What does "The Church" say about tattoos?

Question

I've considered getting one...but...I don't want to damn myself to HELL in the process...any thoughts?

Answer 1

The “tattoo” marks described in Leviticus 19:28 were clearly related to false religious practices. The word translated tattoo in our English Bibles is the Hebrew word “qa aqa”, this word appears only one time in the Bible, here in this passage Leviticus. The word “qa aqa” means literally “to cut” but taken with the surrounding words indicates a cutting that left a mark imprinted in the skin. This could have been a form of branding, scarring, cutting or a process where ink was inlaid into the skin; there is not enough data to fully define exactly what this word meant. However we translate the word “qa aqa” though, in this passage, it is certainly used in the context of cultic religious worship. The prohibition against “qa aqa”, (translated tattoo) was to keep the Israelites from being involved or affiliated with cultic worship practices.

The tattoo of today is much different than it was for those who originally received the Pentateuch. Today tattoo is a decorative means of self expression and personal decoration. In our current culture people modify their appearance for beauty in many ways such as clothing choice, makeup, plastic surgery, haircutting and coloring, weight loss, body-building, and ear piercing. Some of these practices have a history in ancient ritual and false religion, but in our cultural context they do not denote a connection with evil or false faith. In the same way tattoos today do not link the wearer to cultic worship practices and is not generally practiced for ancient religious purposes, tattoos today are for ornamentation.

A further reason to believe Christians are free to tattoo their bodies is that New Testament believers are not bound by the Old Testament laws to gain or regain right relationship with God. If we were to obey the laws of the Old Testament we would also be bound by rules that would restrict shellfish and pork eating, hairstyles, wearing of clothes made from two different fabrics, even eating cheese on hamburgers (yes, it is true). Some also feel that modifying the body somehow defiles God's creation, but if this was true would it be right to pierce ears, correct a club foot, cut hair, clip nails, get a tan or use orthodontia? Each of the previously mentioned practices modifies the way we were originally created, some permanently. Getting a tattoo is a deeply personal choice that falls in the category of personal appearance and is vitally connected to the freedom of the believer. The Apostle Paul reminds us that the Old Testament Law was designed by God was to lead people toward Jesus. Now that Jesus has come and set us free, we are not under the law for our good standing with God. Our right standing before God comes from placing our trust in Jesus’ death on the cross to pay for our debts, not on following the Old Testament regulations.

GET YOUR TATTOO!

Answer 2

Too be honest, I'm not sure what the official verdict is. I come from an area in which it is considered "ungodly" for a man to have an earring...and heard all about it when I got mine. The same people have a problem with men wearing long hair--even though I've never seen a depiction of Jesus in which his hair wasn't better than shoulder length....

While, to my knowledge, there is no scriptural mention of tattoos in the Bible, there is a passage that says it's "unnatural" for a man to have long hair and a beard--even though, as I said earlier, Jesus is always portrayed as having both (as is God). Are you sure that you want to follow something as contradictory as the Bible and other people's beliefs? Could make your head hurt!

I say that you should do what you feel is right. Pray/meditate about it before you do it. Bear in mind, however, that a tattoo will be with you until the day that you die (unless you pay BIG bucks to have it removed). Make sure it's something that you won't mind carrying it for ever.

Answer 3

The Church doesn't say anything whatsoever about getting tattoos, having your ears pierced, or wearing jewelry or makeup. These are not moral issues. Needless to say it is possible to get a tattoo that is a moral issue by its design, but otherwise decorate yourself however you want to.

Of course I am talking about THE Church, the one Christ founded. I'm sure there are some manmade denominations that will tell you tattoos are an abomination. And many that won't. In such churches the truth is whatever they think it is.

Answer 4

I have a tattoo that I regret because I demarcated the place where the Holy Spirit lives in me. I got an ankle tattoo for whatever reason but I don't think I am damned to hell for it. I regret it and I said I'm sorry so all's forgotten. Just for edification read Romans 6: 13-14 and I Corinthinans 6:19 before you decide. I think it also might depend on WHAT you put on your body. I opted for peace lilies and a dove. But I refuse to judge you in your choice because on judgement day they'll look at me and say, "well what is on your leg, hypocrite"!

Answer 5

I cannot imagine that getting a tattoo--or several--condemns oneself to hell. The Church doesn't decide who goes to hell and who doesn't. God makes that decision. However, I believe the Church would consider tattoos as defiling the body.

Answer 6

I agree with My Preshus. Her response is spot on.

I also want to add that even if in doubt, remember Leviticus only pertains to Levite priests.

I also want to add that, I would never have gotten my tatoo if someone had told me they had to be maintained. Getting a tatoo is not a one time deal. They fade and begin to look really motley. So you have to spend just about the same amount of money every few years to get them kept up.

So too, we change. I am not the same person I was when I got my tatoo.

Answer 7

Not marking your body was part of levitical law. The New Testament doesn't mention it, and it wasn't in any of the laws pertaining to morality. I think it falls under Romans 14. If you think it is wrong or if it would create a stumbling block for others then don't do it. If you think it is OK, and your parents will allow it (if you are a minor) then go for it!

Answer 8

I have one & I'm going to heaven. In the old testament the bible says not to mark yourselves. It also says to never cut your beard or to wear make-up. The world has changed a lot since then. Jesus came to earth for one....don't turn something minor into something major. The only way to get into heaven is to accept Jesus into your heart as your savior and to live a good life worthy of eternity in heaven...tattoos or not. It's not a sin. Get one if you want one!

Answer 9

who cares what
"the church" says?
get a bible and read it -- i don't think there is anything against it. But remember tattoos are forever and are very costly to remove (and painfull) so think before doing it.

Answer 10

Ouch

They are cool in the church. Just don't get a Satanic tatoo.

It's all in what it says