TATTOOS, MARKINGS, BODY
PIERCING,
PAIN AFFLICTION, AND
OTHER PRACTICES
BY MARK T. BARCLAY
Scripture quotations marked “NKJV” are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by
Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL
VERSION ®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission.
All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968,
1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
Copyright 2003 – Mark T. Barclay
Tattoos, Markings, Body Piercing, Pain Affliction, and Other Practices
Page 1 of 18
THIS STUDY IS PROOF THAT THESE PRACTICES ARE NOT JUST AN INNOCENT
FAD THAT SOON WILL PASS AWAY. THESE THINGS CAUSE NOT ONLY BODY
SCARS BUT INNER SCARS THAT MAY NEVER BE REMOVED.
I have done this study mostly to reveal to people that there are underlying reasons for
body modifications. Many of these reasons are hidden, and many are of the powers of
darkness. I calculate that many young people who get caught up in these practices
usually do it with surface information, if any information at all. In other words, they think
they are just doing what is popular, but they are really sending signals of much deeper
meanings.
Many body modifications send signals to the viewers. I’m not sure that naïve young
people realize this. They could very easily be setting themselves up for danger and
inviting harmful people to approach them.
Jesus told us that the children of this world are wiser about the things of the world than
the children of light (Luke 16:8).
I have done this study to find ways to relieve people from the pain they seem to live in,
day in and day out. Healing is great, but to prevent the disease or the damage is better.
I can’t sit by and watch people harm themselves without at least knowing why and doing
something TO REACH OUT TO THEM.
This report is but a fraction of the overall research I have done. Its purpose is to help
Christian young people understand the powers behind the scenes.
All of my life I have seen the strangest things among people. I have traveled in over 50
countries and have found many different styles and practices of the world. Though
many of these practices are similar, in each and every place there are differences
unique to that locale and many of them bizarre. Add this to the exaggerations and
extreme practices by some age groups, and you have a pretty good picture of the
reason for this study.
I have walked the streets and entered the homes of many different ethnic groups,
languages, cultures, religious beliefs, and political and financial levels, to find that
people are people no matter where they live. Oh sure, there is some difference in things
like food and how it’s prepared or dress and how it’s worn. But basic human nature
is . . . human nature. Basic flesh is flesh.
One of the first arguments to difference is age. Every generation has or had its fads and
its radical music and bold “statement making” styles. When I was a kid, we . . . well
nevermind, but we had our own parent-shattering things.
Have you ever wondered why some people display the things they do? Is it style? Is it
personal satisfaction or choice? Is it just to attract attention? Is it to simply bother the
people around them? Perhaps.
Copyright 2003 – Mark T. Barclay
Tattoos, Markings, Body Piercing, Pain Affliction, and Other Practices
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Perhaps there is another motive or an inner reason. Is this person trying to make a
statement or display an inner problem? Do they simply want to be different, or are they
trying to communicate their inner feelings, that they are unwanted or don’t fit into
society? Perhaps they are displaying their inner feelings of rejection or isolation.
As I have ministered to and pastored many young people, I have discovered that they
deal with many things different than even their parents. They don’t want to be of the
generation of their parents, or for that matter not even look and sound like they are.
They fight for an identity of their own, and most in fact are in an identity crisis.
On top of all this are the many questions young people are faced with. What am I going
to be? Will I go to college, and if so, what will my major be? Where will I go? What about
a boyfriend or girlfriend? What about money and a job? How will I ever get a car of my
own? These and many more questions like them are normal and very common. Almost
all young people ask themselves (and their parents) these questions.
However there are more severe issues happening inside young people (and for that
matter perhaps some who aren’t so young). These inner matters of turmoil and need for
acceptance and popularity (especially in our society) become a dictator and many times
a cruel one at that. They spawn fear, anxiety, depression, and resentment. When they
are finally released, they display an action of anger and revenge, and the strike is
severely launched. It ranges from running away from home to substance abuse,
promiscuity, sexual sins, and school shootings.
The mild form of identity search (or crisis) could show up in exaggeration in one’s
hairstyle, dress, jewelry, choice of friends, tattooing, markings, and body piercing. A
more serious form may show up in self pain affliction, crime, isolation, and rebellion
against all authority.
I am not saying this is limited to young people. I have seen many adults who seem to
have the same problems. Or at least they have some of the same symptoms.
Nor am I saying that everyone who pierces their ears or gets a tattoo is tormented within
or is a social misfit. Did you ever wonder though about someone who tattoos over and
over again? Or someone who pierces their body in several places and never seems to
quit? I am NOT referring here to a lady who pierces her ears for her earrings.
Let me inject here that I am not presenting this study to you as a way to voice my
personal opinion or challenge you unfairly in some way. Neither am I trying to dictate
your lifestyle or make you live under mine. I am, however, trying to educate you in these
matters that may stop you from harming your life and your future and to empower you to
help yourself or someone else.
Copyright 2003 – Mark T. Barclay
Tattoos, Markings, Body Piercing, Pain Affliction, and Other Practices
Page 3 of 18
PAGANISM:
Paganism is in most parts opposite to the lifestyle of Christianity. Though many pagans
are not consumed with satan worship, they do flirt with mysticism, witchcraft, and the
stars. Thus they have their own beliefs, holidays, and practices. Most of these are
contrary to Christianity, but some are actually readily accepted by Christians. This is
due to the constant mix of the times and seasons. Halloween is a great example of this
mix. Is it All Saints’ Day or “all goblins’ day”? Was it originally a holy celebration or a
day of the Wicca? Speaking of the Wicca and magic, why is our society hypnotized with
Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings?
The pagan point of view was, and is, to worship the gods and goddesses that rule,
abide, or oversee that particular region of geography.
Maureen Mercury, author of Pagan Fleshworks, actually categorizes all these body
modifications, tattoos, piercings, implants, etc., as a pagan work of the flesh. “The
images speak for the neglected and the ignored parts of the soul that need voice and
are chosen for their resonance and charge.”
Let me remind you here that Jesus was against the way of the Nicolaitans. You can
read about them in Revelation, chapter 2, verses 6 and 15, which I will quote below.
The Nicolaitans mixed pagan practices and ceremonies with sacred Christian ones.
They taught impure doctrines, followed impure practices, felt that sexual sins were
immaterial, and were not convicted to follow the “way” of Christ. They simply wanted to
escape the punishment of hell but live the style of life (pagan) which they enjoyed so
much.
Adam Clarke, the great commenter, says—
“[Thou art neither cold nor hot] Ye are neither pagans nor Christians neither
good nor evil—neither led away by false doctrine, nor thoroughly addicted to
that which is true. In a word, they were listless and indifferent, and seemed to
care little whether paganism or Christianity prevailed. Though they felt little zeal
either for the salvation of their own souls or that of others, yet they had such a
general conviction of the truth and importance of Christianity, that they could
not readily give it up.”
We seem to have many pagan churchgoers today.
“But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also
hate.”
R
Revelation 2:6
Copyright 2003 – Mark T. Barclay
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“But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold
the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the
children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I
hate.
Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with
the sword of my mouth.”
Revelation 2:14–16
THE GOTHIC:
What is the Goth culture? Believe it or not “Goth” means different things to each
participant. They almost always do unusual things in order to separate themselves from
other young people.
Wendy M. Fontaine, in her article in the October 30, 2003, The Newport Daily News,
titled, “’Goth’ Defined,” quoted Gordon A. Crews, associate dean of the School of
Justice Studies at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Connecticut, an investigator of
what he calls the “occult” which, in his opinion, includes the Goth culture. He said, “It is
up to the individual to define what Goth is for themselves . . . The mentality is, ‘I want to
be left alone but I want to be seen. I want to see the shock on other people’s faces.’”
Things that are commonly practiced:
1. The music, which often deals with thought-provoking topics concentrating on societal
evils, like racism, war, and hatred of groups.
2. Light or white makeup, blatantly different hairstyles, extreme black clothing, body
piercings, and bondage items.
3. A fascination with medieval times.
4. The wearing of symbols, including Christian crosses; Egyptian “Eye of Ra,” a Wiccan
pentacle, a satanic inverted pentacle.
5. Many Goths tell about being depressed. Followers seem sullen and withdrawn when
in public.
Go Goth! ™ writes: “Life is essentially meaningless, and suffering is the natural
condition of living things. There is no hope.”
Copyright 2003 – Mark T. Barclay
Tattoos, Markings, Body Piercing, Pain Affliction, and Other Practices
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Here is a quote from Tigris, “I was a teenage Goth; So my Gothic persona fit me
quite well. My black clothing and dark music aptly reflected my own depression,
pain, and anger which was what I made most of my life about. Most of my Goth
friends had dysfunctional families and troubled childhoods as mine. We could
identify with each other through our dark make-up and painful pasts.”
6. A fascination with death but not so much violent and causing it.
TATTOOING:
“Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks
upon you: I am the LORD.”
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.”
Leviticus 19:28 (NASB)
Adam Clarke Commentary says:
“Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks
upon you: I am the LORD.”
Leviticus 19:28
[Any cuttings in your flesh for the dead] – That the ancients were very violent in
their grief, tearing the hair and face, beating the breast, etc., is well known.
[Nor print any marks upon you] – It was a very ancient and a very general
custom to carry marks on the body in honour of the object of their worship. All
the castes of the Hindus bear on their foreheads or elsewhere what are called
the sectarian marks, which distinguish them, not only in a civil but also in a
religious point of view, from each other.
Most of the barbarous nations lately discovered have their faces, arms,
breasts, etc., curiously carved or tattooed, probably for superstitious
purposes. Ancient writers abound with accounts of marks made on the
face, arms, etc., in honour of different idols; and to this the inspired penman
alludes, <Rev. 13:16-17; 14:9,11; 15:2; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4>, where false
worshippers are represented as receiving in their hands and in their forehead
the marks of the beast. These were called stigmata (Grk 4742) among the
Greeks, and to these Paul refers when he says, I bear about in my body the
Copyright 2003 – Mark T. Barclay
Tattoos, Markings, Body Piercing, Pain Affliction, and Other Practices
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MARKS (stigmata) of the Lord Jesus; (from his beatings) <Gal. 6:17>. I have
seen several cases where persons have got the figure of the cross, the virgin
Mary, etc., made on their arms, breasts, etc., the skin being first punctured, and
then a blue colouring matter rubbed in, which is never afterward effaced. All
these were done for superstitious purposes, and to such things probably the
prohibition in this verse refers.
Thank you, Adam Clarke.
“If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of
God is holy, which temple ye are.”
1 Corinthians 3:17
This is pretty self-explanatory. Don’t maim your body, don’t disfigure it, don’t damage it,
and don’t commit suicide.
One tattoo participant said, “I became aware of the underlying psychological forces that
influenced my final choice.”
The following quotes are taken from a well-known tattoo artist, Andy Sloss, Tribal
Tattoo.
“Now tattoos are used . . . as a declaration of individuality.”
“Many Pacific cultures believe artworks charge a person with power, both
spiritually and socially. The decoration of the body, by tattoo or paint, acts like a
lens for the internal spirit, reflecting and enhancing its power. The images can
be used to attract the focus of the ancestors for added power, so that the body
becomes the channel between the human and spirit worlds.”
“Once again tattoos are a channel to the ancestors.”
“The Spanish found a people who not only worshipped non-Christian idols, but
had also found a way of permanently printing idolatrous images onto their
bodies…”
Europeans: “traveled through and practiced in the Middle East is shown by the
prohibitions against tattooing (defiling God’s creation) in both Muslim and
Jewish law.”
“…the ancient Greeks used tattooing mainly for marking slaves and
criminals…”
“…the practice was banned by Emperor Constantine, when the Roman Empire
became officially Christian, for being barbaric and pagan.”
Copyright 2003 – Mark T. Barclay
Tattoos, Markings, Body Piercing, Pain Affliction, and Other Practices
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Believe it or not most historians say that Captain Cook and his eighteenth century
sailors brought tattooing to the Western world. Thus in our culture most tattooing was
known only among the naval personnel (sailors) for many years.
One 16-year-old young lady’s story goes like this. She ran away from home at 16 years
old because of an abusive family situation. It was extremely painful for her. She got a
butterfly tattooed on the middle of her back, which also was extremely painful for her.
She says they are united pains and that the butterfly is supposed to help her be free
from the pain of it all. (I personally doubt that very much.)
Even one instructor at Delta College (a community college in Central Michigan) has
three-fourths of his body covered in ink. Not only so, but their paper, The Delta
Collegiate, said that the tattoo artist frequented by this same professor had his ear
stretched and pierced as well as his tongue and genitals. Proof that this is not just a
kid’s fad or an innocent practice. I say, “What an example for our young people who one
day will run our businesses and perhaps even our country.”
Make no mistake about it. Our Bible is very clear on this subject. Also, I remind you that
the Ten Commandments of life that God Almighty gave to us forbid any graven images.
This would certainly include tattoos and body markings of any kind.
The Hebrew word for graven here is pecel (peh’-sel); which means to engrave, carve, or
make a design. A graven “image” includes any and all images of everything. Graven in
the English dictionary means seriously contrary to what is right or desirable; extremely
bad.
Here is a verse for you:
“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing
that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water
under earth . . .”
Exodus 20:4
This covers all tattooing and body markings including images made by implanting or
body scarring.
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
The following quotes are from an April 2003 article in Men’s Health Magazine.
“THE TREND HAS NOTHING TO DO with honesty; it’s about advertising,” says
Helen Fisher, Ph.D., an anthropologist at Rutgers University. “It’s a way of
sending signals without even opening the mouth.”
Copyright 2003 – Mark T. Barclay
Tattoos, Markings, Body Piercing, Pain Affliction, and Other Practices
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1. “A SMALL TATTOO ON A WOMAN’S SHOULDER means she’s funny and
overtly sexy and loves to tease,” according to Amy Krakow, author of Total
Tattoo Book.
2. A TATTOO ON THE SMALL OF THE BACK suggests the bearer is secretly
sexual.
3. A BICEPS BRACELET OR AN ARMBAND TATTOO signifies toughness.
4. AN EYEBROW RING OR ANY OTHER UNCONVENTIONAL FACIAL
PIERCING is there for shock value. So what you have here is a rebel, a girl
or boy of brassy independence who likes to be provocative and occasionally
make trouble.
5. A SMALL TATTOO ON HER PUBIC BONE OR ATOP HER BREAST may
indicate she’s coming off a bad relationship. Some women, especially older
ones, get tattooed in private places to reassert ownership of their bodies . . .
6. A TINY TATTOO ON THE ANKLE signifies a good girl who wants to be bad.
She probably works in a professional environment that frowns on tats, so
she picked one that’s less likely to be noticed.
7. TONGUE STUD – This is the most in-your-face piece of body art one can
have, obviously done to enhance oral sex. “This is a self-confident woman
who values her tongue almost as much for sex as for talking,” says Michael
Cunningham, Ph.D., a psychologist at the University of Louisville.
8. STOMACH or NAVEL RING – Calling attention to the stomach with a navel
ring, a belly chain, or a small tattoo, she’s sending the signal that she’s
sexual, fertile, and possibly ready to reproduce.
9. STUD IN THE NOSE – A stud in the side of the nose means this person is
worldly and a little exotic.
Wow, what a day.
In this month’s issue of Relevant (Christian Culture Magazine), they have a small article
on body modification, saying, “. . . No longer a trend, body modification is an official
religion . . .” It talks about the Church of Body Modification and their belief in teaching
acceptance, safety, and variety of body modifications (such as tattoos, piercing,
implants, brandings, suspensions, scarifications, and cutting).
Can you believe it, a church actually started to practice these pagan modifications to the
body. Well, I guess after the New Age movement that spawned churches and the “user
friendly” church, nothing surprises me.
Copyright 2003 – Mark T. Barclay
Tattoos, Markings, Body Piercing, Pain Affliction, and Other Practices
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SLAVES, BOND SOLDIERS, AND BONDAGE:
According to Thayer (a Greek expert), the word stigma is defined as follows: a mark
pricked in or branded upon the body. To ancient oriental usage, slaves and soldiers
bore the name or the stamp of their master or commander branded or pricked (cut) into
their bodies to indicate what master or general they belonged to, and there were even
some devotees who stamped themselves in this way with the token of their gods.
Deception is always associated with the “mark” but “revelation” or “anointing” of good
or God never is.
“Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked
signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of
the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into
the lake of fire burning with brimstone.”
Revelation 19:20 (NKJV)
Jesus did not mark any of His disciples this way. Neither did Paul, the apostle to the
Gentiles.
PIERCING:
As people of the last days, we are faced with several issues of life that are relative to
the times. Jesus said the day of His coming would be just like the day of Noah and the
day of Lot.
The day of homosexuality is a real issue. Pedophiles are a real issue. Pornography is a
real issue. Homosexual acts and even marriage among both men and women is a real
issue. Paganism in its many forms is also a real issue.
For a man to say he is piercing an ear and wearing a ring as a symbol that he is Jesus’
bondservant is not biblical nor is it setting the right example. In fact, it borders
paganism. It was God’s enemies who pierced and tattooed His people as they were
taken as slaves and prisoners of war.
I don’t think we will ever cause the world to walk with God and live in purity. However,
we (Christians) should. Not only should we, but we should also look like we are.
How did others recognize Jesus’ disciples just by their walk? They hadn’t said anything
yet. It must have been by their posture, their dress, their boldness for their Jesus. In
other words . . . their looks and their behavior.
Copyright 2003 – Mark T. Barclay
Tattoos, Markings, Body Piercing, Pain Affliction, and Other Practices
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“Part of the appeal of flesh-works as personal adornments is their ability to call
attention to the wearer. Yet as an adornment becomes more prevalent in the
culture, it loses its novelty and ability to be noteworthy. For those who seek to
create a distinctive look for themselves, it is then necessary to seek out more
unusual and extreme modifications for self-expression.”
“Nipple piercing, chest implants of beads, hearts, and crosses, and transdermal
jewel casings serve as talisman against pain and sadness.”
The AIDS virus is also transmitted through needles and syringes that are used
in taking drugs. It may even be spread by tattooing or body piercing if the
instruments were previously used on an infected person (W-B-Encyc).
Hepatitis C is the most common cause of chronic hepatitis and a major cause
of cirrhosis in the United States. Experts think many cases result from using
contaminated needles for injecting illegal drugs, tattooing, or body piercing
(W-B-Encyc).
CUTTING:
Not only are people tattooing or piecing, but they are venturing further into the barbaric
by splitting the tongue and even the male private part. Both male and female are
modifying their private parts by adding metal to them in certain ways and designs too
grotesque to explain here.
Never do we see Jesus’ people cutting themselves. However this is a practice of those
under the power of darkness, a demon, or those worshiping a false God.
“And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying
out and cutting himself with stones.”
Mark 5:5 (NKJV)
Tongue piercing may to you seem strange enough and a pretty rough adventure, but
have you discovered a person yet who has had their tongue split. Tongue splitting (the
process of cutting the tongue down the middle to separate it and give it the look of a
serpent) can be seen much more often as this drive to harm oneself through body
modification is propelled forward.
Maureen Mercury, in her writing, “Transformation through Ritual,” at a workshop for the
Association of Professional Piercers, quotes Steve Haworth, known as the most
successful three-dimensional artist in the world. He says, “I think the reasons for tongue
splitting vary from shock value to sexual advantages. But there are also some clients
who strongly identify with reptiles or dragons and want to replicate the split tongue of
the creatures.”
Copyright 2003 – Mark T. Barclay
Tattoos, Markings, Body Piercing, Pain Affliction, and Other Practices
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TORMENT OF METALS:
There is a thing known as “Torment of Metals.” This is the punishment of the body, the
flesh, by the use of metal. It is a process of applying affliction to the body. Many people
caught up in this actually do it to themselves and claim there is more satisfaction or, as
they would say, pleasure, that way. This goes beyond burning oneself with a cigarette.
These people claim there is some spiritual connection with the chosen metal and how it
is applied to the flesh. Others claim there is an inner release when the metal, the flesh,
and the pain all are combined. Some cut the flesh, some rub the flesh (similar to the
rubbing of gravestones to cause scars), and some insert the metal object under the skin
both for the sake of the pain and the decoration when done.
For the sake of space in this report I will not discuss the whole idea of “blood,” but there
are those who seem to have an addiction to seeing their own blood brought to the
surface of their skin, of course, by the work of their own hand.
PAIN AFFLICTION:
It didn’t take me long to confirm my suspicions that this new movement to body
disfiguration was not just a fad or something young people do to be cool.
Many today are into something much deeper than tattooing. It is a form of scarification
that uses keloidal scar tissue to form the design or artwork on the body such as is done
by gravestone rubbing.
And what about this which is called torture by metal or implanting jewelry under the skin
so one can show off this bump or puffed design as a show of art?
The shamans is a name from the Tungus people of Siberia to label their witch doctors,
medicine man, sorcerer, wizard, and magician. Michael Harner, Ph.D., says, “A shaman
is a man or woman who enters an altered state of consciousness at will. The shaman
has at least one, and usually more ‘spirits’ in his personal service.”
Here is a quote from Maureen Mercury, Ph.D. in psychology: “While shamanic
practitioners transcend the body, modern initiatives move through the body-marking
images, piercing holes, branding designs, and implanting sacred symbols. Intense
sensation, or sensation perceived as prolonged pain, is desired by those engaging in
fleshworks because at the moment when one surrenders and transcends the pain, there
may open a realm of consciousness that Jung (Princeton University) called the
psychoid.”
One interviewed man explained that the initiation of pain provided him with a rite of
passage across a significant threshold, thereby bringing him some kind of inner healing.
He said, “If I could endure this tattooing, I can endure anything.”
Copyright 2003 – Mark T. Barclay
Tattoos, Markings, Body Piercing, Pain Affliction, and Other Practices
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Maureen Mercury, author of Pagan Fleshworks, in an article titled, “Alchemy of Body
Modification,” quotes what one young lady said about her addiction to pain: “Ever since
getting those tattoos, it’s became a massive addiction for me. I mean smelling green
soap, hearing tattoo machines . . . It puts me in a total trance. You know actually feeling
the tattoo machine burning across my skin is an experience all of its own.”
Masochism is a deep problem in the world today. Some practice it or suffer from it and
don’t even realize what it is. There are two ways to be harmed by and even addicted to
this pagan and cruel lifestyle. One is physically and the other psychologically.
Masochism is defined as getting sexual pleasure from being dominated, mistreated, or
hurt physically or otherwise by one’s partner or the getting of pleasure from suffering
physical or psychological pain inflicted by others or by oneself.
THE SIN OF OUR YOUTH:
All young people have their dance, their dress, and their music. We in the ’60s were no
different. To our parents, we were radical and wild. Many thought we were over the
edge and totally rebellious. I look back now and admit they were right. My generation
ushered in the acceptance of many terrible things, from the Vietnam revolt issues to
outrageous music and purposed disgusting dress. We ushered in the modern drug
movement and the modern music movement. What we did in ten short years America
has yet to recover from.
The Bible forewarns the youth about enjoying their “fun” years but to realize that they
will one day reap from it. Vickie and I were only one of about four couples that dated in
high school and stayed together. Most of the girls lived like tramps, and many were
discarded once passed around the boys for sex. And of course those who became
pregnant ruined not only their reputation but their life. There is only one thing worse
than marrying someone who doesn’t really love you and that is marrying someone who
doesn’t even respect you and therefore doesn’t want you.
Two of my best friends killed themselves in a head-on collision, striking each other in a
daredevil game with their vehicles called “Chicken.” They aimed their vehicles and
raced toward each other. One of them was to steer away at the last minute. He would
admit chicken and live. Neither one did.
Several of my close friends died in drunk driving accidents. They were the drunk. One
accidentally, in his blurred, hellish lifestyle, went down the highway the wrong way.
That didn’t last long.
Several of my high school buddies died with drug abuse related accidents and/or
overdose. Many lived, if you call it that, as “potheads” and have still never recovered.
Copyright 2003 – Mark T. Barclay
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I couldn’t tell you how many girls in our high school became pregnant just in the four
years I was there. I do know this, it sure ruined their life forever. I remember that they
very seldom ever smiled again.
What will your story be?
Everybody knows that it doesn’t look normal for a 25- to 30-year-old man (or older) to
be looking like he is still in an identity crisis or trying to keep a death grip on his teenybopper childhood. Some do it though. It is very noticeable. If a 35- to 40-year-old does
it, he is labeled as having a mid-life crisis. Isn’t that something . . . even the world knows
this.
If you young people want to live riotous, at least don’t maim yourself or destroy your
chances for a secure and successful future. Most of all, don’t create self-affliction that
carries a pain penalty you can never get rid of.
“Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of
thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but
know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.
Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for
childhood and youth are vanity.”
Ecclesiastes 11:9–10
PRESENTATION IS EVERYTHING:
There is nowhere in the Bible where Jesus took a mark or caused His disciples to. They
did not tattoo the name of Jesus on their bodies or pierce any part of themselves as a
sign they belonged to Him or were His followers.
However the Bible is clear about the antichrist and his need to mark his followers.
“He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a
mark on their right hand or on their foreheads . . .”
Revelation 13:16 (NKJV)
“Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, ‘If anyone worships
the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his
hand . . .’”
Revelation 14:9–11 (NKJV)
Copyright 2003 – Mark T. Barclay
Tattoos, Markings, Body Piercing, Pain Affliction, and Other Practices
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No, I do not think tattooing or piercing is the mark of the beast. I do however
recommend that you pay attention that God “never” requires or even supports a mark or
a ring but the powers of evil always do, whether it’s the Lord of the Rings or the mark of
the beast.
Paul had marks (scars), but they were not self-afflicted; they were from beatings. He did
not do it to himself as a sign of bondage or freedom. It was not a self-afflicted marking,
signifying his dedication to his God but rather the beating he took from others for
serving his God (Galatians 6:17).
THE JOB MARKET:
Speaking of “presentation,” I have watched every year as the graduates celebrate their
high school completion and try to get a job AND many cannot. I did a study not too long
ago and questioned different business owners and corporate managers. Almost every
one of them made similar comments on the appearance of the candidate interviewing
for the job. Appearance was everything! Even over the resume and the education.
That’s right, all of them were concerned that the new employee would “represent” the
business or company well. What picture would we be painting if we advertised quality,
trustworthiness, and maturity and then had a person representing us whose very image
represents something else.
They all wanted to avoid the look of immaturity, teeny-bopper, and college dorm. When
asked about piercing, most said they would “expect” pierced ears on a woman and
maybe, perhaps “tolerate” an earring in a man. However, they all said that other
(especially visible) body piercing was unacceptable and especially for higher paying
positions. Why? They said it does not represent adulthood, maturity, and leadership. If
someone looks this way on the outside, then there must be something on the inside
causing it. This paragraph is addressing bosses in general from all walks of life and a
vast variety of businesses from across the country. We are not even talking about
whether or not they are Christians.
EVEN THE WORLD KNOWS:
On November 21, 2003, in an interview with Wolf Blitzer (CNN), John Burris, attorney in
the Michael Jackson case, said that it was obvious that Michael has some psychological
issues. This was in response to a question asked him by Wolf about the mug shot of
Michael and the make-up he was wearing. It struck me as interesting that the
comments of “psychological issues” wasn’t in reference to the child abuse allegations
but the body modifications and the face make-up. Even the world knows!
And what about sex bracelets, those little rubber wristbands (bracelets) that the high
school girls are wearing. If a boy can get one off her arm, then that girl is to oblige him
Copyright 2003 – Mark T. Barclay
Tattoos, Markings, Body Piercing, Pain Affliction, and Other Practices
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in that particular sex act. Each color of band represents a different sex act that girl is
willing to commit. And of course her wearing it is a public display of her experience in
that area and willingness to perform. It isn’t just “Christian” parents that are concerned
about this.
There is not enough room here to discuss college campuses and all the sexual
perversions, orgies, rapes, drugs, booze, violence, and seduction that run rampant
there. America is terrible in this way. Our young people are presented with the idea that
they can’t really earn much money or live the good life without a college degree, but
they must first pass through this filth and sewage to get it. I don’t get it! I do know this—
it isn’t just “Christian” parents that are concerned.
Heavy metal music and teen suicide. The following is a quote from a 1996 Press
Release TORONTO, 104th Annual Convention of the American Psychological
Association, August 9–13, in Toronto, Canada:
Many parents and mental health professionals have watched the rising
rate of adolescent suicide and the growing popularity of heavy metal
music among teenagers. A new study presented at the convention offers
the first direct assessment of the suicidal risk of American adolescent
heavy metal fans compared to that of peers who do not like heavy metal
music.
For the study, 121 Midwestern public high school students (mean age
17.2) were given to psychological assessments, the Reasons for Living
Inventory (RFL) and the Suicide Risk Questionnaire (SRQ) (both
measures of risk for suicide) and their musical preferences were
assessed.
Compared with fans of country, pop/mainstream rock and rap music,
heavy metal fans had lower scores on the RFL (indicating greater risk of
suicide), and they were more likely to say they occasionally or seriously
thought about killing themselves (74 percent vs. 35 percent for females;
42 percent vs. 15 percent for males).
ABSTAIN FROM THE “APPEARANCE” OF THE WORLD:
I have always said that if we would abstain from the very “appearance” of evil, then we
will not do the evil acts. If we abstain from the very “appearance” of sin, then we will not
commit the sin. So then, if we abstain from the very “appearance” of the world, then we
will never do what the world does. If the appearance of something convicts you, then
you will never go beyond that level.
Copyright 2003 – Mark T. Barclay
Tattoos, Markings, Body Piercing, Pain Affliction, and Other Practices
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“Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
1 Thessalonians 5:22
Some other scriptures for you—
“Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?”
1 Corinthians 5:6
“A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.”
Galatians 5:9
“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and
enticed.”
“Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is
finished, bringeth forth death.”
“Do not err, my beloved brethren.”
James 1:14–16
REALIZE THIS:
Dr. Barclay, why are you against me just because I am different than you? Well, first of
all, I am not against you. If I were, I would not have put so much time into study and
research to help you.
I want you to admit that all of these practices are pagan based and not at all related to
Christianity.
I want you to realize that many of them will mark you forever not just for a season.
I want you to know that many who journeyed these painful paths before you maimed
their inner man for the rest of the days of their life.
Almost everyone, once they really grow up on the inside, wishes they would not have
done any of these life-long markings or afflictions.
Most people who have practiced these things (whether they knew the total
consequences at the time or not) wish (actually within a short period of time) that they
could reverse them.
Copyright 2003 – Mark T. Barclay
Tattoos, Markings, Body Piercing, Pain Affliction, and Other Practices
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As people mature, they do many expensive things, from laser to plastic surgery, to
eliminate the mark of their youth or their paganism (that is, those who have a lot of
money).
Realize that each time you practice these things you take a great risk in contracting
diseases and infections. Some can be very damaging and even long-term.
Realize that your body modification may be an absolute deterrent to your getting and
keeping a good job and especially getting raises and achieving management positions.
Realize that the Holy Bible forbids these practices and therefore you should as well.
“Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks
upon you: I am the LORD.”
L
“You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead, nor make any tattoo
marks on yourselves: I am the LORD.”
L
“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing
that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water
under earth . . .”
Exodus 20:4
“If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is
sacred, and you are that temple.”
1 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)
“Watch out for…those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is
we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in
Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh . . .”
Philippians 3:2–4 (NIV)
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord,
and touch not the unclean thing: and I will receive you,
And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the
Lord Almighty.”
2 Corinthians 6:17–18
FINAL WORDS:
“. . . Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?
whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”
James 4:4
Copyright 2003 – Mark T. Barclay
Tattoos, Markings, Body Piercing, Pain Affliction, and Other Practices
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