Why are tattoos not generally accepted by the Christian faith?

Question

I heard a preaching on the radio the other day and it went on explaining how tattoos were not accepted by God..........

yes, i know the bible verses....

Lev 19:28 :
"You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD. "

and a few others, but here is my problem with that.... Girls have been getting their ears pierced for generations. That chapter also talks about how our hair should be and so on... which most Christians do not follow because Jesus fullfilled the Masonic law.

Why is it acceptable to have your ears pierced or to have breast implants or a nose job and yet it's not ok to have a tattoo?

I never said all Christians... and i am not talking about a long time ago. i heard this preaching on the radion about 1 week ago.

Answer 1

Under the old laws, this was indeed something that was not allowed. But, you are correct that those old laws were fulfilled, and are now taken away. They have been replaced by newer, simpler laws.

These new laws can summed up by saying that you need to Love God first, with all your heart, mind, and soul. Then, love your family, and your fellow human beings, and treat them right. Then, love yourself.

As for the traditional Christian view on tattoos, there is a difference depending upon whom you ask.

True, undenominational Christians do not care that you have body markings or piercings. They will caution you, however, that the worldly view of such things carries the weight of many assumptions.

Let's imagine that you are a gang member, and have marked yourself with your group's insignia, thus proclaiming to the world your affiliation.

Generally, a Christian would not have such an affiliation. God first, not the group.

If you subsequently left the gang and became a true Christian, you would be right with God.

People, however, (including some Christians) would still see your insignia, and question your faith, as your body still proclaims the membership in the gang. It is a cause for confusion, and some folks get all bent out of shape when something does not "look right".

A true Christian would be able to look beyond markings into your character, and see your devotion to God. At that point, no further issue, case closed.

We must try to forgive immature Christians who get caught up in worldly things. Eventually, they may come around to understand that once a person is saved, nothing else matters. If we are patient with them, and continue to enlighten and educate them, they will grow.

Answer 2

Most Christians still want to live in and go by everything in the old testament. If you look into the new testament it says nothing at all against ear piercing or tattoo's! I was 41 years old and a christian when I got my tattoo and I'd had my ears pierced long before that. I really think it depends on your feelings and what you get when you read the scriptures. If you don't feel comfortable getting a tattoo but want or have a piercing then that is between you and God! If he lays it on your heart that it is wrong for you don't do it, otherwise use good judgment for yourself and your tattoo!

Answer 3

You're right. It's not acceptable to deform or modify the body in any way. Tatoos are just the same as piercings. It's a double-standard that should be done away with. I think it's really more of a cultural thing that people have tried to control with a verse of scripture.

In the interest of full disclosure, I have my ears pierced, but I won't let my 18 year old get a tatoo (he's legally able to make that decision on his own, but I reserve the right to veto while he's living at home with me). It's not a moral issue for me, however. I just don't think he'll care about the same things when he's 28 as he does now while he's 18.

Answer 4

My guess would be that the person you heard preach against tattoos would preach against some of these other things as well and so would be pretty consistent.

Tattoos were forbidden in the Old Testament because they were used in pagan worship. Christians still preach against things that are involved in pagan worship. Most don't talk much about tattoos because they have lost their association with pagan worship for the most part.

I generally oppose tattoos on the grounds that they are not wise--they introduce foreign matter into your body (the same can be said for breast implants), and they are difficult to get rid of. I would steer someone away from tattoos or piercings that give the impression believers are more of the world than they are of God (since we are to avoid the "appearance of evil.") I would have a difficult time justifying the expense of cosmetic plastic surgery as that money could be used for many more important things.

That said I wouldn't preach "rules" about any of these things as I believe we each answer to God individually for how we are stewards of our bodies, money, time, talents, etc.

Answer 5

I think that it depends on how you interpret the bible but most Christians would not worry about such trivial things as this. Our minister from church has a cross tattooed on his body and also the letters W.W.J.D. (What would Jesus Do).
My father is a devout Christian and yet has tattoes. I actually have not many any Christians who feel that strongley against tattoes. Myself personally I don't like them but it has nothing to do with my faith, and I have had Plastic surgery and yet felt no problems with that either.

I'm guessing either it was an old school Christian or some time of religion that is not mainstream Christian

Answer 6

I have tattoos and am a Christian. I wouldn't get anymore but that is something between God and I. God's not interested on the outter appearance, what He cares about is the condition of your heart. The problem is that our society see's God as someone ready to punish and is mean and always angry. Read Psalm 103. It explained a lot to me. God is merciful, loving and caring, yet He is still God. We aren't going to understand Him completely nor can we conform Him to our way of thinking. We also have to take into account the time frame in which the bible was written. It is inspired by God and in it you can find all answers to lifes questions. Yet we have to look deeper than just a literal translation. Joyce Meyer had preached something to that affect. You should check out her website. In all just remember God is more concerned with the condition of your heart. God bless!

Answer 7

Tattoos back then were tribal in nature, as in it showed that you belonged to a group... or they were to honor the dead in some fashion like a memorial...the tattoos them selves were worshiped as if they had some power to protect the wearer...

If you are a believer, it is up to you but if you can show that it doesn't mean that you belong to some group or deity, that you are not honoring a dead person like an idol or that there is not witchcraft involved...then go for it...

If you are not a believer...then do what ever you want...

Answer 8

Pagan worshipers, such as the Egyptians, tattooed the names or symbols of their deities on their breast or arms. By complying with Jehovah's ban on tattoo markings, the Israelites would stand out as different from other nations.—Deuteronomy 14:1, 2.
If you are a Christian, you would certainly not want to make markings on your body—even temporarily—that smack of paganism or false worship.—2 Corinthians 6:15-18.

1 Corinthians 10: 31 Therefore, whether YOU are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory.
Are you glorifying God with a tattoo? Even if it says something about Jesus or God, is that really an ideal way to glorify God?

Consider also whether choosing to get a tattoo would enhance or undermine your claim of being a Christian. Could it be a "cause for stumbling" others? (2 Corinthians 6:3
...there is to be No fault found in our ministry...
We do not want to make others upset or to stumble, concerning their faith in God.
As you seem to be stumbled...

Answer 9

I wouldn't go so far as to say the entire Christian faith. Usually only the more conservative ones tend to use their faith as a backing to their own personal stance on the issue. God is love and I don't feel that he would cast you aside for a tattoo.

Answer 10

Depends on what sect of the religion your with, look at head from the band korn he went all religious and got tattoos after he did so. Its a matter of the people and church you join... the amount of tolerence different groups have.