Should Christians Get Tattoos? Absolutely.

Student: What do you think about Christians getting tattoos?

Gibbs: On their faces?

Student: No, not on their faces.

Gibbs: Why not?

Student: Because that’s just really extreme.

Gibbs: Oh. So, where should Christians get tattoos?

Student: I don’t know. On their arms, maybe. Or their legs. Or their backs.

Gibbs: What sort of tattoos?

Student: Not just random stuff. Stuff that really means something.

Gibbs: Don’t legs really mean something?

Student: What?

Gibbs: Don’t legs and arms and backs have meaning already?

Student: Not really. We all have backs. As it is, your body is meaningless.

Gibbs: So the more common a thing is, the less meaningful it is.

Student: Yes.

Gibbs: So, what do you want to get tattooed on your arm?

Student: Something meaningful.

Gibbs: Like what?

Student: Like a cross.

Gibbs: Seems pretty common. Tons of people have cross tattoos.

Student: Yes, but more people have backs than cross tattoos.

Gibbs: But if you get a cross tattoo, you’ll be contributing to the meaninglessness of cross tattoos, right?

Student: Maybe I won’t get a cross tattoo. I didn’t actually want one of those, anyway.

Gibbs: Sure. Then what do you want to get tattooed on your meaningless arms or meaningless legs?

Student: Maybe a lion.

Gibbs: Why?

Student: To remind me of Christ, who is “the lion of Judah.”

Gibbs: Why do you want to be reminded of “the lion of Judah”?

Student: I think people would see it and ask about it, and it would give me an opportunity to share my Christian faith.

Gibbs: I’m not convinced.

Student: Every time I looked down at the lion tattooed on my arm, I would remember that Jesus is my Lord and savior. I think that would prompt me to be more spiritual.

Gibbs: I don’t think it would make much difference.

Student: Why not?

Gibbs: A lion is a really generic symbol. It might be a symbol of strength, a symbol you’ve been to Kenya, or that you follow Detroit football.

Student: You think it needs to be more obviously Christian?

Gibbs: Yes.

Student: Maybe a Bible verse?

Gibbs: Again, tattooed where?

Student: On my arm.

Gibbs: Seems non-committal.

Student: A tattoo seems non-committal?

Gibbs: On your arm? Of course. Too easy to cover up.

Student: I thought you weren’t a fan of tattoos.

Gibbs: Did I say that? I never said that.

Student: But I can tell.

Gibbs: Are you a fan of Jesus?

Student: Look, I’m thinking of getting a Christian tattoo. Why do you ask that?

Gibbs: And you want your Christian tattoo to be a symbol of your commitment to Christ?

Student: Yes.

Gibbs: And you want the tattoo to tell the world that you’re committed to Christ?

Student: Yes.

Gibbs: Then get it on your face. Be bold, man. Send a message to the world. You’re unembarrassed of the Lord. Put that tattoo in the most visible place possible.

Student: So you’re okay with me getting a tattoo?

Gibbs: A tattoo of the words, “I love Jesus Christ,” on your forehead? Sure. Otherwise, what’s the point? Show some commitment.

Who Said This About Censorship?

“It is difficult to make sense of many of the conventional arguments against censorship. The objection that in my experience tends to be adduced most promptly (and with the greatest degree of hysteria) is that of the “slippery slope”: grant some agency the legal power of censure, the argument goes, and before long political speech will be suppressed, privacy invaded, legal protections eroded, republican liberties abridged, schools taken over by fundamentalists from Alabama, women reduced to chattels, and the demonic ferment of fascism lying always just below the surface of American life set loose upon the world.

Apparently, as a society, we are poised precariously upon the narrowest precipice of a sheer escarpment as smooth as glass, overlooking a vast chasm of totalitarian tyranny; so much as a single step towards censorship will send us hurtling into the abyss, and nothing will be able to stay our fall.

This is, of course, nonsense.”

All of my ideas on the subject of censorship were–and are to this day–entirely drawn from this article.

But my, how times (and essayists) have changed.

I asked ChatGPT for a vague, gutless press release about Charlie Kirk and Jimmy Kimmel and this is what I got.

Dear ChatGPT, I work for a culturally-sensitive Christian company that has conservative clients and progressive clients. I need to comment on recent news stories about Charlie Kirk and Jimmy Kimmel, but I don’t want to express actual sympathy for either of them because it might annoy some of my clients. I need you to help me draft a 400 word statement that about recent news stories that is so vague, none of my clients will be able to tell who I support. It should express sadness, but a generic sadness that can’t be tied back to any event in particular. It would be helpful if all my clients read the statement and thought, “Oh, he’s expressing solidarity with me.” In other words, the statement needs to be incredibly non-commital. My goal here isn’t to be bold or courageous. My goal is plausible deniability. It would be really helpful if the 400 word statement doesn’t actually use the names of Charlie Kirk or Jimmy Kimmel. It should merely refer to “sad recent events” or something generic like that. It would also be helpful if it referenced some really basic Christian ideas. Can you write me that 400 word statement?

CHATGPT RESPONDS:

In recent days, many of us have been reminded of how fragile life and community can feel. Sadness has touched hearts in ways that are difficult to put into words. For some, the news has stirred feelings of grief or frustration; for others, it has brought questions or concerns. Whatever the response, the reality is that these moments remind us of the deep need we all share for compassion, understanding, and hope.

As followers of Christ, we are called to walk gently with one another. Scripture reminds us to rejoice with those who rejoice and to weep with those who weep. Even when we do not fully understand another’s perspective, we can still choose to honor their humanity and remember that every person is made in the image of God.

These recent days remind us of the importance of prayer—prayer for peace, prayer for wisdom, prayer for healing. While circumstances may change and opinions may differ, our calling does not: to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Sadness has a way of humbling us. It slows us down, draws us inward, and makes us long for something more lasting than headlines or fleeting conversations. In Christ, we find that lasting hope. He is the One who brings beauty from ashes, light from darkness, and peace that passes all understanding.

As we continue forward, let us resist the temptation to harden our hearts. Let us instead seek gentleness, humility, and patience with one another. These are not easy virtues to practice, but they are the very qualities that bear witness to the gospel.

Though the world is often marked by sorrow, we are never without hope. Our faith reminds us that God is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. May this truth sustain us in these uncertain times.

Let us grieve with those who grieve, encourage those who are weary, and anchor ourselves once more in the love of Christ. For in Him, we find the strength to endure, the grace to forgive, and the promise of joy that will one day replace every tear.