Christians and tattoos?

Question

everyone says Christians are not suppose to get tattoos. But im Christian and i been reading the bible for years and the only thing i ever came across was that we cant tattoo our bodies for the dead? so what about not if the tattoo is not for the dead?. Yeah and i do have a tattoo btw

Answer 1

What Christians are referring to is a passage that states :

Leviticus 19:28 – “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD

While some believe the scripture is clear that the verse tells us not to cut on our bodies, which is what tattooing is, there is much more to interpreting this statement. In context this verse is discussing preparation for death in which many bodies were tattooed with pagan religious symbols. Since God’s commandments prohibit Jews and Christians from worshiping other gods, it would be logical that God would prohibit these death preparation tattoos.

However, it is also clear that many dictates of that particular time in history no longer apply.
There are scriptures in the Old Testament that tell women to keep their heads covered at all time. Others tell people they cannot eat certain types of meat. Still others prohibit certain types of haircuts. They all had their purposes at the time. Yet, many of those rules no longer apply in the New Testament.

Yet, just clinging to the New Testament not directly prohibiting tattoos is not necessarily a clear approach, either. The New Testament does not directly prohibit things like bestiality or prostitution of a daughter, but Christian believe those things are sins. How do we know the fine line? Just saying that “Well, the New Testament doesn’t directly tell me it’s a sin, so I can do it,” is often looking for an easy out in a difficult decision.

There is little question that the Bible states clearly how our bodies are the Temple of God making it important that we care for our bodies with the same love we give to God. Christians against tattooing believe that this scripture from 1 Corinthians is another reason a person should not get a tattoo:

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (NIV)

This scripture does not ban tattoos, but it does bring up the question as to why a person wants to get a tattoo and which tattoos to get. As with some sin it is not the act but the intent that matters. If the act of getting tattoo is rebellion against parents, authority, etc. – then it is a sin. For instance, if your parents tell you not to get a tattoo and you do it to spite them, then getting a tattoo is sinful, because God’s commandment calls for you to “honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12).

The other question to ask yourself is if your tattoo is edifying God. Since tattooing is very much debated by biblical scholars, do you really want to take a chance on getting a tattoo that does not honor God? Are you getting a tattoo just to fit in or are you getting a tattoo to glorify the Lord? Remember, you are supposed to be in the world, not of the world. While many tattoos are beautiful, they tend to honor the world rather than God.

Getting a tattoo is something that should not be taken lightly. It is a well-debated issue in the Christian community, and there are differing opinions as to whether a tattoo is sinful or not. As a Christian, decisions need to be made with your eyes on God. So, if you do choose to get a tattoo, remember that, while man looks at the outside appearance, God looks at the heart.

Answer 2

The verse you're talking about is Leviticus 19:28

Leviticus 19:28 – “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.” (KJV)

It related to pagan rituals commonly performed at the time since back then people didn't exactly go downtown and get their name in kanji on one leg and taz on the other, so getting the type of tattoo mentioned in Leviticus amounted to pagan worship; getting a flower on your shoulder... not so much.

However because of the wording, some fundamentalists will argue that tattooing for any reason is a sin

Leviticus also forbids the eating of shrimp, crab, lobster, and any other shellfish (Leviticus 11:9-12), and the eating of meat "with the blood still in it" (Leviticus 19:26) among other things.
And lets not forget that the easter ham is forbidden by Leviticus 11:1-8

The reason why christians don't observe kosher law is because of Romans 14:13-19 where paul argues that christians no longer need to keep to the strict dietary laws.

Lev 19:28 is not a dietary law but there are many non dietary laws in Leviticus (as well as the rest of the old testament) that are no longer followed such as:

Wearing fiber blends is forbidden(Leviticus 19:19)

Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard (Lev 19:27)

Do not plant your field with two kinds of seed (Lev 19:19)

Women who are menstruating are considered so unclean that they will contaminate who and whatever they touch for at least seven days, longer if their period lasts longer. After their flow stops, the must sacrifice two birds to once again become clean (Lev 15:19-30)

Handicapped people are not allowed near the altar of god (Lev 21:16-23)

Answer 3

Not only am I a christian, God fearing Baptist woman, I also have 24 tattoos. I already posted a huge Q&A on here with scriptural refrences and all, that it is OK to get tattoos. When it comes down to the bible, it is all in the interpretation anyway. Do you feel convicted that you should not get tattoo's? Then you shouldnt. Do you feel that it is not against God to get them, then tattoo on!

Answer 4

i'm a christian and i have tattoos as well. and i did tattoo my body for the dead. but not in mourning for them. in rememberance so that i will live my life to the fullest. i think it is up to each person to decide what is right for them. they should absolutely use the bible for guidance if they are so inclined. but there are a lot of directives in the bible of things that we are and are not supposed to to. i have a feeling that most of the people who are here preaching against tattoos don't follow all of the rules of the bible. "judge not lest ye be judged."

Answer 5

I am a Christians and I have a tattoos. You are referring to the old testament of Leviticus. It a book of laws and cleanliness. God instructed Moses and other priest to teach their people to be holy cause when Moses freed God's chosen people from bondage their were no laws.
I would not worry about it, it outdated and rarely used in today time. I would focus on my relationship with Jesus Christ as my Savior. Not worry what wrong I'm doing and that sort of things.
Do what you feel it right for you. What you do is between God and you.

Answer 6

I am a Christian and I have 4 tattoos. The tats don't change who I am. I don't consider them any different than pierced ears or even wearing make-up. I got my first one when I was 40 years old. Lots of thought went into them and they are beautiful. My 65 year old mother also got one. I think it is all an attitude. Have fun.

Answer 7

Some fundies love to quote Leviticus but seem forget that Jesus created a new covenant and the old law is dead to us... I used to have facial piercings before I changed industries and loved having a "Body Piercing Saved My Life" image. Most of my ink had a religious meaning... or else duality. I'm by no means done yet, though. (I am for the moment because I'm in a conservative field.)

Answer 8

I have a tattoo and if you follow the Bible word for word women wouldn't be able to wear pants or cut their hair. Things have changed since the Biblical times so go with your own feelings on this one.

Answer 9

good question... im a christian and the body is a temple and "biblically" it isnt wise to get tattoos or peircings i have had my ears pierced since before i became a christian and from my understanding if you've given your heart to the lord and if you ask for forgiveness your usually forgiven. besides we dont take our flesh into heaven only our souls. theres no way to "physically" pierce or tattoo your soul and if your right by the lord and you live your life correctly im sure its makes it ok

Answer 10

oh please..even jesus himself had a tat.

Jesus had a tattoo...did you know that?
Revelation 19:16 - And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name
written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

A tattoo is defined as a marking or coloring of the skin. The bible
says that Jesus had these words written on his vesture (the hem of his
robe) AND on his thigh (on his actual leg.)

Therefore, any logical person can read that and come to the conclusion
that Jesus does indeed have a tattoo on his thigh that says "KING OF
KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."