Getting your ears pierced is a big deal in so many households. One way Christians adhere to this mandate is to abstain from externally identifying themselves with any visible signs that would link them to the world, its false religions, and immoral behavior. So, why is this verse in the Bible? I don’t think tattoos can be completely prohibited. Not once have I … In answering the question, some cite the reference in Leviticus 19:28: "You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord." I personally would never get a tattoo because I am a big chicken and I would not want to have the pain of getting one inflicted on my body. Wait, there’s more. The only Bible verse that explicitly mentions tattoos is Leviticus 19:28, "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. Unfortunately as tempting and seemingly beautiful as some look regardless of design, no do not get one, yes it is a sin. To properly address the question we need to understand and think about a few things. First of all, just because you get a tattoo of a Christian symbol doesn’t automatically make that tattoo holy and acceptable to God especially when tattoos already violates so many principles in God’s Word. Tattoos are an interesting topic because many people want them, and most people get them as reminders of things they believe in or things they have been through. This means that youth are under their parent’s authority and getting a tattoo without their parent’s permission is … At the same time, it is frankly difficult to envision a scenario in which having a tattoo would enable a greater possibility of evangelism. Some were tattooed for beautification, others for military identification, some for religious significance, and in many cultures social status was identified via tattoos. Our bodies, as well as our souls, have been redeemed and belong to God. Will Honeycutt writing over at Crosswalk.com takes a closer look at Leviticus 19:28 in his effort to answer the question “Should Christians Get Tattoos?” Many had said that they themselves would like to get a tattoo. With this verse in mind, I want to point out flaws in both sides of the argument. The Bible also says that if you think it's a sin, it IS a sin for you. The problem with this line of reasoning is that there are many commands in the Old Testament Law, and in the Book of Leviticus especially, that Christians do not obey. These are difficult and controversial questions in the body of Christ and many believers struggle, wondering if getting a tattoo is a sin. I agree that if you are a Christian, getting tattoo of a skull and cross bones is not a good idea unless there is a very specific spiritual significance around that image with an incredible witness to support it. We get two very important principles from this passage. Also, the mention of cutting your body for the dead perhaps identifies a pagan ritual as the true problem, not necessarily the tattoo itself. Some Christians have found that having tattoos gives them more credibility and connectedness, and thereby more possibilities to evangelize with some groups of people. Christians often ask whether there is anything sinful about getting a tattoo. Thus if we get a tattoo we are causing damage to something sacred. Not if the tattoo honors the love, wisdom, and power of God as expressed in the Bible and in God’s creation. The debate over tattoos and body piercings continues in the Christian community. "If it is in rebellion to parents, it is clearly not acceptable," he said, citing Ephesians 6:1-3, a New Testament's reiteration of the Fifth Commandment. Let's address both the questions and see what we can discern from the Bible. For example, the verse immediately prior states, "Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard" (Leviticus 19:27). Christians often ask whether there is anything sinful about getting a tattoo. If getting a tattoo is a sin then so is eating non-kosher meats and getting haircuts. First, this portion of Leviticus is addressing Israel's behavior and also how they should interact with the pagan nations around them. “TATTOOS AND CHRISTIANS” is a pretty thoughtful post and will likely be a huge benefit to Christians weighing what the Word has to say about getting a tattoo. While tattoos have come to experience mainstream popularity in recent decades, people have been getting tattoos for thousands of years for a variety of reasons. The believer’s body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). Motivations for getting a tattoo such as “to fit in,” “to stand out,” etc., fall short of the glory of God. First Corinthians 10:23-24 notes, "'All things are lawful,' but not all things are helpful. Is getting tattoos a sin against God? What about jewelry. Is God okay with Christians having tattoos? Some say that getting a tattoo is a sin, because in Leviticus the Bible forbids placing any type of mark on the body. If we are going to use Leviticus 19:28 to outlaw tattoos, we should also outlaw everything else that the Old Testament Law forbids. Both relate to Christians and tattoos: 1. Since we have died to the law and all things are lawful (excluding, of course, sin), then the Christian is not under obligation to keep the Old Testament command not to get tattooed. Each tattoo tells a story. The key point is this: Jesus' death fulfilled and completed the Law, ending its requirements on us (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:23-25; Ephesians 2:15). Is that what the church teaches? As a background, please read our article on "Is getting a tattoo a sin?". If getting a tattoo might “grieve” a brother or sister in Christ, then we are not walking in love and that is sin. (“Do not eat meat that has not been drained of its blood,” “Do not trim off the hair on your temples or trim your beards.”). Back then these customs were associated with pagan rites and rituals. A: A tattoo in and of itself is not a sin. Some who oppose tattoos will point to Leviticus 19:28 and say "case closed, it is a sin to get a tattoo." So while it is not expressly condemned, he urged Christians to think hard about their motives for getting tattoos. Copyright 2011-2020 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved. But it … Another thought. Antinomianism is easier because it focuses on the "freedom" in "Christian freedom" while ignoring the "Christian." Interpretations of the passage vary, however. Others believe the Bible makes it quite clear that we need to treat our bodies as temples and not do anything to damage it. Tattoos even if they are Christian tattoos are more likely to … In answering the question, some cite the reference in Leviticus 19:28: "You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord." So if you are thinking of getting a tattoo, think of what the tattoo means, and of what messages it will send to the people around you. It depends on who you ask. To properly address the question we need to understand and think about a few things. Most people who use this argument will again point to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 claiming that tattooing is … Privacy Policy. (Leviticus 19:28) I wanted to get a small tattoo of a dove (about 2 cm in width & length), but according to the Bible, getting a tattoo is a sin. Remember, if tattooing is a sin, then so is shaving the beard -- if we were to retain its command and the ones with it. Therefore, the law against tattoos is not binding on followers of Jesus Christ. When we are not sure if something is sinful, we should always … At least nothing definitive. So I think a Christian should carefully consider if their tattoo would be a good work in Christ, an expression of godliness and thankfulness from the heart, demonstrating peace and joy and contentment in God. The short answer is...nothing. The tattoo is the recovery symbol for eating disorders. Perhaps the most applicable verse on the question of whether getting a tattoo is a sin would be Romans 14:23, "For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin." And not if it displays our love for our fellow human beings. As already stated, Christians are under the moral Law for Christian living. By Matt Coker TATTOOED TESTIMONY Today, I want to talk about tattoos and whether or not getting one is considered sinful.But first, a confession: I have a tattoo. The tattoo itself may not be a sin, but the motivation in getting it might be. My tattoo represents my battle with anorexia. This means that youth are subject to the Law that requires they honor father and mother ( Ex 12:20 ). © Copyright 2018-2020 Got Questions Ministries. All rights reserved. Per Leviticus 19:28 as Shoetoyou pointed out as well "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord." Christian Truth. ... As I said in the OP, getting a vulgar tattoo is obviously a sin, but what are some other reasons why getting a tattoo may be wrong? Getting tattoos can cause conflicts in families, especially when teenagers want them, and their parents do not want them to get one. If having a tattoo genuinely opens doors for evangelism that would otherwise be closed, getting Christian tattoos would likely “qualify” under Paul’s “becoming all things” qualification. Aside from the general issue of tattoos, many wonder if tattoos of a Christian nature are okay. A few decades ago tattoos were sinful in Christianity. Some Christians feel it would be a sin to get a tattoo. A. Its placement on my right hand — the hand I eat with — is a reminder that my recovery is three-times-a-day journey. 2. "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. All are welcome to participate. Tattoos are a mockery to God and one of the most ridiculous things ever is they even have Christian tattoo shops. Now as we get closer to the coming of the Antichrist and more and more celebrities are getting tattoos all over their bodies, Christians want to follow. The go-to argument against Christians getting tattoos is that our bodies are God’s temple. How can I know what is a sin and what isn't? Nor was the public reception of my new tattoo taken lightly. I am the LORD." But there are many people who choose to express themselves through tattoos. Should Christian women use make-up? I am the LORD." I'm not sure if I should get one or not. Today, it is unlikely a Christian would say it's morally wrong for women to wear pantyhose. AdQ. Many of us can remember growing up begging their moms to let us get them done and … r/Christianity: /r/Christianity is a subreddit to discuss Christianity and aspects of Christian life. Does getting a tattoo today violate this spiritual principle? Most shirts I wear cover it up. Some Christians are strongly motivated to get faith based tattoos. We have been planning to celebrate by getting tattoos. What does the Bible say about tattoos? There are some Christians who believe it is a sin. The Hebrew prohibition is based on interpreting Leviticus 19:28—"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you"—so as to prohibit tattoos, and perhaps even makeup.. Perhaps the answer to this question is not as straightforward as we … Read More Read More I did not make the decision to get a tattoo lightly. The verse in the Bible that most Christians make reference to is Leviticus 19:28, which says,"You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord." My mother says getting a tattoo is a sin. Are tattoos a sin? There are many faithful Christians with tattoos, and there are a lot of Christians with strong feelings, pro and con, about tattoos. :| Christians rightfully ask what the Bible says about tattoos. Is getting a tattoo a sin? It doesn't mean it's a sin for EVERYONE. It’s high on my inner forearm. Three of my friends and I all turn 18 in the same month. People rarely notice it. Some Christians take issue with tattooing, upholding the Hebrew prohibition (see below). I'm sure there are many arguments either way. Is getting a tattoo a sin? Some people don’t believe body piercing is a sin at all, that God allowed it, so it’s okay. A tattoo is a form of art that happens to be done on a person’s body. Today they are not. No Christian even up to a century ago would ever even think of doing anything like this, but now that we’re living more and more in open rebellion against God and rebelling against that “old book with old rules” which we convince ourselves that it’s okay to rebel against as long as the “message” of the tattoo is nice or pleasant to look at. Some Christians are strongly motivated not to get faith based tattoos.