Faith without religion.
Exploring Faith and Transformation Through Personal Tattoos
In this episode of Heart of the Matter, I, Shawn McCraney, delve into the personal significance of my tattoos and how they reflect my journey of faith and transformation. Growing up in Southern California during the punk resurgence of the late 1970s, I initially held a strong prejudice against tattoos, viewing them as symbols of a lifestyle I disdained. However, after years of being a Christian, I recognized this bias and chose to get my first tattoo at the age of fifty as a means of humility and connection to those I once judged.
My first tattoo, a cross on the top of my hand, symbolizes the core of my faith. I wanted it to be a personal reminder of my commitment to Christ, visible only to me, representing my daily crucifixion with Him. This choice reflects my desire to internalize its meaning rather than conform to external expectations.
The second tattoo combines the Christian Anarchist flag with a concept I developed called the Fourth Dimension Christian, emphasizing Christ as the sole authority in my life. This tattoo represents my belief in a faith that transcends earthly powers.
Next, I have a large X surrounding a smaller branded X, which signifies the foundational principles of my faith. The X symbolizes the beginning of everything in my spiritual journey, illustrating the merging of God and humanity.
Following this, I have an immersive Star of David, which expands on the concept of growth in Christ, all made possible by the cross. Each tattoo tells a story of my spiritual maturation and the importance of my relationship with God.
The fifth tattoo, resembling a Z, represents the spiritual growth of believers. It signifies the transition from one stage of faith to another, reflecting my understanding of biblical teachings on authority and the ages of God’s work.
As I studied the biblical concept of two overlapping ages, I got my next tattoo, a circle representing the heavenly realm with God at its center, symbolizing His light in a world of darkness.
Finally, my eighth tattoo embodies the New Jerusalem, described in scripture as a place of light and open gates. It reflects my longing for a deeper connection with God and the hope of resurrection, tying back to the significance of the cross.
Throughout this journey, I’ve encountered judgment from others, including a hand surgeon who associated tattoos with criminality. In response, I embraced my choices, recognizing that my tattoos are not just marks on my skin but profound symbols of my faith and personal growth.