5/12/06, A Brotherly Inquiry about The New Paganism

[The highlighted text below affirms that Tattoos and the Word of God (TATWOG) is an approved paper and position of the Session of the RPNA(GM)]

From: Greg Price
To: Bob S.
Cc: Greg Barrow; Greg Price; Lyndon Dohms;
Sent: Friday, May 12, 2006 6:26 AM
Subject: A Brotherly Inquiry

May 12, 2006

Dear Bob,

We do appreciate you addressing your concerns and disagreements to us so that we might work through the issue of tattoos in a godly and brotherly manner. This we desire to do and pray you would be willing to do as well.

We cannot in good conscience comply with your statement to immediately retract the sermon (in which Pastor Price briefly addresses the subject of tattoos) or the paper (in which Pastor Price further elaborates on the subject of tattoos) until it is proven from Scripture (first and foremost) and from any relevant historical testimony as well that tattoos are unlawful in themselves.

At the present time, the paper written by Pastor Price represents the Session’s position on the matter of tattoos. We are willing to be persuaded otherwise if it can be demonstrated from the Bible. So we ask you to lay out for us your biblical case.

We did note the use of 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20 in your letter. However, there is no controversy that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost. The controversy swells around the question of whether or not the Holy Spirit allows under any circumstance this human tabernacle to be cut or pierced (for example, in the ears), to be marked in any way at all, to have jewelry placed upon it, to have beards trimmed, to have hair cut in a circle or the hair between the eyes shaven, etc. As you know, there are many who use 1 Corinthians 6:19,20 to forbid the use of alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, soda, fast food and many other things. If the Holy Ghost says He does not want this temple of the body marked under any circumstance, we will gladly submit to His Word.

Dear brother, we would ask you a few questions by way of clarification at the outset in the hope that we might have a better idea where you draw the lines in your position. These questions are honest inquiries, and we ask them in order that we might determine if/where we have common ground, so that we might focus upon points wherein we might differ so as to ultimately minimize misunderstanding and thus promote unity and agreement.

1. Is it your position that a tattoo is not indifferent in itself, but as to its very nature (regardless of the circumstance) is wicked and evil?

2. Do you make any distinction between a tattoo that is permanent vs. a tattoo that is temporary?

3. Is it unlawful to get an ink stamp (which pictures a clown or an animal of some kind) on the back of the hand at a sporting event or an amusement park which would permit one to re-enter the building or the park?

4. Is it unlawful for children to make pictures or marks on their skin with an ink pen or a felt pen?

5. Is it unlawful to write phone numbers or directions on one’s arm or hand?

6. Is it unlawful to permanently tattoo one’s hand or arm with medical information (such as an emblem that indicates one is a diabetic)?

7. Is there any circumstance under which you would deem it lawful to mark one's flesh (whether permanently or temporarily)?

8. Do you believe that any tattoo or mark placed on the skin (whether permanent or temporary) should be censured by a lawful Church Court?

Dear brother, we pray that our God might grant us grace in speaking the truth in love.

With brotherly affection,

The Session of the RPNA (General Meeting)
Pastor Greg L. Price
Elder Greg Barrow
Elder Lyndon Dohms

[See also:
5/26/06, Fwd: A Brotherly Inquiry re. The New Paganism
10/30/06, Carnal Graffiti and the Word of God: Disproved and Disapproved, A Brief Follow up to The New Paganism
12/24/06, Of the "Public Sin" of An Unqualified Condemnation of Paganism (Among Other Allegations)]