Fall 2021 14 Aaron Gosser, Associate Professor of Studio Art, has multiple tattoos, all in type. Two standing out specifically are the words, “choice,” and “TRUTH”. Explaining the “choice” tattoo, Gosser said he was greatly impacted by John Steinbeck’s “East of Eden” and the Genesis 4 story of Cain and Abel. “The idea of this choice to be overcome or overcome sin that free will has necessitated all this pain, evil, ugliness -- free will is responsible for this world in which we live, and everything kind of flows out moment by moment from our choices,” he said. Gosser has another tattoo on his arm of the word “TRUTH” in all capital letters framed by a crown. He said, “There is that which supersedes, undermines my own concepts. There is an absolute to life, to existence, that makes relative my own choice. I like that those [two tattoos] are on opposite sides. Truth is king, there is an ultimate reality. It’s sort of fun, I’ve gotten into all sorts of interesting conversations because of both of those, but definitely the truth.” A theme arising in all three conversations was the idea of tattoos as a tool for witnessing and sparking conversations with nonbelievers. Gosser pointed out that most conversations he’s had surrounding his tattoos have been with unbelievers. For Waywood, a social worker, her tattoos help her connect with her clients. Waywood said, “My tattoos help me a lot withmy clients becausemost of my clients have tattoos. [Having tattoos] helps me connect with them more because they see me more on their level than as a pious, high-andmighty Christian.” Because of the artistic nature of his tattoos, Mattackal has been able to have many conversations with non-Christians. He shared that many people of the world believe that Christians are uptight. So, some people are surprised when they see a Christian with tattoos as it makes them perceive the Christian as being more laid back than they expected. “I can tell them my testimony,” Mattackal said. “I think there are a lot Photo – Elena Mendez Photo – Elena Mendez
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM4ODY=