Going Up? Floor 6 - The Tattoo Artist
A Conversation About Art, Identity, and Transformation on an Elevator Ride
“Going Up?” is a light-hearted yet thought-provoking fictional series that explores encounters between a Christian (named Christian) and individuals with non-Christian worldviews. Set in an imaginary elevator, these brief but meaningful conversations dive into the “what” and “why” of each perspective, blending humor and seriousness to engage readers in exploring profound questions of faith, ethics, and purpose.
The “Inkman” Cometh
As the elevator doors slid open, Christian immediately recognized the man leaning casually against the wall—Jake Thompson, better known around town as “Inkman.” This, Christian thought, would be a fun ride. Let’s go!
Five years earlier, the Inkman himself had inked Christian’s tattoo—his one and only tattoo. He had a simple “1 Peter 3:15” etched on his right shoulder.1 He had approached the idea cautiously, mindful of his parents’ objections when he was a young teenager. They used the passage in Leviticus 19:28, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves,” as their rationale for objection. But Christian reasoned his way to the tattoo parlor thinking if he had a bible verse tattooed on his body, it would be morally neutral.
For Jake’s part, he was covered in ink. Five years ago, his arms and chest were works in progress. Today, it looked as if there wasn’t a blank patch of skin left on the local legend in his mid-40’s. Christian’s eyes were drawn to Jake’s neck. Holy smokes, he thought, Jake was rocking a tattoo recreation of The Creation of Man from the Sistine Chapel. It extended from his collarbone to just below his jawline.
“Jake Inkman Thompson, right?” Christian greeted him as he stepped inside.
Jake recognized Christian instantly. He smile shifted to a widening smirk as he noticed Christian’s T-shirt, which read, My Body Is a Temple. “Long time, no see, preacher man. You still quoting bible verses on the daily?” Jake was in a good mood. He was a cool dude.
Christian chuckled. “It’s your own fault, man. You did the deed. You inked “1 Peter 3:15” on my shoulder. It’s kind of a lifestyle. At least on this elevator. I meek all kinds of people going up and down here.” Jake asked, which are you? Going up or going down?
“Yep. Up! Sixth floor please.” Jake replied. As Christian pressed the button, the doors slid shut, and the elevator jolted into motion.
Worldview Reflections
As they ascended, Christian reflected on Jake and the worldview often associated with heavily tattooed people. He didn’t want to make sweeping generalization, but there were some broad themes he remembered discussion with Jake when he first met him a few years ago. He admired the artistic boldness of someone willing to turn their body into a canvas, and he also saw deeper themes that tattoos often represent:
Self-Expression: Tattoos tell stories—of triumphs, struggles, and beliefs.
Individuality: They mark a desire to stand out, to be unique in a world of conformity.
Pain Tolerance: The process itself can be a badge of resilience.
Permanence: Tattoos symbolize lasting commitments, though sometimes they reflect fleeting moments.
Subculture Identity: They often connect people to music, art, or other lifestyle communities.
Rebellion: Tattoos can challenge societal norms and expectations.
Art Appreciation: Above all, tattoos celebrate the body as a masterpiece in progress.
Dialogue
Jake: (nodding at Christian's shirt) "So, you're still all about the whole 'body is a temple' thing, huh? Meanwhile, my body is more like the Sistine Chapel—every inch a masterpiece."
Christian: (intrigued) "Say more."
Jake: "See this scene on my neck? I spent months thinking about it. Everyone asks why I'd put something so religious on me when I'm not exactly a church guy. But to me, art and God—they're connected. When I'm working on someone's skin, man, it's almost like a religious act. Each person who sits in my chair is trusting me with their story."
Christian: "That's fascinating. You see tattooing as something spiritual?"
Jake: "Yes, but, like I said, I’m not much of a church guy, but there are some heavy ideas going on with tattoos. Take a look at this”, Jake said, rolling up his sleeve to reveal an intricate design.) It's ancient tribal patterns mixed with modern art. To me, that's what life is—connecting the old wisdom with new ways. Every culture uses body art to mark significant moments, to show belonging, to honor their gods. When I tattoo someone, I'm part of something that goes back thousands of years."
Christian: "Wow. What else do you have there?"
Jake: (thoughtfully) "See this covered-up piece? Used to be my ex-wife's name. Right after we split, I had a friend work on it. Now it's a phoenix. Life's about transformation, right? Sometimes the most beautiful art comes from covering up our mistakes."
Christian: "Jake, you are a church guy!"
Jake: (chuckling and shaking his head) "Nah, man, you've got me wrong there..."
Christian: "No really - God's all about transformation too. Maybe not “covering up” our mistakes. It’s more like healing and restoration. God does some great work in people.”
Jake: "Okay. I get that. But here's where we are different—I believe we're the artists of our own lives. Each person who comes to my shop is taking control of their body, they are creating their own story. It’s all about their story.”
Christian: "Yeah, I don't see it that way. To me, I’m made in the image of God. I belong to Him. He is my God. My faith tells me to find my identity in Him, well, in the life of Jesus Christ. I try to live my life like Jesu would live it if He were me. Do you see what I mean?
Jake: "I think so. That’s cool for you, I guess. Truth is, preacher, every person who sits in my chair is searching for something—belonging, healing, a way to make their inner self visible. Some people pray in churches; others find their sacred moments under a tattoo needle. Who's to say which path leads where?"
Christian: (leaning forward with genuine interest) "You know, Jake, I love how you see the deeper meaning in your art—the transformations, the timestamps of people's journeys. But here's what I've discovered: life isn't just about making our own path or creating our own story. There's something bigger happening."
Jake: (raising an eyebrow) "How do you mean?"
Christian: "I mean that it is not just about what's on the outside, but what's happening on the inside, too. You talked about transformation through art, which is beautiful. But that’s just at the visible level. The New Testament talks about 'Christ being formed in you, inside you'—not like a tattoo on the outside, but a complete renewal from the inside out.”
Jake: (thoughtfully) "So you're saying all this searching people do—all these stories they want to tell through their ink..." (he paused looking for the right words)
Christian: (interrupting politely)"Exactly. I think it points to something we're all looking for. You must see it in your shop—people wanting to mark big moments, claim their identity, or show others who they are. But what if those impulses—the reasons they come to you at all—all signs of a deeper need?
(pauses) Maybe that's why you should consider becoming a church guy—not to abandon your art, but to discover there’s an ultimate Artist who is trying to connect with you all along.” (The elevator was silently ascending.)
“It’s like God wanted you help you by connecting your story—your life—to who He is. You can be part of His story.”
Jake: "That is interesting, but look at me (gesturing to his full sleeves and neck tattoo). Church people would stare. I'm not exactly what you'd call the church-going type."
Christian: "You'd be fine. But what I'd want you to see most of all is that in my church we are all about looking for and discovering the big story of God and His plan for our lives. I mean, really, Jake, when you walk into my church you see it is full of symbols, signs, icons, and images that are part of the big BIG story of our God. You'd feel right at home.
I promise you Jake, you’ve inked a lot of those signs—crosses, doves, fish, bread, wine, sea shells, anchors—on a lot of people over the years. You’ll see how they are a part of the big BIG story.
Jake: "I'd probably pick up a few customers, too!" (smiling)
The elevator dings and Christian hands Jake a small business card with his name, the church's name and address and service times on it. He had them made for his habit of speaking to random people in elevators.
Christian: "Jake, here, take this. I'll be there on Sunday morning at 10 AM. I'll wait for you at the door and sit with you through the service, if you don't mind. Okay?"
Jake: "See you then. Thanks for the conversation. And I’m going to look up what 1 Peter 3:15 says."
Christian: "It's on the flipside of the card I just gave you."
Jake: "Perfect. See you Sunday."
Conclusion
Tattoos are an increasingly popular and lasting part of our culture, offering a window into personal stories and significant moments. Those who bear them are often willing to share the meaning behind their artwork, revealing what was or remains meaningful in their lives.
In my experience, I have never found a tattooed person hostile or unwilling to talk about their artwork. There is always a well-rehearsed reason why they are wearing it. Ironically, they are often more willing to share the story of their ink than Christians are to share the reason for the hope that lies within them!
For Jake, the human body is a canvas for personal storytelling. Each tattoo marks a significant moment in life—an outward expression of inward desires, hopes, and beliefs. He sees tattooing as an ancient art form that has gone mainstream, celebrating individuality and self-expression.
Christian, while appreciating the artistry and personal meaning behind tattoos, points to a deeper truth. From his perspective, God’s work in us is about transforming us into His image—turning us into living icons of His love and grace.
A tattoo may symbolize who we are or what we believe, but Christian emphasizes that true transformation involves aligning our entire being—body, mind, and desires—with God’s purpose.
It’s not the outward symbol but the inward renewal that matters most.
Historically, Christians were not known for their outward adornments or visible markers. They were recognized by their actions: how they loved, served, and lived out their faith. Their identity was revealed not in what they wore or displayed but in what they did.
Next Time on “Going Up?”
Stay tuned for future episodes of Going Up? when Christian meets an environmentalist passionate about saving the planet, a Muslim exploring faith and tradition, an athlete driven by discipline and performance, a fashionista influencer navigating identity and self-expression, and even a porn star with a provocative take on freedom and morality.
Other encounters include a feminist advocating for equality, a scientist balancing reason and wonder, a skeptic challenging all assumptions, an artist pursuing beauty and meaning, and a tech entrepreneur envisioning a future shaped by innovation. Each conversation brings quick, thought-provoking exchanges about life’s biggest questions.
The Rev. David Roseberry, an ordained Anglican priest with over 40 years of pastoral experience, offers leadership services to pastors, churches, and Christian writers. He is an accomplished author whose books are available on Amazon. Rev. Roseberry is the Executive Director of LeaderWorks, where his work and resources can be found. The Anglican is the newsletter of LeaderWorks.
Writing to exiled and persecuted believers, the Apostle Peter wrote, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
Excellent. Shared the series with my small group. One of our guys ministers to bikers and has often shared with us how asking about their ink opens up a lot of conversations. Looking forward to the series.