I agree 200% about some people getting whatever is fancy, unfortunately (or is it unfortunate?) many of these tattoos end up getting covered up downline. I question how unfortunate this is because I get a lot of work doing cover-ups

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OMG this could become a conversation for sure

! Keep in mind I am not a Christian, but I have done extensive study on the subject. In reading what excerpts I have been able to from the gospels you are 100% correct. Christianity was not originally designed to be the institution it has become. I truly think it was originally a path to spirituality and personal enlightenment, then it was severely tainted by those hungry for power. That being said I cannot deny the underlying message within Christianity is wholesome and sound, one simply needs to read into it and ignore the business end of the church

. I also cannot fault those who get religious tattoos, even if they are weekend warriors or like you said, don't give a sh*t about others because if deep down inside that piece has spiritual meaning to them, by wearing it all the time it may serve as a reminder of what does matter and perhaps even help them find their personal unity with others. I grew up with the Lakota Sioux and have my own spirituality. I wear a medicine bag (a leather pouch with trinkets I've picked up over the years) and it is much the same. It reminds me of who I am, who I want to be, and what I stand for. When I find myself at whits end I grasp my medicine bag to recall what really matters. A tattoo just might have the same affect on someone else.