To my fellow Christians, what are your thoughts on piercings, tats and other body modifications?

Question

I was just curious as to what both sides of the issue think. Both sides being: The Pro Modification and Con Modification.

I see totally faithful christians getting tats and peircings, and think it is just so great to see that they're not so conservative. That they're being about a new face to the modern Christian.

Then, I see how some people look down on it, both christians and secular. Mainly because you're supposed remain as you were made, we are temples. I also think it causes confusion among the "worldly" people, for that very same reason. I guess it makes it easier for them to come against our religion.

I'm asking because I'm looking into getting some tats myself.

Answer 1

I think this is a question best resolved by seeking God's answer for you - not other Christians since so many are divided on the issue. Here are some objective thoughts.

Those that oppose will no doubt quote Leviticus 19:28 as though we are somehow under those laws. If we are, then why aren't those who are so quick in pointing out that particular verse obeying all the other Levitical laws? Also, one thing I noticed in verse 19:28 is "Do not cut your bodies FOR THE DEAD..." So, could the practices spoken of in this verse have been prohibited specifically because they were being done on behalf of the dead? Just something to ponder.

Also, consider these verses about the believers freedom in Christ:

"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others." -1 Corinthians 10:23-24

To me, this verse implies that tattoos are perhaps permissible. The question to prayerfully consider then is will your tattoos/piercings be beneficial or constructive in your walk with Christ?

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." -1 Corinthians 10:31

Are you getting a tattoo for the glory of God? There are Christians who feel that they are when they get one that honors God (such as a cross, Bible verse, etc.). Some have even said that it's been a good ice breaker in engaging nonbelievers and sharing their faith. What is the intent behind getting a tattoo? Is it to draw attention to yourself or to draw attention to God?

Finally, Romans 7:6 says, "But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code."

We, who are in Christ, have been released from the law and are not bound by the written code, but rather, by the Spirit. My advice is to earnestly pray to God for His answer for you personally regarding this issue and then obey the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Answer 2

There are many arguments about this.

There are those that say that we shouldn't harm the body since it is God's temple. On the other hand a church or temple is often painted and has decorations. I know a guy who uses his tatoos to share the gosple with people/

Some poepl look to Leviticus 19:28 to say that tatoos are wrong :

"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD."

The problem I have with this arument is that the term "marks"
refers to something other then tatoos. The words are k'thobeth qa'aqa and they mean to mark by branding (with heat) or cutting. In the context, this seems to be a reference to pagen religious activities at the time.

And even if this did refer to tatoos, are we bound to this law? If we were then we would also not be alowed to wear materials made with blended fibers (Lev. 19:19)

Personaly I will not get a tatoo because they are very perminant and I do not know how they might effect my ability to share the gosple down the road. This, however, is a personal reason and not a biblical one.

As far as I am concerned it is between you and God.

Answer 3

As everyone probably knows by now, I am not the typical Christian.

Sometimes when I see piercings, I wonder if that indicates a sort of spirituality in some of the people wearing them; a kind of reference to the wounds Christ endured. I have no problem with them.

When it comes to tats, I think the question would be what message the tat conveys, and where it is located. For example, a tat that conveys a negative or unspiritual message, such as a demon or skull and and crossbones. If the tat is on the booty, and conveys a promiscuous sexual message, then of course that is not Godly.

I see no problem with either, in God's eyes (IMO), tastefully done. The problem comes in when it makes you witness ineffective, as is the danger with all things a Christian does that could be considered controversial, hypocritical, or negative to others.

Answer 4

All around the world tattoos are ways of expressing yourself to others around you. I don't see how tattoos and piercings can be looked upon as defiling yourself provided the modifications are both in-taste and non-extreme.

I myself am not a Christian, but I believe if Christianity is to prosper then yes, it must modernize; you must be able to apply your own interpretation of it and come to your own decision on how you feel on the matter and not expect an answer from a clergyman or anyone else here for that matter. The way you practice your faith is your choice alone as is your decision on body modifications and seeing as how there is no implicit ruling against it, you shouldn't feel dubious about your intentions of getting a tattoo.

Answer 5

I see that this subject is popular. What about piercings and other body modifications it can't help you when you will be answering before God. This is what is written about tattoo: " You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the LORD. " ...........Leviticus 19:28. Don't worry, dear. God can forgive such stupidity if it is done already. For future I can't tell. Don't take an offense. You will understand afterwards that it is not good. It is not so simple to rid of it and you will be ashamed of it when you will be older.

Answer 6

Not for it. Against it 100% and im christian. but thats just for me personally. i DO however believe that people can do whatever they want and believe what they want.. if they want a tat or piercing.. fine with me! i dont hate people that have them.. and im not gonna go yell at them for doing it. its their choice... but i personally dont agree with it. Its sad because sometimes thats the first thing people learn when they come to church.. is not to do this, and that, and wear that, and act like that and blah blah blah... and thats why they end up backsliding and leaving even worse. because they didnt have a relationship with God.. the reason i believe what i do is because it says in the bible:

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
19Do 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.

Leviticus 19:28
Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.

Answer 7

As far as I am concerned, this is just a way to mutilate your body - which we as Christians should know the Bible calls the "temple of G-d". But if you want to get a tattoo or pierce your body go ahead. This is something that you have to reconcile with your beliefs.

Answer 8

Leviticus 19:28 is pretty clear:

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

Yes, John teaches that the body is a temple to the Holy Spirit, but more importantly, he teahes that the bodies are not our own! To mark or deface our bodies shows that we are unhappy with the tabernacle that the Lord gave us.

If you are a Christian, then you should care more about your image in the eyes of your Father in Heaven than you should about your image in front of people around you.

Answer 9

I can only answer what is right for me. I do not get them because Cain was 'marked' by God after he killed his brother. There is another scripture about marking the body also. I know other Christians who have Christian tattoos, so for them it must be OK. I think it a social thing really, not a sinful thing. Just like females shaving their legs is a social thing. But that scripture is engrained in me and I won't get a tattoo.

Answer 10

A devoted Christian cannot and there is no such thing as an undevoted Christian. That is an oxymoron.

Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.


Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.




1Cr 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?


1Cr 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.