Religious tattoo, good or bad?

Question

I'm thinking to get some religious tattoo, like praying hands or cross. but I heard that it is bad thing to do from the point of Christianity....

Answer 1

There are many answers to this question. I see that someone put the famous anti-tattoo quote from Leviticus as an answer.
“Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD” Leviticus 19:28. To me this means that I should not tattoo myself...I should have a professional do it for me. I consider myself a very religious person and I have one tattoo and I am going to get my second next week. In my opinion tattoos have no effect on your heart or on your soul...as long as you believe and have faith you will be fine. Getting into heaven is about God's grace and forgiveness, not about living a sin free life. Have fun and make sure if you get a tattoo get one because it means a lot to you...not just because it is a religious symbol.

I hope this helped you.

Answer 2

Why fast? Are your friends honking the horn in front of your house before they head to the tattoo parlor? I don't think there is anything bad about them, but I do think all tattoos are really tacky. My son has a scripture reference (just this: Is.52:7) on his foot, which I think is dumb enough, but it was a prophecy spoken over him as an infant. Never put a tattoo anywhere where you can't cover it up and never get one you'll kick yourself for later. I agree with Chris above (I'll bet you don't hear that enough, Chris!). The verse in Leviticus is about pagan death rituals, not decorative tattoos. The verse in Corinthians is about involving yourself in sin that harms the body. If you are getting tattooed at a legitimate place, you should not be at risk. However, you cannot donate blood for a year after a tattoo, which is important to me as a regular donor.

Answer 3

That's actually a bit of involved question. Some Christians, such as certain groups of Coptic Christians do get tattoos, often of crosses and there is even a “Christian Tattoo Association.” But while some Christians do get tattoos, that doesn’t make it neccesarily a good thing to do. In fact a number of reasons can be given for why Christians should avoid tattoos:

1) Some are simply practical considerations, like the fact that tattoos are permanent. Are you absolutely sure that what you’re doing to your body today will be appreciated by the you of ten years from now? Do you still like the same books, the same friends, the same entertainment, the same food as you did ten years ago? Your tastes do change over time, don’t they? But tattoos remain… unless you get them removed at a cost of several thousand dollars.

2) There are some health risks involved – for example, tattoos are a risk factor for Hepatitis C.

3) And then there are more specifically Christian considerations. Tattoos are often associated with “rebel” groups like bikers, gang members, and on the opposite end of the spectrum, new age free spirits. Get a tattoo and many people will see it as a sign you belong to one of these thumb-their-nose-at-God groups.

4) One passage in the Bible, Leviticus 19:28, specifically forbids tattoos, though an argument can be made that this passage is part of the ceremonial law of the Old Testament that was fulfilled by Christ (and therefore no longer applies to us). Some sections of this chapter do seem to deal with the ceremonial law, such as regulations to refrain from trimming the corners of beards (vs. 27), or wearing clothing made of two types of fabric (vs. 19). But the chapter also includes instructions that must still apply today: don’t steal (vs. 11), don’t prostitute your daughters (vs. 29), don’t slander (vs. 16). So we are left with an admonition against tattoos that may, or may not be fulfilled. And since we don’t need to get tattoos, this uncertainty seems a good reason to avoid getting a tattoo.

5) We all talk about our bodies as being “ours” but as Christians we know better – we do not own them; God does (1 Cor. 6:19-20). So before we engage in any “body modification” we should be sure we are not engaging in “body mutilation,” marring something God has entrusted to our care.

So to sum it up, there are many reasons to steer clear of tattoos but nothing to definitely mark all tattoos as sinful.

Answer 4

I think that would be between you and God. If you did something out of pure love and respect for God and it did not hurt anyone else, I don't really think God could possibly be angry at you for it. But, are you doing this out of pure love and respect or does a little vanity come into it too? Look at this for what it is and not for what others think of it. Don't pay any attention to others who criticize you for getting a tattoo, I highly doubt that they have been sinless their entire lives and they do not have the right to judge anyone. It's really a mature decision that you must make yourself.

In addition, I believe that some things written in the bible were meant to protect people who lived during those times. Back then, "marking your body" could not have been very healthy, being thet they did not have any real sterilization techniques and it might lead to infection and disease. Things are a lot different now as long as you find a reputable & clean tattoo shop and artist. But, this is just my opinion... interpret the words for yourself.

Answer 5

Leviticus speaks of people making marks on their body and it being a sin. Most people will try to use these verses to convince you of not getting a tat.

The truth be told is that in context, this verse actually is speaking of a form of pagan worship, and warning the Israelites against doing such deeds.

So, the Bible, other than that, never talks about the issue of making marks on your body. So, you're good to get a tattoo. The question is...do you still want it when you're 80 and wrinkly... ;)

Answer 6

You don't gain any merits in heaven for your "works" of getting a tattoo or avoiding one, but neither do you need permission from anyone here. You may run into some folks who will look down on you for getting one, but I think that's about the only thing you will want to take into consideration

Answer 7

Bad idea because what if you change religions or turn agnostic? That tattoo of a dove-and-cross on your shoulder is going to look pretty ridiculous then. But if it must be of a religious nature, get a picture of Satan's face on your left butt cheek. Every time you sit down, you'll show the devil exactly how you feel about him. :o)

Answer 8

I'm a Christian, and don't see anything wrong with it. As for the people who say our bodies are a temple, who's ever heard of a temple with no decorations? Truthfully, I think that passage was referring to a bit more than the physical appearance of our bodies, anyhow. I can't think of any New Testament prohibitions on tattooing, offhand. Just be sure that the design is something that you can live with for the rest of your life, and that will still be meaningful to you in your old age.

Answer 9

The New Testament says nothing that I remember. That is Christianity.
The Old Testament is not Christianity but the taboo on Tattoos says in the Bible, You are not allowed to tattoo your body.
Rev. TomCat

Answer 10

Well in the old testament it said not to tattoo your body. So if you are Christian no tattoos are the way to go but if you are not then really think about becoming one and then you won't want one anyway