Tattoos for Christians?

Question

The Bible States that Tattoos are wrong. So when people get tattoos of something purely Christian related, whether its for fashion or to show devotion, or even a permanent reminder, is this sinful? Can't a tattoo be a sign of Devotion? What about Peircings?

Answer 1

Dear jrunk,

In Leviticus the Bible forbid Tattoos because they were something that was often used in Pagan rituals, and God wanted His people to be different from everyone else.

In the New Testament we have freedome but we have to be careful not to abuse our freedom.

I"m a youth pastor who use to have an earring in my left ear. i got this earring because in the Bible slaves would pierce their ears to show their devotion to their master (and i had at that time made a serious commitment to God about something in my life). When i started serving as a youth pastor- i was asked by the church to remove my earring- which i did- because the Bible teaches us that if something causes our brother to stumble we shouldn't do it. It really isn't that big of a deal for me to not have an earring or a tattoo.

In terms of tattoos i usually ask people what they want a tattoo off and why? Some people get tats of dragons, or characters which talk about how great they are- and i think that is not a good thing. Ultimately people have their freedom (but we should really examine our heart). If it builds up pride and can cause us to stumble- not good. Also it may cause others to stumble. A good friend of mine at the church asked me if he could get a tattoo-- and i asked him of what- and he got a cool looking cross. I did also ask him though to wear long-sleeved shirts or to cover it on Sundays because it could stumble some of the grandmas and grandpas at our church and also the little kids in the nursery.

So i would say you need to search your heart, but also be mindful of others. That's what Jesus did- he put others before Himself. If it is going to cause a rift between you and your parents, etc. it is a necessary sacrifice for you to make - to honor your mother and father, etc.

If you need specific advice you can email me at: [e-mail] (i'm just giving you principles based on the Bible and my personal experience).

God Bless,

Nickster

Answer 2

In Leviticus 19:28 it says "You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD." NKJ.

Though some denominations believe that that was referred to groups or cults so yes if it was for that then it would be a sin. But I was always said that (especailly for you reason) that it was actually a good thing. I know a missionary who goes over to places in the Eastern parts of the world where you can't witness to people but people can ask you about Christianity. So he uses that as a witnessing tool. I think tattoos can be both a sin and a tool that you can use for glorifying God. It just matters what you tattoos are of and what you using them for.



On your body piercing question. No that's not wrong they had body piercings back in biblical times as did some godly people.

Answer 3

It depends on motives. If it is a pride "look at me" motive then you probably shouldn't get one, Biblically speaking. As for it being a sin, we must remember that sin is no longer the issue. Sin was dealt with once and for all. God is not looking down from Heaven disappointed at His child that gets a tattoo. He looks at you and He sees the sacrifice of love that was paid on your behalf. Johnny truant= Please dont say that the Bible says something just because you heard it somewhere. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that if you have a tattoo you cannot enter Heaven. We will get a new body, 1 Corinthians 15:44.

Answer 4

remember ear peircing was the awl thru the lobe into the post on the porch, showing you belonged there? Hmm, and where it says our body is God's temple. But Paul said it was just like a tent, to be discarded for a new one. I don't think the word for our 'tatoo' comes up. So, along with people overeating, condemning, ignoring, being inconsiderate....if those are any worse, ...but they still have times of devotion...I guess a tatoo can show a devotion. I mean Judaism told them to tie boxes to their head and arms...and they literally did it....

Answer 5

God was speaking to the Jewish people when He said not to tattoo their bodies. (Leviticus 19:28) This was so they would be set apart for God from the people around them.
Not all things said by God are necessarily meant for all people.
I have a tattoo of the Greek letters Alpha and Omega and use this as a sign of my faith and often people ask me the meaning of it. This gives me an opportunity to share my faith. Other Christians I have met have never openly objected to it.

Answer 6

the bible says no cuz there's other ways of properly showing devotion and better ways to serve as reminders. but for those christians that do have tattoos, they either got them before they became christians or missed that part. i wear a martyr pendant and spend time meditating in His word. these serve as reminders and my time is a better showing of my devotion. that's why tatoos are wrong.

Answer 7

Tattoos are considerd mutalation of the skin which is a sin. If you have a religious tattoo you are making an image of god which breaks the second commandment.

Answer 8

Hi Jr,
Before I was bornagain, I did not have the convictions to represent the Lord.
I however did not get tats, because I knew that they were perminant. However, between the piercings, and rock music, and blue hair, and girls, and beer, and ......get it?
I ummmmmm......stopped it all.
I was born again. MADE NEW INSIDE OUT.
*CHECK THIS OUT-http://www.biblebelievers.com/watkins_tattoos/intro.html
If you are serious about your faith, and of Jesus-LISTEN TO THE HOLY SPIRIT,K. -LIVE4TRUTH=] GODBLESS.

Answer 9

Christians don't care. There is alot of sins they comment and know it but deny it

Answer 10

a tattoo is a tattoo.Wrong is wrong