What does your religion (or personal beliefs) think about tattooing?

Question

I believe, although I am not sure, that some religions condemn tattooing- have I got that right?

In that case, as an old sea dog with a ship's anchor on his forearm and a mermaid on his shoulder (no joke), is my grandfather (veteran seaman of WW2) unable to enter heaven after death even if he is truly repentant of all his sins?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I get the impression that Christianity isn't that keen on tattoos; they are seen as vain fripperies. I went to a synagogue once, and was told that both the Jewish faith and Islam do not condone tattoos. They don't have pictures or statues in their places of worship either, and it's to do with not worshipping idols, which is presumably the same reason as not condoning tattoos.

There are many countries and cultures (in Africa, Pacific Islands, Maoris etc.) who use tattoos as tribal identification & to show belonging to a particular group, or having gone through certain rituals. Oetzi, the 'iceman' found in the Alps (body frozen for 5000 years) had tattoos on his ankles & shoulder, little dots which are thought to be connected with trying to relieve the pain of arthritis.

I think your Grandad's tattoos would fall into the 'cultural & tribal' category. God wants us all to repent, and looks on the inside, not the outside.

Answer 2

I am a Christian and hold to the teaching of the Bible which I believe is God's word to us.

I don't find any teaching on tatoos although Old Testament law does warn against cutting yourself which some interpret as "tatoos".

I have avoided getting tatoos myself, but only because I see how they fade and I think that I wouldn't like it 10 or 20 years from now.

As for the second part of your question, your grandfather will enter heaven if he believes in and relies on Jesus Christ to cover his sins.

Answer 3

This taboo was given to the Hebrews when they entered the promised land God had given them. When they arrived it is obvious that the land was already inhabited. Some of the inhabitants held pagan rituals with tattoos. I. E. the Canaanites. This practise would interfere in the worship of God. It would also initiate the Hebrews into the culture that ran these pagan rites. God told them to leave the practise alone as it could easily influence them into a form of worship that God would find distasteful.( you must remember that we worship God on His terms not ours.)
Rather than make a rule that you can mark yourself if you don't go over to the other side sort of thing. God said "NO" you don't mark your body with any form of tattooing.
No sin is unforgivable. God's love is far greater than we mere mortals understand. Yes repentance will bring you to God's Holy kingdom; if it is real and not a showpiece for others to see, and pat your ego.
The Christian religion is Judaic. This Judaic base is a huge part of our understanding of God. As Christians we as well do not agree with tattooing our bodies. The Christ was a Jewish Rabbi remember that.

Answer 4

as a christian, the answer is you should not mark yourself in that manner. Reason is the tattooing is a type of marking associated with religious beliefs.

If you were to read more careful or study a bit more, you would see that God will choose who will be in heaven, and most of mankind will be on the earth.

When God forgives someone he really does. But that does not mean a person will still suffer the consequences of their disobedience like getting cancer from the ink or something like that.

Answer 5

Aw hon, the number of marks on your body doesn't tell the story of your heart ... and it is your heart that gets you into heaven, not your body.

That being said, the Bible does say the body is the temple, so I guess a tattoo is like a painting hung in a temple. I don't think there is a specific verse for or against tattoo's. My brother-in-law has his childrens names on the back of his shoulder; at the time he did it he was trying to show his great love of his children and his life-long dedication to them.

Answer 6

Your grand father did those things while he was a sinner, Therefore God will not hold him accountable. Yes I am against tattooings, , But while you are in the world & in sin, satan will try anything, that will be the same a asking, My granddad was in a car wreck while he was drunk & lost his leg, he will not carry that lost leg forever, but he is still just as much able to repent & live for God from then on. Don't worry My friend.

Answer 7

Absolutely!
Your grandfather can enter heaven if he believes in the God of heaven and His Son, Jesus the Christ.

We consider tattooing your body is wrong if you are a Christian, because it defames your body that the Bible says is His temple.

It certainly is not an unforgivable sin.

grace2u

Answer 8

Tattooing and marking of the body is condemned in Leviticus. Fundamental Christians hold to this belief.

Answer 9

Its condemed cos its not really good for you in any way. Your not allowed to abuse or harm yourself in any way. Im not that sure about this cos altho it is painfull to get the tattoo i dont think it actually has any bad side effects. except maybe if something goes wrong like you get an infection or something. Its nothing major tho. You not going to hell just for getting a tattoo.

Answer 10

The bible speaks of not getting tattoos. (Leviticus 19:28) However, if one is repentant and has turned from a wrong course of life, he will be forgiven. Also, God does not hold us accountable for something we did when were unaware of his requirements.