other things. It seems at that time, they served a purpose and I think that's where the line is on if a tattoo is socially acceptable. The scenarios mentioned by Matt about the fraternity and right of passage are purposeful (or can be seen as purposeful) while a butterfly is not (or is much less likely to be). If youre displaying your tattoos in a work environment, i believe that can be interpreted as putting your expression or personal purpose before your work which is not why the company typically hires you. In the case of the Church, can a tattoo put the purpose of the Church first over yourself? Maybe, if the church had "offical tattoos" then that could be an interesting way to spread the Word.

[@jessepotts2890]

I got my tattoo at that tattoo shop.

[@hi-pg4mq]

I’ve heard of the Christian tattoo place. We think about a tattoo and putting it on the surface of the body. God wants to write things like it pilgrimage to Israel on your heart. I went to Israel didn’t come across that place. The tattoo itself is big and wordy. because they had a little documentary blurp I saw. And I watched it and I if you ask God He will tell you, my answer was, “don’t get a tattoo.” If you think about the Crusaders, they came back with tattoos to mark who they were because they would look so different after years on Crusade. However, they came back with battle scars, anger, pain, resentment pieces of schism, if they made it to Constantinople. The tattoo would be a constant reminder, so the tattoo was not an honor and glory thing in and of itself. It doesn’t honor God because you’re changing what He made and He wants to change hearts.

[@hi-pg4mq]

@@jessepotts2890 It’s not an official tattoo of the Catholic Church. If I remember correctly, the tattoo shop started during the reign of Sulieman the Magnificat. If you realize Sulieman, calling himself, the Magnificent is a direct contrast to Our Lady.

[@jessepotts2890]

@@hi-pg4mqWhy does it have to be official? Also I don’t know who that is or why he is significant. I got the Jerusalem cross and IHS. It’s the code of arms of the kingdom of Jerusalem. I don’t know the tattoo you talking about.

[@jessepotts2890]

@@hi-pg4mqSo are you against women wearing earrings too? That’s changing what God made. The Catholic Church doesn’t have a prohibition on tattoos to my knowledge. If the Catholic Church doesn’t say it’s a sin then I don’t see a reason why someone can’t get a tattoo. That is just your theological opinion.

[@AnbaKyrillos]

Rupnik's art remains all over Vatican property, the Communications director doubles down on this, but we're more concerned about the tattoos on employees.

[@steveschmidt5156]

Don't like tattoos, but I regard it as a personal matter. Given how many more critical things Francis lets slide, I must conclude that Francis is a complete horse's ___.

[@abnd8025]

You sound like the American lefties who want to destroy statues.

[@abnd8025]

@@steveschmidt5156 Visible tattoos for employees. Do you people bother to read? Can you even read? The brainrot is STRONG

[@hi-pg4mq]

Yeah that’s the real hypocrisy.

[@joane24]

But it's not just about tattoos. Also, perhaps they decided it because they've learned from cases like this, that's why now they require overall good moral standing (visible tattoos was only one thing, there were other requirements as well.) Also, Lourdes is, for instance, trying to do something. Commendably. It's btw also normal for things in the Church to take quite a long time. So, sure, his mosaics should be taken down, but I don't have illusions that it would be done immediately.

[@wehavetherecipes]

There's a spiritual component to any marking/scarification of the flesh. I wish I knew this years ago

[@juliezug9855]

The military used to have similar restrictions. They were not allowed to show when in uniform. Unfortunately they’ve modified the policy and I think to our detriment.

[@belyy_rusky]

I get what you're saying but Shayne Smith's tattoos are a testimony

[@ZachariahMorningstar]

The Parish I belong to you can see the Priest's tatoos from underneath the robe.

[@trlevan316]

Dude, you just made fun of a guest you just had on.

[@nightowl425]

I get so much discernment from the Holy Spirit from watching this show. Especially when that girl called Religious Hippie was on, she said some things that didn't sit right with me. I'm glad I'm not Catholic anymore.

[@trlevan316]

@nightowl425 oh I'm totally catholic. Love me some Pints With Aquinas. You should too. 😊

[@nightowl425]

​@@trlevan316I may have come off a bit strong. My only point is that the Holy Spirit is pointing some things out to me and I'm definitely not gonna take that for granted. I would also be lying if I said that reversion wasn't a recent consideration.

[@PuzzlesC4M]

@@nightowl425Matt is just one guy and is, by no means, the voice of Catholicism or even Aquinas.

[@andrewsanford2020]

I've never seen someone's tattoo and been interested in it or admired it. I've definitely thought some were a poor decision or vulgar.

[@williamswenson3970]

Will we have tattoos at the resurrection of the body? Also, will we have piercings?

[@sarahburke8955]

My guess, just off the hip, is no.

[@BA-mf4gi]

No

[@garyhaber6957]

I really wish they would extend all this to tour guides in the Vatican and St Peter's Basilica because when I went on my first trip to Rome and naively booked a tour with a group I found on Viator, the anti Catholic junk that I heard made me sick. I have two small tattoos; both Crosses, and both done by two very younger and dear friends that are like little brothers to me, and one of them has since died in a tragic car accident. So these tattoos are very special to me, yes because of whom created them for me, but also because they are of the Cross of Jesus whom died for me. He is in love with me and through a Divine Mercy encounter I had with Jesus on April 8th, 2009, I fell in Love with Jesus; with God. An also with Our Lady and Saint Joseph..... These Cross tattoos represent all of that for me. When people are in love , they sometimes do crazy things. And I just wanted the symbol of our lord upon my body which can never be washed off. It is a symbol of my love and Something that identifies me as His; Something, at least in this world, that is indemnible..... I also like bringing attention of people who see these to the Cross and to Christ. A little reminder to people out there in the world. Perhaps a silent way of evangelizing. One day, a random man at a bus stop at Circular Quay, in Sydney, after I had been to Mass at St Patrick's, Church Hill, approached me and saw one of the tattoos, and said to me that I must love Him [Jesus]. We had a brief conversation about Jesus, then. For me, among other things , it's a little symbol of love and thanksgiving. ❤ ✝️

[@dsonyay]

1:20 coming of age ceremonies- I remember at one time how it was a bug deal when 1st Communion and Confirmation came around… big parties .. lots and lots of people came to the post-Mass celebration at people’s home.. lots of 1 dollar bills given to the youngster. To me this was a type of coming of age ceremony .. I rarely ever see this anymore

[@jennywalborn7769]

Didn't Jesus say to the Pharisees that it's what comes out of our hearts that makes us clean or unclean? They were so concerned with washing, following rules to the T, fulfilling rituals, and how things looked instead of the importance of Loving God and neighbor, and being merciful. Tattoos being right or wrong, I don't know for sure. I know years ago, when I got mine, I thought since I got scars through my life that I didnt ask for or want that a tattoo would be a scar I chose. Mine all had a spiritual meaning to me then, and I got them when they weren't all the rage. Now, I probably would not get any more....but we grow, we live and learn. Ultimately, God knows our hearts and our intent. And, I think He cares more about our relationship with Him and our love and faithfulness than whether we have a tattoos on our skin or not. We live in a decaying temple of flesh right now that houses our Eternal souls. We wont have scars or tattoos in Heaven. The only one with scars will be Jesus!

[@jtheburbs]

Personally I don't regret any of my tattoos, and intend to get some more. That being said, I encourage extreme caution to people since they're not going away. Also wouldn't advise getting a large tattoo the first time around, or in a visible spot in case you end up hating it later on.

[@anng.4542]

Won't Wrecking Balm help fade them, and doesn't laser treatment work?

[@Ezekiel336-16]

Don't know about the first, but it's a yes on the second

[@jamescastro2037]

Tattoos are for those trying to represent the matter of something that goes deeper than the skin. The skin is the biggest organ, therefore it makes the most noise associated with feeling. They need to conduct this needle to their desires because they feel like they are being played.

[@milaszczecina5553]

Matt don't you think that previously welcoming ie saying positive things about tattoos and then flip flopping and suddenly excluding people is dangerous? Won't that cause more problems ...

[@Rmurrayusmc1]

A lot of these comments signaling righteousness can drive someone away from repentance

[@alisterrebelo9013]

Perhaps, but that's a silly argument in a sense. We are called to hold up the standard of God, and God will do the rest. Those with tattoos who are genuinely being moved by the Holy Spirit will not be offended.

[@GuymontagFahr451]

Everyone has agency.

[@PuzzlesC4M]

Love this!!!

[@jessepotts2890]

Catechism of the Catholic Church says that tattoos are not intrinsically evil, but that adding a permanent marking to your body is not necessary and will not add to your body's natural beauty. We should not say that tattoos are sinful or condemn our brethren for getting tattoos especially if they were prudent and moderate while doing so. A lot of people in the comments are saying that tattoos are a sin so I wanted to address this.

[@lampsaltlight]

But what about the commandment of God against tattoos?

[@angelicavazquez6946]

​@@lampsaltlightWas that directed at clergy ? I honestly don't know.

[@user-hg9oi7mp1c]

@@lampsaltlight Against carving the skin, like Baal priests did to draw blood and elicit response from their god(s). And as a means of the Jewish people to distinguish it from 'the nations' among which it moved and lived. Historical context matters.

[@caterinadc5567]

I think banning tattoos in the Vatican is bizarre. What does that even mean? (I have no tattoos, by the way.) But honestly: For a religion of forgiveness, what would that even mean for people who got tattoos years ago that they cannot cover up? Doesn't this lead to banning PEOPLE from the Vatican? Does this mean Shayne Smith is banned from the Vatican? I hate that. Edit: Okay, finished listening and at least it says this only applies to "personnel" employed by the Vatican, and I assume Shayne Smith wasn't planning on applying for a job there. But still -- I do NOT think that having tattoos is in the same category as cohabitation. Cohabitation represents a deviation from Church teaching that is happening in the present; a tattoo basically represents nothing, as the Church technically doesn't even forbid it, and even if the Church forbid it the person could have gotten the tattoo years ago and since repented and been reconciled to the Church, but lack the opportunity to cover it up. I just don't agree with this part of the policy. It'd be like forbidding employment to someone who past-tense got sterilized and can't undo it. Yes, the deliberate sterilization was wrong, but the person's heart NOW may agree with what's right, and the heart matters most. We all know that all of us are sinners. Why should we be so afraid that some people's history of sin may be visible? Will all fat people be banned from the Vatican for the sin of gluttony, despite possibly having changed their ways but still struggling to lose the weight? And again: gluttony and deliberate unnecessary sterilization are against Catholic Church teaching; getting a tattoo isn't.

[@stephenmartin7907]

I was thinking a similar thing.

[@Ezekiel336-16]

So, basically you're saying that the Lord doesn't have any standards for entry into His house and family, and the Vatican shouldn't either?!

[@twentyfaces6915]

Tattoos are immoral

[@f9054]

I honestly don't see why it's bizarre... The way you look matters and impacts how others perceive you and your work environment. Vatican is just doing what all employers do, except that they don't need to be sneaky as to why they won't hire X or Y person And this isn't to say that there's anything wrong with people that have visible tattoos, it's just not the image they want in their employees

[@caterinadc5567]

@@Ezekiel336-16 You should check out this old interview Jordan Peterson did with a lady called Cathy Newman (aka the lady from the "so you're saying..." memes). Seems like you and that lady would really get along

[@pajamaninja2157]

i think there is something to what jacob was saying with our body's not showing who we are. i remember when i was learning guitar i was kind of oddly proud of my finger tips getting callus and looking gross,. maybe it is a physical sign of my effort and my progress. very odd but i feel as though there may be validity.

[@jfdragonfire]

Got a cross with a reference to John 6:53-54. One thing I know that will stay close to my heart until the day I die is my belief in the Eucharistic.

[@anng.4542]

So no tourists with tats allowed to enter the Vatican?

[@millriverfarm]

Don’t regret mine at all they’re part of my story. Really disagree with telling your children someone would be prettier without them, that’s honestly the first time I’ve been disgusted by what matt said. Really stupid take. Think of all the converts. This is so hypocritical

[@JacobMcCarthy-qs2nh]

I think tattoos are fine if they actually do mean something and if they are in moderation. I think sleeves and face/neck tats are too far and actual disfigurement of the body. And I think if one gets them out of a hatred of how they look then it's downright sinful. But one or two in normal places for proper reasons I think are fine. My tattoos were all gotten after prayers discussion with priests and other virtuous men and women.

[@johnnypop-tart335]

The only tattoo I'm gonna get is a wedding band

[@ShainaLilly1516]

It took me 10 years to finally dedicate to my tattoo. It’s a simple tattoo of the cross and M on the inside of my arm with “Ad Jesus Per Mariam” surrounding it. I finally committed to the tattoo years after consecrating to Our Lady. I don’t regret it, especially since it’s in a place that I see often and will be reminded to rely on Mary’s love and intercessions, however I also know it’s not the first choice and many disagree with tattoos. I believe if we brand our bodies in this way it needs to be something significant and meaningful.

[@steele8280]

8:54 I actually DON’T agree with Imam here, about there being something good about getting group tattoos. It implies that there is something bad about not getting them, which is ridiculous. Well-balanced people usually don’t need a tattoo to belong. Our belonging isn’t in the tattoo but in the relationship. What we need to do, rather, is to make it more common to look deeper rather than to the superficial.

[@DBELLTREE]

So women will be banned from earrings?

[@Sorchia56]

Exactly! They are discussing the Torah not the Bible. Guess they missed that bit about Jesus dying for our sins and spreading love no matter what. I’m Catholic and have a tattoo. My parish priest knows why and has never said I’ve devalued or devilled my body.

[@jacobfischer8385]

I have one tattoo as I was seriously considering becoming a tattoo artist out of HS. I dont regret it but I realized I didn't need them or any more. They are addicting, I recognized it and decided nit to give in. I read a study recently that people with tattoos majorily steuggle with anxiety and that made a lot of sense to me. I think there is something slightly disordered to them in our culture.

[@charlesfontaine298]

I tattooed my arms with the ichthus and the miraculous medal so I can evangelize without speaking. Father Mike Shmitz did it to. So?

[@steveschmidt5156]

Francis's priorities are messed up.

[@nicholasgodi4613]

Coptic Christians get crosses tattooed on their wrists as a right of passage. Christians tattoos are historical and still have a place in todays Christian culture.

[@angelicavazquez6946]

​@@steveschmidt5156Pope Francis, the Vicar of Christ who sits in the chair of St. Peter the Apostle.

[@davidcrabtree453]

I got sone during my time in the military. All can are coverd by a t shirt. I wanted loads more, but wasnt able to at the time. Im satisfied with what i have. Just a few, very meaningful ones to this day, but i dont look all pastied up.

[@sebastianofmilan]

I'm so ready for tattoos to stop being considered 'cool'

[@majumoore5362]

Tattooing was an anti social behavior. Getting a tattoo was to mark yourself outside of normal society. Back in the day you had to be a gangster, sailor and so one to get one. Now a days even whimps get tattoos . It's really a cool thing to do anymore

[@TheFirstManticore]

There was a time when the Berbers of north Africa all had decorative tattoos on the face and neck. Pretty in its way. But when I saw them, maybe 60 years ago, I thought it might be hard for them to fit in in the workforce in England, which is where I saw them.

[@Proclivitytolife]

Here is the basis for the tattoos i have. I stuggled with pornography and masturbation for several years, also while married. While regular confession and sacraments helped a good deal, i would still fall every so often. While i couldn't take the Lord's words literally and cut my hands or arms off, i did the next most plausible but related thing and got tattoos on my wrists and inner forearms. Believe me when i say that *i would much prefer not having any tattoos* , but i took the battle against sin seriously and wanted to stop it, whatever it took. I did my best to first confirm that the Church didn’t actually prohibit this (as opposed to the countless armchair theologians). Then had crosses tattooed on both my inner wrists, along with Sirach 7:36 "In all your works, remember your last end and you will never sin" on my left inner forearm and a "note to self", inspired by St. Ephrem, where i exhort myself to repentance "(My name!) Are you finished sinning? Have mercy on your soul and repent! Remember death, the judgement and eternity, and turn away from your sins! Sin is waiting at the door to your heart. And on my right inner arm a prayer against the enemy. This was years ago, and while i am still tempted now and then, i have never fallen since. I hope i don't have to explain how placing these crosses in these exact locations has helped tremendously in keeping me from comitting this sin. Also, I have found that it has also humbled me in other unexpected ways. I have these on my arms fairly prominently and when wearing short sleeves, these crosses are very visible. The constant awareness of the cross is quite beneficial and I often find myself inhibited in what otherwise would be my occasional bad behavior by my awareness that people see me with these crosses and will associate any bad behavior with the Holy Christian Faith. And so not wanting to bring disrepute to our Holy Faith, not wanting to scandalize others by being rude or selfish while visibly wearing these crosses, I find myself more easily and inevitably reminded of my behavior before God and men. It is humbling to see the cross at all times (or almost all times), in such an indelible way, which cannot be taken off in a moment of despair or faithlessness. Reminds me of my sins, in particular the ones against chastity which lead to me having these tattoos to begin with, but also my other sins as well. Now to the KZbin comment section magisterium, go ahead, come tell me how i am immoral and have sinned.

[@Charlie_alpha_romeo]

“I am looking at you because the horrible thing you did to your face.” Isn’t charitable they are always beautiful and they are always Gods children.

[@tomdesouza3702]

Fr. Ripperger will tell you how evil tattoos can be. Do not under any circumstances get one.

[@eway2x]

I only have 2, Our Lady of Guadalupe on the inside of my left forearm and the Sacred Heart on the inside of my right forearm, don’t know if I’ll get anymore

[@MarkPatmos]

I think it is an act of rebellion now to be a Christian so maybe Christians should be the ones with tattoos (I won't be getting one though)

[@IronCurtainTwitcher]

it reminds me of the time I can't remember what I was doing

[@caedanjennings]

Don’t have any issue with this but….I’m a little confused he is chastising tattoos?!? Rupnik is fine… his art is fine but workers can’t have tats??? Ban Latin Mass but but don’t have tats…… That being said I think it is good but also… no cohabitating why about homosexuality? Can they work there?

[@2amgaming388]

I saw and was early influenced by the allure of tattoos when I was a child. I am a lifelong Catholic and my father was vehemently against them. After I got my first one, a small dragon on a skull (DnD pseudodragon V3.5), my father redoubled his stance. After I got my tattoos of Our Holy Mother on my left arm and of Crist Crucified on my right, he was at a loss for words. I also have an original idea concept art dedicated to St Michael on my back (left side). My father now has no solid argument against them, because his oldest and only catholic child out of 8 gave his brain a logistical mess to work out. I do say that my tattoos have personal significance to me, but three of the four are very obvious as to why they are personally significant (still aiming to get one of a rosary and a sacred and blessed hearts as well). They helped me through a dark period that, honestly, I could have come out the other side of, not catholic. I almost did. The artist who did my Crucified Christ tat did really good and I had to ask myself if that was really what I believed, and would I really turn away from it? I didn't. I couldn't. I haven't. I won't It is written as a promise to the LORD on my skin. I prayed the whole time I got them in an attempt to sanctify them and those prayers have echoed forward in times when I have needed them

[@simply7wares606]

I believe that God brought me to a realization years ago as to why we maybe shouldn’t mark our bodies for recreational purposes with tattoos and piercings. We are God’s masterpiece, He is the great artist. We would not go marking up the Mona Lisa or the Sistine Chapel just because we want to or we think it would look better with a hole or a different little picture or design here or there. That would make the artists and those who admire them and their work very upset. So why would it be ok to do that with the gift, the masterpiece, which is our body?

[@peeposhake2607]

BASED

[@mitchellpaszkowski1799]

I don’t think Tattoos are intrinsically evil either, I do however think they are the sin of pride/vanity. Which begs the question, why? I would equate it to the same likings to that of a flashy car, or clothes/hairstyle etc. Only difference being, permanent. When you ask most people why they got Tattoos they relate them to specific significance and a lot of people will argue they didn’t get them for anyone else… I think if that were true, they would not be on a part of the body that is Visible. Religious Tattoos in particular bother me. To me it’s as if someone does a good deep and shouts to the world what they did. If you have a devotion, you should live it so vibrantly that people ask about it, without having to mark your skin. I also think they’re annoying and creepy not that you could tell…Just my opinion🤣 Sorry Matt! Thanks for everything you do, God Bless!! PS. I will say that Religious Tattoos at least could strike a conversation about our faith, and they are far better then something Lewd.

[@collinhudson3878]

What about doing it in a way where you can never take off Christ? Like a cross tattoo.

[@Just.arandom1]

Never got a tattoo

[@natrone79]

My Lord…how awful this whole thing is. A guy with no tattoos and a bloke with one, judging everyone who has a story. get over yourself.

[@AquaGirlOo]

I always liked a tiny small cross tattoo on my wrist .😊thank God I started working in this small town in Toronto where almost 99% of people ther Wer full of tattoos .. and omg I hated it and thank God I never had one done . 😂😂

[@HonestGeorgeThePeoplesFriend]

I have two or three tattoos. The Superman logo, the word Messiah underneath the cross, the Sacred Heart, and my wife’s name under it with the first initials of my children above it. So not bad comparatively, but I have looked extensively about tattoo removals, I just don’t think they actually work for the money. Are they intrinsically wrong? Probably not, do I wish I didn’t have them … definitely! Kindergarten teachers have tattoos, they’re essentially meaningless now.

[@stephencarlton-jones7119]

Personally, I never saw the appeal for tattoos: maybe its just me not even really liking getting shots/blood drawn. But on a more Catholic level, personally, idk whether one could say they are intrinsically evil, but at the very least unnecessary, I usually think of how our bodies are called temples of the Holy Spirit, and think the question people in general should ask is "would I put this on a temple/altar/tabernacle/Church dedicated to God", and also that it harks back to how God made our body's beautifully. I like the point you made about wanting to "belong" or to "show" who you are through tattoos, as that is very true that people often do that. For me, I think there are better ways one can show who they are and belong: and right of passage type things. After all, if we live our Catholic lives as God calls us... people will one way or another know who we are. There is a lot of confusion around tattoos, and I think we should in general be less quick to just sporadically brand ourselves: society should dial a lot of these things back considerably.

[@jessepotts2890]

I get mixed signals from Christian’s and Catholic if tattoos are okay or not. I have one religious tattoo. I think it’s cool. I got it to commemorate my pilgrimage to Israel. I don’t really see how getting a tattoo impedes our ability to conform to God. I hope I didn’t fail the Lord in some way. 😢

[@Catholic_Rock]

Catholics are the first Christians. Let’s clear that up lol. And Your temple is sacred. Now that you have Christ’s mercy, grace, and have repented I recommend you refrain from getting more tattoos. But remember the flesh is of no avail without the Holy Spirit and remember the Holy Spirit is God. Always with you.

[@jessepotts2890]

@@Catholic_RockI know Catholics are Christians. I’m catholic. I don’t think the Catholic Church teaches that getting tattoos are sinful rather it’s a common theological opinion that some people hold. To my knowledge. If it does teach that then I’ll obey certainly. I think the question is rather is it imprudent or intemperate. I’m not looking to get anymore though. And Jesus says And he said to them: 'So, are you also without prudence? Do you not understand that everything entering to a man from outside is not able to pollute him? …. But, he said 'the things which go out from a man, these pollute a man. This verse applies to the food laws of the mosaic law but I think this also would apply to tattoos it’s the same point the tattoo doesn’t make us unclean but rather our hearts do. So we should be like the pharisees in this. I’ll double check with my pastor though.

[@haydongonzalez-dyer2727]

Neat

[@Abr022575]

They are utterly repellant

[@DadRockProject]

I have more religious tattoos than anything. I think it's a bit shortsighted to look down on them

[@AJKPenguin]

[@mcmilliron]

As someone who is a Protestant, and Catholic curious, these types of conversions and rules feel kind of Pharisee to me. So someone who has visible tattoos, or a criminal past, but is saved and redeemed, are not fit to serve???

[@AudChaldean]

I’m a tattoo artist who is Catholic. It is the means by which I provide for my wife and children. My main profitable way to use my art. I refuse to tattoo anything demonic or blasphemous since I got deep in my faith, but to each their own.

[@hi-pg4mq]

tattoo as a mark of beast…. exorcist has to decommission every single one has demon attachment that convinced the person to be tattooed.

[@johnsantora-ok3rf]

GLORY!!!!'m favoured, $155K every 3weeks!. I can now give back to the locals in my community and also support God's work and the church. God bless America 🇺🇸❤️

[@JedrzejLudwik]

I'm favoured, Getting my own Truck has always been my Dream for my business. I just acquired 2 recently, earning $40K weekly has been really helpful. I can now give back to the locals in my community and also support Charity Organizations.

[@ThomasCharles-tx1mb]

I'm genuinely curious to know how you earn that much weekly

[@JakeRobinson-lb9of]

Same here, with my current portfolio made from my investments with my personal financial advisor (Kate Elizabeth Becherer) I totally agree with you.

[@johnsantora-ok3rf]

I'll leave her info below this comment

[@johnsantora-ok3rf]

美国十𝟭𝟲𝟲𝟬𝟮𝟲𝟰𝟱𝟮𝟯𝟮👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️ 大家大家大家大家大家大家大家大家大家大家 copy it this way KZbin is frustrating copy

[@tmoney8785]

Yall so funny there is nothing wrong with them. Dont use make up either then with that attitude.

[@TheNewNationPodcast]

Tattoos are based. Ask the Byzantines

[@vickytheodorides]

Is Jacob Imam Catholic

[@d12359]

Yes! He converted.

[@DJones0492]

@d12359 Why can't he just be a Catholic? Why do people need to emphasize Converts? Whether you were Catholic from the beginning of your life or just recently came into the Church you are Catholic. Drop the convert talk please. I came in communion with the Church last year and I see this quite frequently. It is supposed to be community

[@jonahstephens2904]

@@DJones0492I don't know about you, but the time before my conversion still has a massive effect on my life. I once was very much not Catholic. I now am. My life is changed by Christ and His Church, and I want the world to know about it.

[@vickytheodorides]

@@d12359 how wonderful ✝️🙏🏻

[@kevinmc62]

@@DJones0492it gives fair warning to the cradle Catholics that you’re encountering a weird individual. Only a crazy would join what the world and every other denomination hates so badly. Convert=crazy one. I am one.

[@Le_Trouvere]

But father Mike has a new one😩

[@joane24]

Another postive point is that it privileges faithful Catholics in good-standing to access work in these places.

[@onvogmasaj]

RIP Shayne Smith

[@nightowl425]

...who?

[@Aethelhart]

Piercings too. When I met my wife, I asked her not to wear rings anymore and to let the piercings heal. I don't want that influence on my daughters and won't let my daughters get piercings either. It's so sad to me seeing little kids whose parents put holes in their body long before they are old enough to make informed consent to those scars that will be there the rest of their lives. There are non-piercing alternatives if you really want jewelry on your kids and they can decide for themselves if they want those scars when they are adults.

[@HeyBuddays]

Don't graffiti on God's temple.

[@joane24]

Yes. Let God himself adorn you and shine through you.

[@user-hg9oi7mp1c]

Oh boy... There's no such thing as 'tattoos', nor such a group as 'people with tattoos'. Generalise much? Are you seriously lumping together traditional tribal skin markings, sailor/soldier tats, explicit sexual or demonic depictions, a nose piercing, facial/neck tats, pilgrimage markers, a 'face full of studs', purely decorative motifs or geometric patterns, commemorative tats, a little ankle tat, a huge backpiece, a political or philosophical statement or literary fan quote, full-body yakuza ink etc etc etc? And lumping together those who get a tat to be hip and those who are processing trauma, or want to look pretty, or express group membership, or want to look intimidating, or shock, or provoke, or commemorate etc etc etc? Great work on the channel, love Pints With Aquinas, but this bit comes over as very closed-minded, uninformed and preachy indeed. I am tattooed and neither frustrated nor insecure or blasphemous or identity-seeking or 'prettier without' or slave-branded or hungry for recognition or regretful or 'monstrous' or unrespectful or socially self-sabotaging. Judge not... Do I ask you to account for your wristwatch, hairstyle, dresscode? Non-permanent identity markers, I know. And remember: my tattoos are only as permanent as my body. God bless. (Devout Catholic, by the way.)

[@ryanturner8577]

You don't put a bumper sticker on a ferrari.

[@tmoney8785]

I'm More of a rusty chevy