In contemporary society, tattoos have drastically increased in popularity; people have different meanings for them, including self-expression, cultural identity, or religious devotion. With this increase in popularity comes the question for many Christians: What does the Bible say about tattoos? Can believers get tattoos? Or are they forbidden by scripture? This paper aims to provide perspectives within the Bible regarding tattoos and their correlation to faith in modern times.
Old Testament Perspective
The Old Testament has only one line that speaks almost directly to tattoos, which is in the Book of Leviticus:
Leviticus 19:28: “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.”
Like other biblical injunctions in the Old Testament, this one comes from the Mosaic Law that was given to the Israelites. The context states that God was trying to prevent other cultures from idol worship and mourning practices. In ancient cultures, people would often link the marking of their bodies to superstitions, false gods, and ancestor worship. God’s command to Israel aimed at distinguishing them from the surrounding nations, engaging them to restrain from these nations’ idolatrous customs.
New Testament Perspective
Looking at it from the New Testament’s side, it appears to be silent on the question of tattooing. Still, there are some principles that should govern a Christian in making such decisions: –
The Body as a Temple: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” While this passage primarily refers to sexual purity, it does emphasize treating the body with respect and care.
Christian Freedom and Conscience: Romans 14:23 teaches that “whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” This suggests that if a believer has doubts about getting a tattoo, they should refrain. However, if one is fully convinced that it does not go against their faith, then it may not be inherently wrong.
Avoiding Worldliness: Romans 12:2 advises Christians not to conform to worldly patterns but to be transformed by renewing their minds. Some argue that getting tattoos may be an attempt to fit into secular culture, while others see it as a neutral form of self-expression.
Contemporary Understanding of Christian Perspectives on Tattoos
Contemporary Christianity holds a range of views concerning tattoos. For some Christians, tattoos represent a vehicle of witnessing as they get verses or Christian symbols tattooed on their bodies. Other Christians completely refrain from tattoos, regarding them as trivial or even disrespectful to God.
Questions to Consider Before Getting a Tattoo:
- Does this tattoo glorify God?
- What is my motivation for getting a tattoo?
- Will this tattoo become a stumbling block for others in their faith?
- Am I honoring my body as a temple of the Holy Spirit?
- What does my conscience say about this decision?
Tattooing seems to always stir religious debate. In my mind, while Leviticus 19:28 prohibits tattoos, its context suggests it was intended to restrict pagan practices rather than openly condemn body art. The New Testament is silent on the issue of tattoos, either for or against, but it guides people to act as believers in a God-glorifying manner.
Getting a tattoo is a deeply personal decision that can only be made wisely after praying and studying the Bible. Tattoos can serve the purpose of meaningfully expressing one’s faith, but believers need to analyze their reasons and the tattoos’ implications for their personal lives and those of others around them.
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