Christians only: what is your opinion on getting tattoos?

Answer 1

The reason she is asking for Christians only is because it is a pretty big debate in a lot of churches...Not because nonchristians opinions do no matter.
I understand that in the bible it talks about our body being a temple, but I guess its all about how literally you want to take certain verses.. I mean if you don't agree with tattoos, then I guess you shouldn't have your ears pierced either? If somoene feels convicted on that, then go for it. I personally have 2 tattoos, one I got before I was a christian and one that I have that is a verse (i got after I became saved) i feel its awesome because people ask questions about what it says, i have led people to christ by this. Others feel I am disobeying. I personally do not feel I am disobeying, things were different in biblical times, but I do feel that God may convict certain people not to get tattoos, and thats something each person should pray about. I have had people tell me I am such a bad christian for having a tattoo, but they aren't my judge, and I personally do not feel God will care either way... just my opinion

Answer 2

Well several places in the Bible (can't think of any examples of the top of my head, sorry) it says not to mark your bodies, so in a sence it might very well be talking about tattoos although it's hard to tell for sure. I would just skip tattoos if I were you, but if you go with any if you are a true born again believer in Christ you will still go to Heaven. We do however have to set an example for the rest of the world, so again I would say no to tattoos not because a cross or something else to show your faith would be bad but just because of what tattoos are associated with gangs, etc. Hope this helps you a lot, I'm an anti-tattoo person, honestly I think they make you look trashy but I have a few friends with tattoos and since there is no clear right or wrong answer regarding this (as far as I can find) then it's not much of an issue except for what I already mentioned.

Answer 3

Well, I guess you are aware of the teachings in the Old Testament about not placing marks upon the body. In my opinion, though, there is no indication that this prohibition has been carried over into the New Testament. Therefore, I think a Christian must decide not based upon thou shalt and thou shalt not commands.

Living under the "perfect Law of Liberty" in Christ, we do not have nearly as many thou shalts and thou shalt nots. Now we are called to immulate Christ and look at every situation and ask ourselves does this glorify God and draw me closer to Him or does it glorify me and distance me from Him. Each Christian must ask this question about many things in life. And each Christian will stand before God along with the decisions we have made.

Personally, I don't see anything of great benefit in a tattoo. Especially if it is related to gang activity, I can see many things that would fall in the category of glorifying me and distancing myself from Him.

Non religiously speaking now, if you are young you may not know for sure what your future holds. Know that many doors and opportunities may be closed down the road because many do not have as open a view on tattoos as you do.

Just some things to think about. Ultimately only you can answer this question.

Answer 4

Leviticus ban on tattoos actually refers to religious practices from surrounding nations that were forbidden. Notice the verse before that says "Never shave the hair on your foreheads, and never cut the edges of your beard."
This really doesn't apply today any more than the dietary restrictions, festivals, or sacrifices.

But, consider Romans 14:21 "The right thing to do is to avoid eating meat, drinking wine, or doing anything else that causes another Christian to have doubts."
As you can see by the answers here, many people do not believe it is right to have a tatoo. By getting one you may offend people in your life now, and in the future who believe as they do.
Rom. 14:15 "So if what you eat hurts another Christian, you are no longer living by love. Don’t destroy anyone by what you eat. Christ died for that person."

I Cor. 10:31 "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything to the glory of God. Don’t cause others to stumble, whether they are Jewish, Greek, or members of God’s church. I try to please everyone in every way. I don’t think about what would be good for me but about what would be good for many people so that they might be saved.

Your question tells me you have may have been taught against this in the past. If you have doubts about doing it this would apply:
Rom. 14:23 "But if a person has doubts and still eats, he is condemned because he didn’t act in faith. Anything that is not done in faith is sin."

Answer 5

Well if you are a Christian the Holy Ghost will let you know if he wants you to get a tattoo or not.
If you have one already and want to become born again, I think that is OK to keep it, if it is not inappropriate, but then it is the Holy Ghost that will guide you...when you pray and ask.
Also hanging out with some Christians will help your walk with God.
Christians rely on the Scriptures and the Holy Ghost and prayer through Jesus to help us every day in our lives to make the right decision, I am so happy you wanted to ask that question.

Answer 6

Leviticus 19:28
" 'Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD

Now, I realize this is the old Levitical law and we are under grace. But, to me tattoos and other such things detract from the natural beauty God gave all of us. It also says "look at me!" when we should be saying "look at Him!"

Also, have you seen older people with tattoos? I have yet to see one that looked attractive after being well aged. I also have a friend that covers his arms because, in youth, he had lewd tattoo's placed there.

It is not a saving point of grace, but I would treat it like marriage and proceed cautiously.

Answer 7

Personally, I never wanted one but I'm not against them. I think that they're an extension of the expressions of some of the younger generations and are considered mainline. Many of my younger Christian friends (I work at church camps) have them and some even look pretty cool. But since a tattoo is for life, I've often wondered what they'll look like when they are no longer young with tight skin. Biblically, I always put scripture in its historical context. Cultural expressions come and go in cycles. It wasn't a commandment as much as it was a Jewish regulation. Paul's writing in Corinthians reflects his traditional Jewish roots and teachings. Getting a tattoo does not separate you from God's love and grace (Romans 8), and that is scriptural too.

Answer 8

it isn't listed in the ten commandments, but it isn't that great of an idea.....

1) some see it as defiling the temple of the Holy Spirit
2) is it wise to let some atheist engrave symbols (that can only be removed by surgery) into your skin? especially in "shier" places?
3) how you present yourself is a testomony in itself. Christians should be recognizably different (not sayin you should get a bumper sticker). A tattoo seems like a way to give in to worldly pressures

Answer 9

I think that there are FEW laws in the Bible that used to mean something. Tattoos might used to have been a symbol of devil worship or something like that. Our Bodies are God's temple and we should not defile them however I am not convinced one way or the other about tattoos and I have two God knows my heart and He knows yours' too.

Answer 10

Personally i would never get a tatoo for the following reasons:
1) My parents would kill be and chop me up if i ever did get one
2) The way i was raised was against tatoos-even temporary ones
3) The bible says that one should never desecrate or mark the body. The body is a living temple of God - Would you want to desecrate a temple?*