Divine Law Versus Freedom Of Expression
Date: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:18:15 -0400
Subject: difference of opinion
To: [email protected]
I visited your web site and totally disagree. Is it just about religion
or do we have the right as owners of our own bodies? I am Jewish and
have a tattoo. There has been no harm done. What's the big deal to get
a small picture on your skin? No one can see it. You argue that the
Torah says this and that, but do you do everything it says? Or every other
rule book in the world? It's not the "old" days anymore and
people have rights and freedom of expression. I'm just speaking freely and
shouting out for everyone else who agrees with me. Don't drill in the
minds of our younger generation that they can't but that they have a
right AS LONG AS it's harmless and legal. Thank you for letting me
express my opinions.
- Anonymous
Hello Anonymous,
The Torah is not a set of rules but rather a set of LAWS.
These laws were given by G-d to the Jewish people,
and as such are much more important than any
product of human legislation.
To put it bluntly, for Jews, tattoos ARE illegal.
Do I do everything the Torah says? Well I certainly try,
and even when one falters the gates of "teshuvah" are always open.
"Teshuvah" means "return", that is to say returning
to the way that G-d wants us to be.
What harm do tattoos cause? I guess the main thing is
that tattoos are an "averah", a sin, and as such they
distance a Jew who willingly got tattooed from his Maker
who commanded him not to get tattooed.
I'm all for the freedom of expression, but even the freedom of expression
has its limits. Would you agree to let a graffiti artist express
himself on the walls of your home? There are enough
ways for one to express himself without violating Torah precepts.
Like I said, the gates of "teshuvah" are always open and even
somebody who got tattooed should not despair.
I found a great web site about "teshuvah". Here is the
link:
http://www.aish.com/literacy/concepts/Teshuvah_-_Fixing_Mistakes.asp
Thank you for writing. Be well!
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