Jehovah's Witnesses. It has been learned that, although piercings and tattoos are not condemned by Jehovah's

Question

It has been learned that, although piercings and tattoos are not condemned by Jehovah's Witnesses... if one should get one, they lose their congregational privledges for a time... is this true? If so, does this only apply to tattoos and piercings that are visible? If a married sister chose to get a belly piercing, would this still apply even if her piercing is kept private and hidden, while not stumbling others in the congregation? (I am not looking for different opinions on piercings, for I am aware that there are many. I am only looking for answers to these questions above.)

And I never said anything about a sister planning to show it outside the congregation either.

Answer 1

I'll assume that you have at least the unbaptized publisher privilege, and that's why you are asking this question (again and again).

If you are a mature christian, you know that our goal is to serve our God and make people get closer to him, so doing something that could do the contrary effect is not wise at all.

I'm not going to give you my personal opinion because that's not the case, but I'm going to give you some verses better, and you, as a mature christian, would read and meditate. Make use of your JW privileges, I mean pray and ask Jehovah for portion of holy spirit that help you take the best decision.

Here the verses:

1Corinthians 8:3
Matthew 18:6
Romans 14:21
2 Corinthians 11:29

I'm pretty sure, that if you are a truly JW that want to please our God, you are going to take the best decision and help any other people to chose according with truth.

A.

Answer 2

Yes.

A Jehovah's Witness who chooses to get body piercings and/or tattoos does not commit a serious sin (except where such practices are a secular crime), but he does seem to disqualify himself from congregation privileges for a time if the congregation learns of it. Whether individuals in one's local congregation are stumbled or not is irrelevant, as Jehovah's Witnesses have a global reputation for eschewing any seeming symbols of rebellion.

Of course, the matter does not merit any congregational "investigation" because no actual "sin" is involved (generally). The Witness could not be "repentant" or "unrepentant" of a tattoo or piercing, and thus would have no need to approach spiritual "older men" to inform them of the matter. When an individual Christian comes to recognizes that his tattoos and/or piercings are likely to distract from his ministry or stumble his brothers, the Christian can act on his own to minimize their appearance without involving spiritual shepherds.

Incidentally, certain discreet tattoos for medical or identification purposes (such as those used to focus radiation on a tumor) clearly do not imply a rebellious spirit.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/20030922a/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/200601a/article_01.htm


EDIT: Jehovah's Witnesses recognize different kinds of congregation "privileges". Primarily, a Witness could not qualify for appointment as a ministerial servant or pioneer minister if the congregation learned that he had recently acquired a new tattoo or body piercing. Of course, details such as this are not commented upon directly in the bible and may be adjusted at any time by the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Answer 3

Come on- what's the use of getting a piercing or tattoo if you don't want to SHOW it? Let's be honest here and stop beating about the bush. Ok, so you'll hide it at the K/Hall but show it elsewhere? One difference between JWs and Christendom is that you are supposed to be JW ALL THE TIME, not just on the platform or at the Hall.

I don't know about you, but where I come from if anyone saw a JW with a piercing it'd be the news of the town. "Jehovah's Witness Gets Piercing". It'd be the first thing they'd ask JWs who called at their doors "What about that sister of yours who has a piercing?" Why slow down the preaching work with having to explain your choices because of stumbling even non-JWs?

To the "lioness" (lol- now that the "lamb" story has been dropped)- anyone can comment at the meetings, even people who come in for the first time. That shows that piercings have nothing to do with your mind. They have something to do with your spiritual maturity though.

EDIT: My personal opinion- I see no sense in having a piercing no one will see.

Answer 4

A witness has heard all the thinking on piercings and tattoos from the platform ,and with Jehovah nothing is secret.Your up against your conscience here and you should know that pleasing him is more important than worldly customs and fads.The book of James tell us that obeidence is better to Jehovah than a sacrifice.See an a mature elder and get advice so as not to offend Jehovah or unwittingly stumble someone or worse yet damage a good standing before Our father.One of Jehovah's Witnesses 1980 [www.watchtower.org]

Answer 5

I don't believe so. Locally a young brother just got a tattoo and he is still used by the local congregation.

"(I am not looking for different opinions on piercings, for I am aware that there are many."

And yet this is the third "question" you have asked about the subject. Are you sure you are not looking for different opinions?

Answer 6

Another thing about navel rings is that their usually meant to be worn with a half shirt (which is NOT modest apparel).
Speaking from the experience of having had one, wearing jeans or a skirt and a shirt that covers the entire stomach is NOT comfortable because it rubs and pulls on the piercing and can even rip it out.

It shows spiritual weakness to go against what is recommended.
If a piercing is not visible then how would anyone know about it unless the person in question is wearing immodest clothing or talking to others about it (and thus possibly stumbling others).

Answer 7

I'm studying to be a Witness and I have quite a bit of Tattoos. I plan on getting more. It shouldn't be an offense at all, it's a sense of art.

Answer 8

Whats next, a Tattoo on the face like Mike Tyson?

Answer 9

I agree with my sisters. if you wear a belly piercing you have to wear a short blouse. remember Jehovah sees all. I think you should not listen to lioness. she loves to slander us. pay no attention to her.

Answer 10

We meet again. :)
Honestly, I'm not sure about hidden piercings like a belly-ring. But, one who chooses to get facial piercings I'm sure would lose his/her privileges.

Edit: Lioness, pioneering and field service is a privilege. So, is answering at meetings. For women and men.