Tattoos

[AreYouReady?]

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps

I personally don't.

As you said, depression can be caused by a chemical imbalance, but it can also be caused by feelings of dissatisfaction, hopelessness, unrest, etc.....and I believe people can talk themselve into, or out of depression.....been there, done that.

Many people are in situations that are mentally stressful, and rather than dwelling on it, and getting further and further into that pit, they change their circumstances. Others just give into the hopelessness.

Now, that's not to say that the depression caused by a chemical imbalance can be explained away so easily, sometimes medication is the quickest remedy for a chemical imbalance. Not the BEST remedy, but the quickest.

In many cases, proper diet, exercise, sunshine, etc can help restore the body's chemical levels.

I agree and would like to add rest and relaxation to that list. Many times, for a woman, this is almost impossible if she has a demanding job, home, children, husband and church activities. She has no time to rest when everybody is demanding her attention.

Originally Posted by trialedbyfire

Depression? I've always heard reference to spiritual oppression as well. In your view are these the same or different? Yes there is however a difference between oppression/depression and possession.

I agree that there is a difference between oppression/depression/possession. The trouble is that there are so many Christians...spirit-filled Christians who do not know the difference between somebody suffering from depression and oppression. A friendly face, lending an ear or kind words and prayer helps someone who is depressed. It brings hope to the suffering person.

As for oppression...I think every child of God experiences that from time to time and should expect it.

To tell a depressed person that they are demonically possessed without attempting to help them is ...just cruel.

Possession is an entirely different animal.

Originally Posted by trialedbyfire

Possession is somewhat rare and is very extreme actually. Most people that wrestle with demons are generally oppressed/depressed. Now when it comes down to the people who are randomly eating people's faces, murding innocent random people wit no remorse just because, and serial murderers and killers, there's no doubt in my mind we're dealing with possession at best, reprobate at worst and more then likely a reprobate. These "zombie" attacks that have been going on coupled with all the weird random shootings and more weird tattoos going around to me is a sign that paganism, satanism, and witchcraft are on the rise in America at an alarming rate.

So...are you saying that these people cannot be spiritually helped at all?

I do agree that there are people who advertise their beliefs through the tattoos, but...I've seen people saved after they tattooed all their arms and backs up. It is hard...and much more costly to remove tattoos once in the skin.

Yet, at the same time, I've seen professing Christians get tattoos.