TATTOOS! Christians with tattoos, Christian tattoos and Christian tattooists, what does the Bible teach about the current style of body décor? If the Scriptures tell us that tattooing is a behavior that God says is wrong in any way, then it’s certainly off limits for God’s followers. But does the Bible teach that God forbids tattoos and other cosmetic body modifications? NO! Nowhere in the Bible does it say that tattoos are evil, demonic, or dishonoring to God. God is completely cool with tattoos as long as they don’t go against his name and they are not used as a part of a religious cultic worship ritual. What most people (who ironically HAVE tattoos) use for their argument to say that God hates tattoos and they are not ok is a scripture verse from the Old Testament book of Leviticus:

“Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:28 — NIV

At first glance this passage seems to indicate that a tattoo is forbidden for Christians. Unfortunately even pastors neglect a deep study of Scripture, hence they never truly understand the intent of this verse. In this passage God is speaking to his covenant people Israel. He is specifically telling them to stay away from the religious practices of the surrounding people groups. The prohibited religious practices in these verses include eating bloody meat, fortune telling, certain hair cuts related to the priests of false cults, cutting or marking the body for dead relatives, cultic prostitution and consulting psychics. All these practices would lead God’s beloved people away from Him and toward false gods that were not Gods at all. In the midst of this context we find the word translated “tattoo marks” in verse 28. The context of this passage is not one of body décor but one of marking one’s self in connection with cultic religious worship. THE ONLY THING IT IS REFERRING TO IS MARKING YOUR BODY AS AN ACT OF CULTIC RELIGIOUS WORSHIP! The “tattoo” marks described in Leviticus 19:28 were clearly related to false religious practices. This could have been a form of branding, scarring, cutting or a process where ink was inlaid into the skin; used in the context of cultic religious worship. The prohibition against tattooing here was to keep the Israelites from being involved or affiliated with cultic worship practices.

The tattoo of today is much different than it was for those who originally received the Pentateuch. Today tattoo is a decorative means of self expression and personal decoration. In our current culture people modify their appearance for beauty in many ways such as clothing choice, makeup, plastic surgery, haircutting and coloring, weight loss, body-building, and ear piercing. Some of these practices have a history in ancient ritual and false religion, but in our cultural context they don’t show a connection with evil or false faith. Hmm, interesting, yet somehow people in the church will scoff and turn away from other people b/c they have an awesome inlay of artistic ink on their skin. It seems kind of hypocritical to me that people would not even think twice about judging someone who has a tattoo, yet they overlook their own obsession with plastic surgeries or weight altercations. Tattoos today do not link the wearer to cultic worship practices and is not generally practiced for ancient religious purposes; tattoos today are for ornamentation and awesomeness.

A further reason to believe Christians are free to tattoo their bodies is that New Testament believers are not bound by the Old Testament laws to gain or regain right relationship with God. If we were to obey the laws of the Old Testament we would also be bound by rules that would restrict shellfish and pork eating, hairstyles, wearing of clothes made from two different fabrics, even eating cheese on hamburgers (yes, it is true). So if you live by these Old Testament laws and you believe that tattoos are evil, and you are currently wearing clothes made of linen and cotton, you should check the dictionary again of what a hypocrite is.

Some also feel that modifying the body somehow defiles God’s creation, but if this was true would it be right to pierce ears, remove cysts or tumors, cut hair, clip nails, get a tan or use hair care products? Getting a tattoo is a deeply personal choice that falls in the category of personal appearance and is vitally connected to the freedom of the believer. The Apostle Paul reminds us that the Old Testament Law was designed by God to lead people toward Jesus. Now that Jesus has come and set us free, we are not under the law for our good standing with God. Our right standing before God comes from placing our trust in Jesus’ death on the cross to pay for our debts, not on following the Old Testament regulations.

As New Testament followers of Jesus we are not under restriction in the area of personal décor. Tattoos of today can describe images that merely please the wearer, or have deeper meaning to the owner. Many Christians today are tattooing themselves not in tribute to a false idol or anti-Christian deity, but with love for the one true God and Creator. All I have to say to that is…at least they care enough about other people to use a great way to evangelize people who may also have tattoos. Many today utilize this permanent marking a way of giving glory to God, and that is amazing. Some find that Christian tattoos attract questions about faith and provide opportunities to give God glory by allowing the story-telling of His Love to those who aren’t convinced yet. See, hear, and experience the testimonies of Tattooed followers of Jesus.

Tattoos are a significant life-choice and should be only entered into with a great deal of forethought. In whatever you believe about this issue I hope that you will leave gracious space for others who might feel differently. Just remember one thing when you get it: make sure it will look even more awesome as you get old and flabby, ahah. So, final thoughts: Tattoos are OK and God probably thinks they are cool…by the way, Jesus has about 3 markings on his body too…hmm, I wonder how many people will step up to him and say he’s a terrible person b/c of that.

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