Are tattoos okay?

[CarrierOfChrist]

Well, I have never gotten a haircut that was particularly for the glory of God. I just sort of go in there, get my hair cut how I like it and leave. I don't think I'm going to be cast into the fiery pits because God didn't like my hair cut. I'm also pretty sure the clothes I "decorate my temple" with are just clothes. Mostly t-shirts with a picture of a video game or a funny caption on them. Doubt God's really going to care that I didn't have bible verses written all over my pants. I also wasn't born with nail polish on, but nobody seems to care when I alter the color of my fingers with paint, nor do they care if I get a suntan, or if I wear a differenty style of glasses. All of those are ways I've "altered" my temple on a daily basis. The only reason tattoos get scrutiny is because society deemed it as wrong. Do I think God cares that I have tattoos that aren't pictures of him? Probably not any more than he cares my wedding ring isn't a cross or my underoos aren't printed with scripture.

I think we glorify God in all that we do when we aren't sinning. I don't think all of our clothes have to praise Jesus, I don't think all the songs we sing, or books we read, or pencils we use have to have direct praise in them. I think when we eat and drink and do it in moderation for the energy our bodies need, that is glorifying God because we are taking care of our body. When we eat and drink junk food or eat too much or drink too much, then we are not glorifying God. When we wear clothes that express who we are, or use the talents that God gave us, I think that is glorifying him. If we use our clothes or our talents to mock God, or to bring others down, or to be rude or wicked, then we are not.

So yes, I have tattoos that are not directly related to my faith, just like I have socks, chairs, cellphones, cars, motorcycles, earrings, carpet, and coffee cups that aren't directly related to my faith. Are they sinful? I doubt it.

I have some exceptions to a few things you pointed out, I think a few of those things MIGHT offend God. For example, in the clothing department, a skimpy bikini on a public beach could be considered indecent and impure; video game and humorous t-shirts could contain offensive language or innuendo (not saying yours do!), and that would be going against 1 Timothy 2:9. A "Family Guy" or "Grand Theft Auto" t-shirt could be considered offensive, regardless of what they actually say on them, just because of the subject matter.

That's not to say you should wear clothes with Bible verses written all over them, or even buy them from Christian shops. As long as your clothes are considered "decent", I agree completely with you; they're not wicked, therefore you're not sinning when you wear them.

As for the wedding ring not being a cross comment, it symbolizes a Biblical staple (marriage), so even though it may not be a cross, it still represents something pure and holy.

I'm kind of weary that you didn't use a single scripture in your reply to justify that God doesn't mind such secular things as tattoos and earrings. For example, I think it would be wrong for someone to wear a shiny pair of earrings with a cross on them just so they themselves get complimented for it, and not for God to be glorified. People who are basically dressing to get complimented are GENERALLY not doing it to glorify God, but themselves.

I guess what I'm saying is "decency" could be considered relative nowadays to the culture you're in. Braiding your hair in the Bible was apparently an indecent thing to do (1 Timothy 2:9), as was wearing gold, pearls or expensive clothes.

I don't know, I'm confused all over again, lol. Should it be considered a sin to wear expensive clothes now? Is having a $40+ shirt or a $200 jacket indecent? Why isn't it? Because it's acceptable in our culture? But isn't our culture considered secular nowadays?

I think my brain needs a day off.

 

[dustin]

i think some are cool

 

[samax]

i think tattoos are not nice

 

[Harley_Angel]

Sorry I didn't quote any scripture, I'm still reading through the bible for the first time, and trying to get stuff to stick in my head. So far I've got the ideas the Bible is telling me written on my heart, but I still can't pull scripture out or pin point it yet.

I think the idea of wearing expensive clothing and gold and pearls was that it was excessive. We are to do all things in moderation (says that somewhere in the bible, but I couldn't quote it for you). When we are wearing the most lavish clothes we can buy, we are saying to the world, I'm of the world, I am clothed in materialistic things. Sometimes I have to buy an expensive shirt, because well, that's just how much it costs and I need the shirt. But, I think if you are using money that could have been used for good works, and are buying excessive amounts of clothes or excessively expensive clothes when you don't need to, I think that's whats really wrong. I'm guessing what God is against is showing off your wealth when you could have used the money for more Godly things. He knows we have to have clothes, and I don't think He expects us to never buy something unless it's on sale, but I don't think he wants us buying extravagent things so that the world can see how wealthy we are.

Also, expensive is such a relative term. For me, a $30 shirt makes me cringe when I have to buy it. For someone like my mom, who had a lot of money, a $30 shirt wasn't even something to blink at. For me, I wait until pants are on sale for $20, my mom can grab a pair of pants from a designer store and not even look at the price tag. She doesn't feel like she's being extravagent, she can afford better quality clothing (which often lasts longer than the clothes I can afford to buy) so she does.

Also, I completely agree with you on the idea of decency. I try to keep my shirts and clothing pretty nuetral. I know a lot of people enjoy wearing shocking or outrageous shirts just to make people uncomfortable. The video games I enjoy would probably never be put under scrutiny for being immoral or indescent. And most of them you wouldn't even understand or know what was unless you had played the game or watched the movie quote. As for my tattoos, more people are offended by the idea that I have tattoos rather than what they are. I could have a giant tattoo that said I LOVE JESUS AND JESUS LOVES YOU and a billion people would offended just because I had it, and another billion people would be offended because it said Jesus. I quit trying to justify myself to the world, or try not to offend everyone. I would have no problem wearing any of my clothes in front of my Savior, and I would have no probem showing him my tattoos or piercings. I think that's what really matters. Is what you are wearing, or what you are putting in or on your body something you would show or do in front of Jesus?

 

[CarrierOfChrist]

Sorry I didn't quote any scripture, I'm still reading through the bible for the first time, and trying to get stuff to stick in my head. So far I've got the ideas the Bible is telling me written on my heart, but I still can't pull scripture out or pin point it yet.

I think the idea of wearing expensive clothing and gold and pearls was that it was excessive. We are to do all things in moderation (says that somewhere in the bible, but I couldn't quote it for you). When we are wearing the most lavish clothes we can buy, we are saying to the world, I'm of the world, I am clothed in materialistic things. Sometimes I have to buy an expensive shirt, because well, that's just how much it costs and I need the shirt. But, I think if you are using money that could have been used for good works, and are buying excessive amounts of clothes or excessively expensive clothes when you don't need to, I think that's whats really wrong. I'm guessing what God is against is showing off your wealth when you could have used the money for more Godly things. He knows we have to have clothes, and I don't think He expects us to never buy something unless it's on sale, but I don't think he wants us buying extravagent things so that the world can see how wealthy we are.

Also, expensive is such a relative term. For me, a $30 shirt makes me cringe when I have to buy it. For someone like my mom, who had a lot of money, a $30 shirt wasn't even something to blink at. For me, I wait until pants are on sale for $20, my mom can grab a pair of pants from a designer store and not even look at the price tag. She doesn't feel like she's being extravagent, she can afford better quality clothing (which often lasts longer than the clothes I can afford to buy) so she does.

Also, I completely agree with you on the idea of decency. I try to keep my shirts and clothing pretty nuetral. I know a lot of people enjoy wearing shocking or outrageous shirts just to make people uncomfortable. The video games I enjoy would probably never be put under scrutiny for being immoral or indescent. And most of them you wouldn't even understand or know what was unless you had played the game or watched the movie quote. As for my tattoos, more people are offended by the idea that I have tattoos rather than what they are. I could have a giant tattoo that said I LOVE JESUS AND JESUS LOVES YOU and a billion people would offended just because I had it, and another billion people would be offended because it said Jesus. I quit trying to justify myself to the world, or try not to offend everyone. I would have no problem wearing any of my clothes in front of my Savior, and I would have no probem showing him my tattoos or piercings. I think that's what really matters. Is what you are wearing, or what you are putting in or on your body something you would show or do in front of Jesus?

Well said. And, actually, Socrates was the one who said "Everything in moderation"; the Bible says "self-control" (2 Peter 1:5–7), but it's basically the same thing. Other than that, everything you said was right on the mark as far as I can see.

I think the discussion is over now. The verdict: tattoos are fine as long as they are not of a sinful nature, but there will always be people who disagree with them just because they don't like tattoos in general, BUT we're not about pleasing the world, only God. If you don't like it, sorry (unless proven otherwise).

Thanks to all those who joined in the discussion

 

[Groundhog]

Since there is no prohibition of tattoos under the New Law, we need to consider whether it is appropriate for a Christian in our culture to have one. Tattoos have become more widely accepted in our culture in recent years, and I don't see that trend reversing. It used to be that people would try to hide their tattoo by placing somewhere that is invisible when wearing normal clothing, but it has become more and more acceptable to have visible tattoos, especially if they are not offensive in nature. I think that a tattoo is an individual choice, that we as Christians are free to make those decisions for ourselves under the New Law. Unless the tattoo is offensive, I don't see the problem. And if the tattoo is done specifically to make a statement about faith, then how can we possibly condemn that?

 

[CarrierOfChrist]

Since there is no prohibition of tattoos under the New Law, we need to consider whether it is appropriate for a Christian in our culture to have one. Tattoos have become more widely accepted in our culture in recent years, and I don't see that trend reversing. It used to be that people would try to hide their tattoo by placing somewhere that is invisible when wearing normal clothing, but it has become more and more acceptable to have visible tattoos, especially if they are not offensive in nature. I think that a tattoo is an individual choice, that we as Christians are free to make those decisions for ourselves under the New Law. Unless the tattoo is offensive, I don't see the problem. And if the tattoo is done specifically to make a statement about faith, then how can we possibly condemn that?

Amen, bro! Anyone else got a comment on the subject?

 

[imepaula]

I personally have 3 tattoos, and plan on getting more. After having talked about this with my priest, who I found out also has tattoos, I realized never have I read scripture saying having tattoos are sins. I suppose if you got the tattoo of pagan symbols or of lewd things, that wouldn't be so good. Personally, i wouldn't get a tattoo I wouldn't want to explain to Jesus. I have a celtic trinity knot with a shamrock in it both in dedication of my irish heritage and for remembrance of the Holy Trinity. I also have the mastersword and hylian shield from Zelda, because I like video games, and a rose to remind me that we can't be blinded by beautiful things and not see their thorns.

Do I think any of those are going to cast me into hell...no. Again, I think this is an issue where people need to listen to their conscience, pray, and see what the Holy Spirit guides you to do. If you feel that getting a tattoo is morally wrong or will make you a stumbling block in your walk with God, don't do it. Otherwise, I have yet to recieve any compelling spiritual evidence saying it's wrong. The best people have thrown at me is, "Your body is God's temple and you've vandalized it." To which I just sigh, shake my head, and prefer to think I put up some wall art.

Leviticus 19:28 -Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.
I believe that is from the old testament and may not apply to us but the Bible does handle that issue

 

[CarrierOfChrist]

Leviticus 19:28 -Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.
I believe that is from the old testament and may not apply to us but the Bible does handle that issue

We touched on that, read up a little

 

[Stand_Up_4_God]

I'm so not about to read all the postings on here haha....but here's how I see it, I have 3 tat's myself and want more. So far I have one for the Trinity, one that says Never Forsaken, and one of a dolphin as I've always loved them and it's also in memory of my aunt. Only God can judge those of us with tat's.

While I'm on the subject, everyone wants to bring up Leviticus 19:28..BUT that's the ONLY verse they'll bring up, they won't say anymore, they take things out of context. if they'd read more than that one verse, and keep things in context, as well as do some research, they'd notice that back then, so called ''tattoos'' were when the pagan's cut their body open, and poured ashes of the dead into them, worshipping false gods, and praying for blessings in life and in the after life as well, from their false gods and those that had died.

I'm sorry, but if someone's going to quote something like that in the Bible, quote all of it, do some research, and know what you're talking about, kep things IN the context. Lastly, say a tatoo was a sin, what does it matter THAT much? ALL sins are forgiven so long as you repent of them. I have never felt convicted for my tat's, so I'm fine with it, and most won't believe me, but I felt that God told me what tat's to get, cause He gave me meaning for all of them.

I hope someday to get a cross made of nails, then mercy, and grace on my wrist(one on each wrist), ''Tink'' in memory of my best friend, and I myself like Tinkerbell, and something for my sis to represent our sisterhood and all. For the person that said something about we should honor and glorify God with our body, what do you think Christian tat's do? Hello wake up! not being rude, just, think about it. In fact I was in the store one day, and a lady saw my Trinity tat, and asked ''who's Trinity?" I got to witness to her! Then not this past week, but the one before, she asked me to pray for her! Praise God, there IS good from tat's, and all the ''haters'' of them well, we love you anyways, and you shouldn't hate our tat's or us for having them. In fact, it'd be great to catch a break from the ''tattoo's are wrong'' and all that nonsense but either way, it's all good, I'll keep taking a stand for God.

God bless everyone!

 

[MahogonySnail]

Standup, you just had me thinking... what's the difference between getting a tattoo and an episode of stigmata?

 

[loveschild]

God's looking at the heart.

 

[Shyness]

As far as I know tattoo's in or itself is not sinful but also it depends on what the tattoo is. If one was to get a tattoo of something that is against the bible or that is against God, then in that case it would be sinful but if one was to get a tattoo of their name or a cross or something that does not go against the word of God, then it would be fine. The only thing is even though it's not sinful, I've heard of some places that do not sterilize their equipment they use so it could increase the risk of HIV or Hepatitis C and that tattoos are permanent.

 

[suaso]

I think it is important to consider the question of vanity and modesty when getting a tattoo.

For instance, why are you getting a tattoo, and where are you putting it?

Do you want it for attention, to have people look at you, to appear more tough/pretty? Explore this and see if any of it appeals to you own vanity.
Do you want a tattoo to make yourself more attractive? The place you put a tattoo can be dangerous. Somewhere on the forearm or calf of the leg is one thing, but the small of your back (for a female) invites the eyes to gaze upon you in a potentially sinful way.

I don't see anything inherently wrong with tattoos. They can be gotten for very personal and spiritually significant reasons, and perhaps will never be seen by anyone. They can serve as a reminder to someone of a special event, place, or person in their lives. They very well may be done as a public witness to the same. I guess my reservations are for people who get them to be looked at as an object of attraction, or who get them in provocative areas of the body.

 

[MahogonySnail]

My liberal side is coming out now and I'll say with a small amount of humor - Jesus got a tattoo, one on each hand and one in the side with very large and pianful needles.
"Jesus got a tattoo so we don't have to"

 

[Jsquared]

Tattoos are just an issue. Look to Christ. As far as whether it's sinful or not, sin goes alot deeper than the surface of our skin.

 

[princessdeb4111962]

I personally have 3 tattoos, and plan on getting more. After having talked about this with my priest, who I found out also has tattoos, I realized never have I read scripture saying having tattoos are sins. I suppose if you got the tattoo of pagan symbols or of lewd things, that wouldn't be so good. Personally, i wouldn't get a tattoo I wouldn't want to explain to Jesus. I have a celtic trinity knot with a shamrock in it both in dedication of my irish heritage and for remembrance of the Holy Trinity. I also have the mastersword and hylian shield from Zelda, because I like video games, and a rose to remind me that we can't be blinded by beautiful things and not see their thorns.

Do I think any of those are going to cast me into hell...no. Again, I think this is an issue where people need to listen to their conscience, pray, and see what the Holy Spirit guides you to do. If you feel that getting a tattoo is morally wrong or will make you a stumbling block in your walk with God, don't do it. Otherwise, I have yet to recieve any compelling spiritual evidence saying it's wrong. The best people have thrown at me is, "Your body is God's temple and you've vandalized it." To which I just sigh, shake my head, and prefer to think I put up some wall art.

Listen to what u just wrote Angel,"Ur body is a Holy Temple of God"Holy not scarred with ink, who knows,if it is poisoning ur bodies,but also think of it this way,Who is paying for the tattoos,I heard they are not cheap.So ur using God's money to pay the tattoo's,when U can use it on christian charities n U don't believe u will b judged on judgement day,If God wanted us to have tattoos he would have put them on us,thats what I believe.Think about Angel.
I guess I never could understand the reason for tattoos,I think they are ugly ,I don't find them sexy at all myself,but i am not judging anyone,it's my opinon only.Angel are a beautiful women,Y do u want to scar ur beauty?

 

[Stand_Up_4_God]

As far as I know tattoo's in or itself is not sinful but also it depends on what the tattoo is. If one was to get a tattoo of something that is against the bible or that is against God, then in that case it would be sinful but if one was to get a tattoo of their name or a cross or something that does not go against the word of God, then it would be fine. The only thing is even though it's not sinful, I've heard of some places that do not sterilize their equipment they use so it could increase the risk of HIV or Hepatitis C and that tattoos are permanent.

That's true for some places, however I KNOW that where I go is clean and safe. The guy cleans everything in front of you, and I know his wife as well, she went to school with my sister. I'm about to get me a new tat tomorrow, a cross made of nails. It'll have so much meaning. I see your point, but that's why you check the people out and everything before getting work done. Also, they don't use the same needles, they change them for each person.

 

[Stand_Up_4_God]

Listen to what u just wrote Angel,"Ur body is a Holy Temple of God"Holy not scarred with ink, who knows,if it is poisoning ur bodies,but also think of it this way,Who is paying for the tattoos,I heard they are not cheap.So ur using God's money to pay the tattoo's,when U can use it on christian charities n U don't believe u will b judged on judgement day,If God wanted us to have tattoos he would have put them on us,thats what I believe.Think about Angel.
I guess I never could understand the reason for tattoos,I think they are ugly ,I don't find them sexy at all myself,but i am not judging anyone,it's my opinon only.Angel are a beautiful women,Y do u want to scar ur beauty?

Again I'll say this, we're thank, praise, honor, and glorify God in all things said and done, even with our body...we're to present ourself a living sacrifice, and putting a tattoo on the body doesn't mean we can't do that. In fact, it increases things for us, we're making a statement. We're witnessing without even having to speak, which is great. How many people do you see per day, and walk by daily, in a store, at work, whatever, but don't speak to them? Yet they'll read a shirt, or a tattoo, or whatever.

Tattoo's can be ugly if they're of an evil nature, but if they're not, some are very beautiful. In fact, I find my Trinity one to be just beautiful. Again I'll say this, some people have them to cover up scars. Also I'll say again, even if tat's were a sin, which they aren't, then no one can judge us for them other than God, and they can be forgiven. Cause when we pray, we ask forgiveness of all sins that covers everything.

It's not a matter of if a tat is or makes you look ''sexy'' ''attractive'' ''cool'' or whatever, it's not about being accepted by society, or anything else, it's a personal thing. Anyhow, just because we have tat's does not mean the Holy Spirit doesn't, can't, or won't dwell in us. The only thing that effects that is weather or not the blood of Jesus has been applied. That's rather simple, but that's the truth. Tat's don't scar your beauty either, I've seen some people that look better with them to be honest. Lastly, the money that is used to pay for tat's, yes God provides it, however, it's up to us, and if He didn't want us getting them done, then He wouldn't provide the money to get them done in the first place.

 

[Stand_Up_4_God]

Leviticus 19:28 -Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.
I believe that is from the old testament and may not apply to us but the Bible does handle that issue

read all of the verses for that, don't just pick and choose certain ones. Read it in context, do some reserach, study up, and all that, then you'll understand and see the truth. Can't just pick and choose what to believe and follow in the Bible. Can't pick certain verses and things to make something look right or wrong. Take it full and proper context, read the whole thing, not just one verse.