QUESTION: Praise the lord pastor, Does the Bible consider tattooing sinful or is it bad to have tattoos as a Christian? Lex Starlord
RESPONSE: Thank you, Lex, for your question. Here is a response, and we hope the Lord will continue to inspire us all on this matter.
What is a Tattoo?
First, let’s define what a tattoo is. Tattoos are permanent markings on the skin made by injecting ink through needles or other technology. Once the ink is deposited into the second layer of skin, known as the dermis, the wound scabs over and the skin heals to reveal a design beneath the new layer of skin. The resulting art is called a tattoo.
Is it Sinful or Bad for a Christian to Have Tattoos?
You asked whether it is sinful or bad to have tattoos as a Christian. Here are two important distinctions to consider:
What is Bad vs What is Sinful
- Bad: The concept of what is bad can be relative. What one person might see as bad, another might not. For example, cultural and personal preferences vary widely.
- Sinful: Sinful behaviour is defined by divine standards and remains unacceptable regardless of cultural or personal approval.
Some Christians might not view having a tattoo as bad. However, this acceptance does not necessarily equate to divine approval. According to Ephesians 2:8-10, we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Our salvation is not contingent on whether or not we have a tattoo.
Whether we choose to get a tattoo or not, it is important that our actions glorify God and not bring Him shame (1 Corinthians 10:31-33). If we feel convicted that getting a tattoo is against divine standards (and therefore sinful), it is crucial to approach others with tolerance and not judgment, especially those who already have tattoos that cannot be removed. This approach reflects the Christian values of love and acceptance.
Beauty
If a tattoo is sought for beauty, there isn’t inherently anything sinful about appreciating beauty, as long as it doesn’t pose a health risk. According to Christian teachings, any act that harms our health can be considered sinful, regardless of its aesthetic appeal. The Bible mentions that we should avoid actions that harm our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:18). This principle can extend to various forms of body modifications, including those in the realm of cosmetology and surgery if they are not medically recommended.
It’s crucial to consider the health implications of getting a tattoo. Honest medical science should be consulted to determine if tattooing poses significant health risks. If medical professionals advise against tattooing due to potential health hazards, then Christians should avoid such practices. The key question to ask is whether the beauty and art of the tattoo might harm your health in the short or long term.
Belief
The history of tattoos reveals that ancient cultures embraced tattooing for both beauty and cultural beliefs. Throughout the world, tattooing has been a significant part of ceremonial rites and social practices. These ancient cultures used tattoos for various reasons, including:
- Protection from Evil Powers: Some cultures believed that tattoos could ward off evil spirits.
- Expressions of Love: Tattoos were sometimes used to declare one’s love for another.
- Recognition of Heroes: Tattoos could honour heroes within a family or community.
- Signifying Status or Religious Beliefs: Tattoos often denoted social status or religious affiliations.
- Adornments: Many tattoos served as body adornments, enhancing beauty and personal expression.
- Forms of Punishment: In some societies, tattoos were used as a form of punishment or to mark criminals.
These diverse reasons highlight the multifaceted role of tattoos in ancient societies, ranging from protective and decorative purposes to social and religious significance.
Contextual Considerations
When we turn to the Bible, we find that as believers in God, we are prohibited from having tattoos according to Leviticus: “You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead, nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:28 NAS). This prohibition was given to the Israelites within a specific historical and cultural context where tattooing was associated with pagan rituals and practices. The intent was to distinguish the Israelites from the surrounding nations and their religious customs. As stated in Leviticus 19:2, “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.“
As believers in the one true God, we are called to influence the world, not to be influenced by it. The Bible instructs us: “When you enter the land which the LORD your God gives you, you shall not learn to imitate the detestable things of those nations” (Deuteronomy 18:9 NAS). Just because the world around us embraces tattoos for various reasons, it doesn’t justify our involvement with them.
We are in the world but not of the world, as God has told us: “I have given them Thy word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask Thee to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth” (John 17:14-17 NAS).
As Christians, our actions should reflect our faith and commitment to God’s standards, distinguishing us from worldly practices that contradict our beliefs.
Conclusion
Finally, whether a tattoo is seen as an expression of beauty or belief, it fundamentally communicates something about who we are. We should be mindful of this communication (Romans 14:22-23). The God who opposes idols and images (Exodus 20:2-5) does not differentiate between Christian or secular tattoos when it comes to His temple, which is our body (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). Our bodies are sacred, and how we choose to adorn them should reflect our respect for God’s standards and teachings.
God bless you.
I invoke Truth, Wisdom, and Faith (2 Timothy 2:7)
Priest Isaiah White Mutabazi Tumwine: (+256 775 822833)
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