i have become so frustrated as i read this thread. i am going to state my opinion on some of the issues that have come up. sorry if i end up offending anyone. ok:
i dont think there is anything wrong with tattoos in general. i am a christian and i have read that verse about permenant markings. i think the problem with tattoos is what they can represent, like if a "christian" got a tattoo of a pentagram or something, i would have a problem with that. i have christian friends with tattoos. some of them happen to be leaders in their churches. i dont think tattoos affect where you stand with God. the only reasons i wouldn't get one is because i hate pain, have a phobia of injections, and i would probly get bored of it.
in regards to peircings, there is nothig in the bible to say that this is wrong, as far as i know. keep in mind that i haven't read the whole thing. i remember seeing that they were used as a form of adornment. once again, i probly wont ever get any, i have tried to get my ears done but wimped out every time. im scared of pain.
with the whole stereotype thing. yes, we stereotype ourselves. every stereotype has to come from somewhere. i agree that all christians are hypocrites. for example, we always say people shouldn't judge, but i know i have a hard time not judging people. part of the beauty of christianity is that if we admit that we are just like all these stereotypes, we can get forgiven. i know i'm just like some of these stereotypes and i'm very sorry. we are all human and we all sin. sometimes it's really hard not to adopt a "holier than thou" tone and attitude.
Honestly, not trying to offend, do you just follow his word blindly? Don't you ever question it?
I'm also sorry, it's really hard to keep check of what I say on this board.
as to the above quote, i question God all the time. i think to say that you dont is a lie. not meaning to offend. but really, is it possible to read the bible and never ask any questions. i like to know the reasons behind things, i dont like accepting things that may seem ridiculous unless i can understand the reason. in my opinion, if you dont ask questions then you are more likely to switch to other religions. God is big enough to be ale to handle our questions. he wants us to be honest with him, whether we are angry with him, think certain rules are unfair, or completely agree with him.
once again, im really sorry if i offended anyone. this is all just my opinions and beliefs.