To Tattoo or Not To?

I think the scripture Leviticus 19:28 makes it clear that God is not pleased with tattoos and self-inflicted markings on our bodies. Thus, we should not do so if we desire to please God.

Roger’s Testimony of Jesus Christ

This link is a testimony by Roger who is an ex-gangbanger from Los Angeles. He once had tattoos on his face and still has some on his body. But he has had most removed and always keeps the others covered since he became a Christian.

I have 3 tattoo’s but i done them before i was saved, my mum who’s a christian told me when i got them we are not meant to mark and disfigure our bodies and as it’s been already said it’s in the bible and if we are christians we are to follow the word of God and if he says no to it then it’s No, it’s not about what we think it’s about what He thinks. I can’t do nothing about the tattoo’s now but i prayed for forgiveness and i believe i’ve been forgiven and all i can do now is not get another tattoo now that i am a believer and if you are an believer you won’t get one or if you already have them you won’t get anymore!

I could hardly imagine writing that there is not a command that does not say that “thou shalt not have tattoo”. I agree that Lev.19:28, is sufficient to show that God condemns such markings.
In addition to this, how does the effort to do missions where tribal marks and ‘jesus tattoos’ are forbidden work. In almost ever instance that I have done overseas missions work, the people who we went to would have be horrified to find that Christians were doing such to their bodies. This idea of personal identification and cultural trends is almost completely forgetting our desperate need to get to all people for the gospel.

Go ask a converted tribal leader in West Africa about getting a “Christian” tattoo…Watch his response. That’s all I got to say.

Let your light so shine before men that they may see your “good works” and glorify your Father who is in heaven. We are called to be “peculiar people.” Peculiar people live their lives in obedience to the Holy Bible–whether or not we agree with or understand fully what the Lord is saying to us. We need not reflect the common culture, because we should not be common people.

I am a christian and am also in the throws of writing a book on christianity and tattooing. I used to be a person that was anti tattooing and since i began my study into it many years ago, i inturn have changed my opinion! Initially what lead to this was my wifes cultural tattoos, as she is polynesian & christian. What i have found is a long list of social opinion that has governed religious attitudes rather then Gods moral laws! Tattooing itself, the word never entered the english language till after Capt Cook sailed the pACIFIC OCEAN, Sir j,banks recorded it from the tahitians, the bible did not include the word till after Cooks time! what i discuss in my book should prove enlightening and add to christian freedom! will keep ya’ll posted!

peace!

thanx for the blog!

I don’t see a problem with tattoos, depending on the reason for getting them. I know Christians who have gotten them for the sake of witnessing, a good conversation starter. Others for more personal reasons, whether it be apologetic, a sign of their faith, favorite verse, etc.

Sure the Bible frowns upon tattoos, but it was really talking about tattoos when they were the epicenter of cults. We also weren’t supposed to eat meat with blood, slaughter and animal every year, every 49 years is supposed to be the Jubilee year, and I’m certain that most Christians don’t properly use the Sabbath Day.

So I think that it’s all about intent, it should be well thought out, prayed about, even talked to with a mentor before you go about getting a tattoo.

I think what this topic is really about is “Are we bound to follow the OT Law?” Afterall, the tattoo prohabition is not repeated in the NT. Perhaps this is one of the laws, like circumcision, that stems not from a moral imperative, but from God’s desire to set the Jews apart from other cultures. If that’s the case, then its not a sin, but it may be unwise, especially certain kinds of tattoos. Afterall, “all things are permitted, but not all things are profitable” (1 Cor 6:12)

my name is israel, i been a christian as long as i can remember. im a youth pastor in my church and have been considering getting a tattoo. I prayed for 3 years to Jesus to give me the conviction to tell me whether getting a tattoo was a sin or not. to give me the conviction of it is right for me to do it or not. I went with it and got it done. No conviction no nothing. i loved the way my tattoo came out AFTER i was a believer. God continues to use me, continues to speak to me, continues to use me as a tool in his mighty kingdom. And yet….God still loves me and doesnt condemn me…so why should people comdemn another brother or sister in christ….God bless you

Interesting the two conflicting interpretations.

I ran into that interning at a faith-based after school program. I was in charge of the computer lab, and tattoos came up in the discussion of two fourth grade girls; one said “My Mom said the Bible says tattoos are a sin”, and the other girl’s eyes got really wide, then she quietly said “My Mom has a tattoo.” They both looked up at me and I froze – I had no idea what to. I felt that I couldn’t confirm either stance without going against something that one or the other’s mother has taught them. Then they casually asked me if they could look up some Barbie website.

At this same community center, one of the fourth grade boys (who was quite clever) would proudly show you his three tattoos. One on each arm and one on his ankle/leg. I never asked him or his church-going mother any questions about it.

I’ve been a Christian since I was a kid, because it was the right thing to do, but lately, I’ve connected with God as a loving, heavenly, gracious, forgiving father that is not beating us down for everything we do wrong, but rather picking us back up when we fall. I have almost both arms covered in tattoos, and they help me to witness on a daily basis. I have no intentions of stopping until I feel God wants me to. And for someone to one verse from the Bible, out of context, to push their beliefs, is no different than Heaven’s Gate, David Koresh, or any other radical that manipulated the Bible to say what they wanted it to say…..not what God meant for it to say.