Are tattoos okay?

[CarrierOfChrist]

I recently sent an email to a website that will remain nameless (because of the rules about advertising), because they said on their site that tattoos are okay if they open doors for evangelism and discussion about Christian topics (like getting a Bible verse, and having people ask about it). Here is the exchange (with my question first):

In the article about tattoos located at http://**********, titled `Is it okay to get tattoos if they are of a Christian nature?`, you never gave a definite answer; just for the readers to pray and ask for guidance on the subject. However, in Leviticus 19:28, it says `Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.` Seems pretty straight-forward, and I`m sure it doesn't just mean `don`t get tattoos for the dead`, and I can't recall any New Testament versus that say that particular rule doesn't count anymore. What are your thoughts?

And here is their response:

Answer: The key to understanding this issue is knowing that the Old Testament law was given to the nation of Israel, not to Christians. Some of the laws were to reveal to the Israelites how to obey and please God (the Ten Commandments, for example). Some of the laws were to show the Israelites how to worship God and atone for sin (the sacrificial system). Some of the laws were intended to make the Israelites distinct from other nations (the food and clothing rules). None of the Old Testament law is binding on us today. When Jesus died on the cross, He put an end to the Old Testament law (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:23-25; Ephesians 2:15).

In place of the Old Testament law, we are under the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2), which is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…and to love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). If we obey those two commands, we will be fulfilling all that Christ requires of us: “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:40). Now, this does not mean the Old Testament law is irrelevant today. Many of the commands in the Old Testament law fall into the categories of “loving God” and “loving your neighbor.”

The Old Testament law can be a good guidepost for knowing how to love God and knowing what goes into loving your neighbor. At the same time, to say that the Old Testament law applies to Christians today is incorrect. The Old Testament law is a unit (James 2:10). Either all of it applies, or none of it applies. If Christ fulfilled some it, such as the sacrificial system, He fulfilled all of it. Therefore, getting a tattoo is not something we can be dogmatic about, whether it is Christian in nature or not. Having a tattoo has nothing to do with loving God or loving our neighbor.

--- End of exchange

So what are your thoughts on this? Is this correct, that the law forbidding tattoos in the Old Testament doesn't apply?

 

[starfield]

God forbids tattoo because it is a pagan ritual and believers are to be set apart from worldly practices.
"Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen [pagans], and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them" (Jeremiah 10:2).

 

[Harley_Angel]

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.

 

[iamnotashamed]

I think that tattoos are not God's best for us. He created our bodies, and they are His temples. Why should we alter what God created in any way?

I also think that we should be different than the rest of the world, in our actions, appearance and words. Having tattoos, even of a Christian nature, makes us resemble the rest of the world.

In the end, ask yourself, not if the tattoo is a sin, but if you think that Jesus would get one. If the answer is no, you have your answer. We strive to be like Christ, and that is the goal of our lives.

iamnotashamedthelist.com

 

[CarrierOfChrist]

God forbids tattoo because it is a pagan ritual and believers are to be set apart from worldly practices.
"Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen [pagans], and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them" (Jeremiah 10:2).

Everything that pagans did aren't considered rituals, or "their ways". He meant worshiping their gods and things like that. If he meant don't do anything pagans do, we wouldn't celebrate holidays, or anything at all like that.

Pagans fasted, also. Should we not fast? No, we shouldn't fast for pagan reasons, as we shouldn't get tattoos for pagan reasons.

 

[CarrierOfChrist]

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.

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



1 Corinthians 6:19–20 - (19) Do 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; (20) you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

Personally, I don't think a video game tattoo falls under that category, or the rose for that matter, for the meaning you gave it. Please correct me if I'm wrong, I love these discussions

 

[CarrierOfChrist]

I think that tattoos are not God's best for us. He created our bodies, and they are His temples. Why should we alter what God created in any way?

I also think that we should be different than the rest of the world, in our actions, appearance and words. Having tattoos, even of a Christian nature, makes us resemble the rest of the world.

In the end, ask yourself, not if the tattoo is a sin, but if you think that Jesus would get one. If the answer is no, you have your answer. We strive to be like Christ, and that is the goal of our lives.

iamnotashamedthelist.com

Times have changed. To be like Christ is to try and help get other people saved; if showing them in your outward appearance that you're like them (someone who would get a tattoo) and still a Christian leads them to Christ, then it's worth it.

Jesus wasn't exactly a conformist when he was around. He broke plenty of rules. He changed them too, like saying that every food was alright to eat (Mark 7:19). Does that mean we should only eat the foods He ate or liked to eat?

And, people of the world get their hair cut, they brush and comb their hair, they were nice, clean clothes.. does that mean we shouldn't? There's a line to be drawn somewhere, sure, but as far as tattoos go, I'm thinking as long as it's not a naked woman or anything obviously secular/sinful like that, it should be fine as long as it's to glorify God.

That is, if there's no other verses you guys can think of that would forbid it. Anyone?

 

[watchmen]

So what are your thoughts on this? Is this correct, that the law forbidding tattoos in the Old Testament doesn't apply?

Well, if it does then we are not to get hair cuts or shave either.

Leviticus 19
27 Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.
28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.

 

[starfield]

Times have changed. To be like Christ is to try and help get other people saved; if showing them in your outward appearance that you're like them (someone who would get a tattoo) and still a Christian leads them to Christ, then it's worth it.

Jesus wasn't exactly a conformist when he was around. He broke plenty of rules. He changed them too, like saying that every food was alright to eat (Mark 7:19). Does that mean we should only eat the foods He ate or liked to eat?

And, people of the world get their hair cut, they brush and comb their hair, they were nice, clean clothes.. does that mean we shouldn't? There's a line to be drawn somewhere, sure, but as far as tattoos go, I'm thinking as long as it's not a naked woman or anything obviously secular/sinful like that, it should be fine as long as it's to glorify God.

But one can't be like the world to win the world. You cannot serve two masters at the same time. You can't join pagan tradition to win the pagans...as unintelligent as it sounds it's like saying police should be criminals and commit unlawful acts to correct a criminal. Getting a tattoo to evangelize to me is just stupid and ineffective. It’s like saying “if you can’t beat them, join them”. If you disagree with me, please show me how effective it has been.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2. That verse is self explanatory.

Jesus did not break any rules, He fulfilled the law. If he broke the rules of the Father, then He wouldn't be doing the Father's will. When God gives out commands and one says “it’s too hard to obey so I’m gonna bend the rules a little to suit myself” is sinful.

 

[JennyB]

Well, if it does then we are not to get hair cuts or shave either.

Leviticus 19
27 Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.
28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.

I became a Christian four years ago and I have several tattoos and in my spirit I dont feel they are good and believe in this quote in Leviticus. Sometimes when we want something we listen to what is of our convenience and we can become so permissive because of what we want. Be careful with the choices u take when u are in the path of life, decisions can take u closer or further away from the presence of the Lord. Jesus loves u just how u are and he made u just that way, if He would have wanted u with a butterfly or a cross (or whatever) Im sure He would've designed it specially for u and print it in ur skin. Use ur thoughts in things that help u and get u closer to the Lord. One more thing, dont u think if u felt inside u in ur spirit that they are allright, would u need to ask if tattoos are ok?
God bless u and ur family, remember He loves u.

 

[starfield]

I became a Christian four years ago and I have several tattoos and in my spirit I dont feel they are good and believe in this quote in Leviticus. Sometimes when we want something we listen to what is of our convenience and we can become so permissive because of what we want. Be careful with the choices u take when u are in the path of life, decisions can take u closer or further away from the presence of the Lord. Jesus loves u just how u are and he made u just that way, if He would have wanted u with a butterfly or a cross (or whatever) Im sure He would've designed it specially for u and print it in ur skin. Use ur thoughts in things that help u and get u closer to the Lord. One more thing, dont u think if u felt inside u in ur spirit that they are allright, would u need to ask if tattoos are ok?
God bless u and ur family, remember He loves u.

Nicely said!

 

[CarrierOfChrist]

But one can't be like the world to win the world. You cannot serve two masters at the same time. You can't join pagan tradition to win the pagans...as unintelligent as it sounds it's like saying police should be criminals and commit unlawful acts to correct a criminal. Getting a tattoo to evangelize to me is just stupid and ineffective. It’s like saying “if you can’t beat them, join them”. If you disagree with me, please show me how effective it has been.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2. That verse is self explanatory.

Jesus did not break any rules, He fulfilled the law. If he broke the rules of the Father, then He wouldn't be doing the Father's will. When God gives out commands and one says “it’s too hard to obey so I’m gonna bend the rules a little to suit myself” is sinful.

I was talking about the rules of the day, the laws and rules of the Romans, the Pharisees and Sadducees. They were always second-guessing Christ, asking them why He does things differently and trying to find fault with Him. To them, to the majority, He was a law and rule breaker.

Your analogy of criminals and police is interesting, but I don't think it's an analogy of this particular issue.

Imagine, if you would, you see a man with a tattoo of a Bible verse reference on his hand. It's not the entire verse itself, just the book and number. Wouldn't this cause curiosity in you? Wouldn't it be safe to assume that in that person's lifetime, he will be asked several times what the verse is, and give him an opportunity to share the word of God with someone who otherwise would've just passed him by?

I don't understand how you think a Bible verse would have anything to do with the world, regardless of where it's written, if the intentions are pure (Philippians 4:8). It's spreading the Word, isn't it? It's not like it's being printed on a beer bottle or pack of cigarettes, or being misleading or sinful.

Your verse is self-explanatory, but "conforming to this world" is being SINFUL, not eating at a restaurant or using electricity or driving an automobile, or, I'm starting to believe, getting a tattoo. And, everyone that gets a tattoo isn't doing pagan rituals, just as all of those who are celebrating Christmas on Saturnalia (a pagan holiday) aren't doing pagan rituals, they are celebrating the birth of our saviour, regardless of what it coincides with.

I would like to bring up once again 1 Corinthians 10:31: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." Can I not get a tattoo for the glory of God? Please show me where it says anything about that in the scriptures (besides in the Old Testament, which would be Mosaic Law, which is no longer in effect).

AND, one more thing, tattooing didn't start with the pagans. It was used much earlier than that as a marking for certain tribes (sort of like a license tells people what state your from, except it's etched on your skin). It wasn't a religious ritual then, so giving the pagans the monopoly on something just because they happened to do it and say it was part of their heritage is wrong.

They also gathered around fires and told stories, so does that mean the Boy Scouts are pagans? See where I'm going with this? As long as you're not worshiping their gods or doing something that could only be described as a pagan ritual (chanting prayers to pagan gods, getting tattoos that are explicitly pagan, etc), I don't think you should be accused of such.

 

[MahogonySnail]

I don't believe God's temple should be defiled by grotesque "art". But if it is nice and adds value to God's temple in decorating it, I guess it's fine.

 

[Cup-of-Ruin]

I don't see how tattoos are a sin today. I don't have any myself but I don't have any problem with people that do, obviously if someone goes and tattoos an upside down pentagram on their forehead then that is a differrent story, needs a bit a discernment, I guess...

 

[CarrierOfChrist]

I don't see how tattoos are a sin today. I don't have any myself but I don't have any problem with people that do, obviously if someone goes and tattoos an upside down pentagram on their forehead then that is a differrent story, needs a bit a discernment, I guess...

Wow, Cup-of-Ruin, that's the shortest response I think I've ever seen of yours on here!

 

[doubleedge]

If tattoos on the body are ok, than it is also ok to spray paint the wall of a church with the same thing... SIKE!!!

 

[CarrierOfChrist]

If tattoos on the body are ok, than it is also ok to spray paint the wall of a church with the same thing... SIKE!!!

Uh... no, because that would be going against the law of the land. The Bible says as long as the law of the land doesn't oppose God's law (Acts 5:27–29), we are to obey it (Romans 13:1). Tattoos, however, are against neither (it seems, unless someone can give me a word from the scripture that says otherwise).

Oh, and "sike"? Come on, who uses that anymore? lol

 

[doubleedge]

UNTIL NEW JERUSALEM COME... I HAVE NO LAND

 

[watchmen]

Originally Posted by watchmen

Well, if it does then we are not to get hair cuts or shave either.

Leviticus 19
27 Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.
28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.

I became a Christian four years ago and I have several tattoos and in my spirit I dont feel they are good and believe in this quote in Leviticus. Sometimes when we want something we listen to what is of our convenience and we can become so permissive because of what we want. Be careful with the choices u take when u are in the path of life, decisions can take u closer or further away from the presence of the Lord. Jesus loves u just how u are and he made u just that way, if He would have wanted u with a butterfly or a cross (or whatever) Im sure He would've designed it specially for u and print it in ur skin. Use ur thoughts in things that help u and get u closer to the Lord. One more thing, dont u think if u felt inside u in ur spirit that they are allright, would u need to ask if tattoos are ok?
God bless u and ur family, remember He loves u.

#1 I have a tattoo from before I was saved, but like you do not think it is right ''for me'' to get tattooed after I got saved.
#2 Like I said in my post if we cannot tatoo ourselves because of verse 28 then we must follow verse 27 as well, therefore I could not shave my beard either.
#3 Verse 28 of Leviticus 19 is speaking of getting tatooed for the dead such as some one getting a tattoo that says ''R.I.P DAD'' or something of the sort, it is not talking about tattoos in general.

So as I stated just like you I believe I as a christian should not get a tattoo, so do not assume that I believe as I do about Leviticus ''because of convenience'',. The fact is we are not under the Jewish ''civil law'' as christians, just like we as Americans are not under the laws of Canada.

 

[Harley_Angel]

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



1 Corinthians 6:19–20 - (19) Do 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; (20) you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

Personally, I don't think a video game tattoo falls under that category, or the rose for that matter, for the meaning you gave it. Please correct me if I'm wrong, I love these discussions

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.