Is it wrong or OK for Christians to get tatoos

[Tee828]

My neice recently told her mom that she has been praying about getting a tatoo on her body. She said God told her it was alright to get a tatoo. I asked her what type of tatoo was her daughter getting and she said it was the name of Jesus in Chinese lettering. Her mom believes it will be alright in the sight of the Lord.

I am not saying one way or the other, but would like to ask if anyone has scripture supporting tatoos or condemning tatoos. I would like to be able to show her other people's comments outside of our family who she feels is biased.

God Bless and thank you all in advance for your comments

[Rylee]

Leviticus 19:28.

www.xtat.org (http://www.xtat.org) has a lot of info on tattoos and Christianity, too. They have pros and cons and pretty much any argument you could think of for both sides of the debate. It's a great place to find out why some people think it's wrong and some people think it's alright.

Here is a past debate on the forum about this topic:

http://www.christianchatforum.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=717 (http://www.christianchatforum.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=717&highlight=tattoo)

[Rylee]

Here is an article that helped me make the decision whether or not to get inked.

The Bible & Tattoos Back to The Bible and Tattoos
Reprinted from Eternal Ink, Volume 1, Issue 2

Many, if not all of us, in the world of tattoo have had Leviticus 19:28 thrown in our faces - "You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord." Usually it is meant to condemn either our profession or our obviously decorated skin. So what is a Christian tattooist or tattoo enthusiast to say? Is tattooing indeed defiling the temple of the Holy Spirit? Are we callously ignoring God’s commandment?

Let’s shed some light on the subject by looking at it through Scriptural doctrines - the law with its conviction, and grace with its freedom.

First, by researching references to Leviticus 19:28, we find it refers to a heathen practice meant to invoke the attention of pagan gods - and usually by means of cutting oneself to "prove" one’s sincerity (see also Leviticus 21:5, Jeremiah 16:6, and Deuteronomy 14:1). It was an attempt to make oneself worthy to approach some graven image of a god through self-abasement. God rightly admonished His chosen people not to follow the pagan rituals of such false "religions".

However, some critics will still hold fast to the literal letter of the law and conclude that regard- less of its textual meaning, the act of tattooing is still forbidden. Granted, the entire Bible is indeed the inspired literal Word of the living God, but it also represents a progressive revelation of its Author - His nature, His grace and His plan for redemption. Taken in the context of God’s plan to restore mankind into fellowship with Him, the law was given to show us that we could not redeem ourselves by our own efforts.

Paul writes in Romans that no man will be justified by the law - that it was given to reveal sin. Only through faith in the free gift of God’s grace, found in the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ, can man be justified (Romans 3:20-26). In fact, Jesus actually redeemed us from the law and its curse (Galatians 3:13, see also Galatians 3:22).

But if one wants to live by the law - the Old Covenant - then one must keep all of it (James 2:10). Transgressing any part of the law means we are guilty of transgressing all of it. According to Levitical law, we may not eat the meat of rabbits or pigs (Leviticus 11:6-7), nor lobsters, crabs, prawns, oysters or clams (Leviticus 11:10-12). Hybrid breeding of livestock and mixing linen and wool in fabrics is prohibited (Leviticus 19:19). Shaving the sides of your head (being clean shaven) or disfiguring the edges of your beard (trimming) are also forbidden (Leviticus 19:27). So - if you’ve ever eaten a pork sandwich, dined on Maine lobster, trimmed your beard or worn a wool blend suit - or have gotten a tattoo - you’re guilty under the law!

Thank God that He has provided a better way for us to be reconciled to Him! A New Covenant! Romans 5:1-2 says we are justified by faith, given right standing with God through the Lord Jesus Christ (see also Romans 5:8-11). The entire 5th chapter of Galatians deals with this issue - contrasting the law and liberty, the lusts of the flesh and the fruits of the Spirit.

Under the New Covenant, all the law is fulfilled in loving God with all your heart, soul and mind and loving your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:36-40). Jesus fulfilled the law and now our right standing with God is based upon His right standing. Our righteousness is based upon His righteousness - not on the law. Galatians 2:21 puts it this way, "I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain."

In Paul’s day there was controversy over whether a believer would be defiled by eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols. Paul addressed this at length. In his understanding, the eating of that meat was neither good nor bad of itself. It was the attitude of the heart that was important. Heart motive either cleansed the meat or condemned the eater. Yet while all things were legal to Paul, not all things were without consequences. (Read the 14th chapter of Romans and 1 Corinthians, chapter 8.) Paul affirmed the freedom we have in Christ, but he also warned us to beware that our liberty does not become a stumbling block for others. With liberty comes responsibility. A word of caution: do not flaunt your Christian freedom. One man’s freedom can be another’s downfall.

Yeah, so what about our body being the "temple" of God? Isn’t it defiled by tattooing? Well, let’s look at the context of those scriptures (1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19, 2 Corinthians 6:16). In the first instance, Paul is addressing envy, strife and division in the church at Corinth and warning them to be careful of what is built upon the foundation laid down by Jesus lest the temple be defiled. In chapter 6, he refers to sexual immorality as defiling the temple of the body. In 2 Corinthians Paul warns against tainting the bodily temple with idol worship.

Jesus Himself said in Matthew 15:11 that it is what comes out of the mouth of man that defiles him - that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34-35). It is the love, purity and faith that comes out of your heart that keeps your temple holy - or it is the strife, immorality and unbelief within your heart that defiles it.

Personally, I don’t see what all the fuss is about. As Christians we should take dead aim at the devil and his unholy minions - not at brothers and sisters in the Lord who happen to be decorated (or those who are not). Paul himself advises us not to engage in foolish disputes and arguments over the law. He calls it useless and unprofitable (Titus 3:9). Besides, once that machine starts buzzing, I’ve got a great opportunity to have the undivided attention of my customer to share the good news - should he or she have "ears to hear"...

And if all else fails, just tell those critics of tattooing that Leviticus 19:28 states: "You shall not... tattoo any marks on you." - this obviously means don’t tattoo yourself, go to a professional!



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Verses as quoted above from the NIV:

Leviticus 11:6-7 - The rabbit, though it chews the cud, does not have a split hoof; it is unclean for you. And the pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you.

Leviticus 11:10-12 - But all creatures in the seas or streams that do not have fins and scales - whether among all the swarming things or among all the other living creatures in the water - you are to detest. And since you are to detest them, you must not eat their meat and you must detest their carcasses. Anything living in the water that does not have fins and scales is to be detestable to you.

Leviticus 19:19 - Keep my decrees. Do not mate different kinds of animals. Do not plant your field with two kinds of seed. Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material.

Leviticus 19:27 - Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.

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

Leviticus 21:5 - Priests must not shave their heads or shave off the edges of their beards or cut their bodies.

Deuteronomy 14:1 - You are the children of the LORD your God. Do not cut yourselves or shave the front of your heads for the dead.

Jeremiah 16:6 - Both high and low will die in this land. They will not be buried or mourned, and no one will cut himself or shave his head for them.

Matthew 12:34-35 - You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.

Matthew 15:11 - What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean', but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean'.

Matthew 22:36-40 - "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Romans 3:20-26 - Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished - he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

Romans 5:1-2 - Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

Romans 5:8-11 - But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

1 Corinthians 3:16 - Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?

1 Corinthians 6:19 - Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.

2 Corinthians 6:16 - What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."

Galatians 2:21 - I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!

Galatians 3:13 - Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree."

Galatians 3:22 - But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

Titus 3:9 - But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.

James 2:10 - For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.



There is another online article that I found that may be of some interest to you. You may find the link biased, but it presents a case based on scripture so I feel as though it is alright to post: The Bible and Tattoos (http://www.religioustattoos.net/Bible_Support/index.php)

[god'schild219]

Hello Tee828,
I am writing in reference to your question about your niece and the tattoo she wants. In the scripture Leviticus 19:28 it states "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord." This is the answer to you and your niece answer about tattoos.

[arathorn]

1 Corinhitans 3:16-17 describes the body as a temple of God. How would you feel if the Lord's temple had grafitti on it? I know He doesn't like it, and I think it's a blot on its beauty.

[bliss]

I agree with Rylee on this. The book of Leviticus and the referenced verse seems to be the only one that makes mention of tatoos. If we were to abide by that then we should also abide by all the other rules that were mentioned as well. How can we take a portion of the book but not the rest?

[larry]

Sister Rylee, this is one of my all time favorite posts. Thanks so much for the great information and may God continue to bless you in your ministry to His glorification in Jesus' name - larry

[Rylee]

What one person describes as 'graffiti', another may feel is 'decoration'. The situation you're describing is a matter of personal preference.

[Brad]

As previously mentioned the only verse specifically declaring tatoos illegal is Lev. 19:28. The pagans tatooed themselves to appease gods/idols. Therefore, it was considered to be connected with idol worship. Therefore, God made it illegal for the Israelites to mark their bodies in any such fashion.

Jesus told the Jewish people that He did not come to change the law, not one letter (tittle) of it (Mt. 5:17-18). Paul says we are to be Christlike (Gal. 3:27). As concerning gentiles Paul said that gentiles were not bound by the outward traditions of the law. In Romans chapter 8 Paul discussed the eating of meat dedicated to idols. Paul said there was nothing wrong with it for the mature Christian knew that idols are not real gods, but fake. Therefore eating meat bought at meat markets outside the pagan temple was all right.

However, Paul recognized that there were some weak minded Christians that were against eating meat offered up to idols. Paul said then for love of these brothers and sisters he would not eat the meat. For it might cause the weaker Christians to fall. Jesus said we should never be the cause of offence to a Child of God (Matthew 18:6).

I would also question whether it was God's will for your sister to have a tatoo or was it her will to have one. We must be careful when listening to God and interpreting what he wants for us. We should be guided not only by prayer, but also by scripture, and our elder Christian brothers and sisters.

[Solus]

Rylee-no offense but that link you posted is completely wrong!

1) Are you Jewish or is anyone here of a Hebrew background?

You cannot get married in the temple if you are of orthodoxy with tats! A little history will spell this out.Jesus fulfilled the laws that were ceremonial.........not moral.

Tattoos draw attention to MAN,NOT The Lord! period and given the appearence of evil concept-tattoos historically are associated with tribes and more recently the armed service and presently prison and gangs! NOT suitable for the Christian.They have been around longer than Jesus, before the first century yet Jesus did NOT have one! Don't we do and act as Christ did.The levitical law on this is of moral stature,NOT ceremonial thus we do not dismiss this as an OT issue not relavent today! WE are to be set apart from the World not assimulate it.This is the very thing that promotes homeschooling! TO OBSTAIN FROM THE WORLD AND IT'S WAYS and to avoid the trap of COMMERCIALISM of which we are too easily brainwashed. In addition,dyed hair,tats,pants dragging on the ground,guys with earrings and things like this are a distraction to our personal holiness and useless to our testimony. Why would we want to show the World we love their groovy ways and we also watch TV too much and except the influence.There is NO God honoring reason anyone in here will come up with to justify getting a tattoo!

[old_spartan]

Rylee-no offense but that link you posted is completely wrong!

1) Are you Jewish or is anyone here of a Hebrew background?

You cannot get married in the temple if you are of orthodoxy with tats! A little history will spell this out.Jesus fulfilled the laws that were ceremonial.........not moral.

Tattoos draw attention to MAN,NOT The Lord! period and given the appearence of evil concept-tattoos historically are associated with tribes and more recently the armed service and presently prison and gangs! NOT suitable for the Christian.They have been around longer than Jesus, before the first century yet Jesus did NOT have one! Don't we do and act as Christ did.The levitical law on this is of moral stature,NOT ceremonial thus we do not dismiss this as an OT issue not relavent today! WE are to be set apart from the World not assimulate it.This is the very thing that promotes homeschooling! TO OBSTAIN FROM THE WORLD AND IT'S WAYS and to avoid the trap of COMMERCIALISM of which we are too easily brainwashed. In addition,dyed hair,tats,pants dragging on the ground,guys with earrings and things like this are a distraction to our personal holiness and useless to our testimony. Why would we want to show the World we love their groovy ways and we also watch TV too much and except the influence.There is NO God honoring reason anyone in here will come up with to justify getting a tattoo!
I have recently been considering a tattoo myself. Not too large, but a visual reminder to myself of the permanence of Christ in my life. Other than the obvious, how is a small tat much different than cross necklaces, WWJD bracelets, bumper stickers, et al, that are a visible sign to others of your faith.

As I said, if I get a tat, it would be a cross or image of Christ that would remind me daily of His presence, and something that cannot or should not be hidden. Not something so showy that says "Hey look at me". Maybe I'm way off base here.

I haven't decided on one yet. Any thoughts on my outlook?

[Rufus]

I haven't decided on one yet. Any thoughts on my outlook?

Please read this before you do it....To Tattoo or not to Tattoo (http://www.av1611.org/tattoos/intro.html).

[god'schild219]

old spartan didn't the bible say in the ot and the nt that do not replicate anything in the heavens, or in the earth or under the earth, so anything that is associated with crosses, or images of such nature should not be used.

[Solus]

I have recently been considering a tattoo myself. Not too large, but a visual reminder to myself of the permanence of Christ in my life.

the indwelling holy spirit<Christian friends and offspring! Your BIBLE and the works of God all day long plus prayer are not enough for you??? Seems they were plenty for the Apostles! if they thought as you then consider this,why didn't they get tattoos?


Other than the obvious, how is a small tat much different than cross necklaces, WWJD bracelets, bumper stickers, et al, that are a visible sign to others of your faith.

This is silly because these things are not permanent like the tattoo. And you have ignored a few of my statements of fact. JEWISH people are not to attend service if the body is mared with tattoos! ( nor to marry someone with tats in the temple)why is this? You may want to think this through............your witness to them if you have evangelical concerns is dismissed(though I do not know where you live and there may not be practicing Jews there). Again do think this through............would Jesus get a tattoo??? that question alone should tell you something about what is important to God and how Christ may have viewed the World's practices on such things. You are trapped in a cultural practice that has nothing to do with your personal holiness you strive for.




As I said, if I get a tat, it would be a cross or image of Christ that would remind me daily of His presence, and something that cannot or should not be hidden. Not something so showy that says "Hey look at me". Maybe I'm way off base here.

you're off base.......shall I list 1000 prominent men of Christian history that woulds not even fill their minds with this distraction to what is importantr for you? It does say;"hey look at me",even if you don't understand how other's will view it! If I saw it on you I might ask you which prison did you receive Christ in and what were you in for??? So like the pharasees it draws attention to you and your life,not the life if Christ and I am sorry to be so hard core but if you are now going to say you'll use that situation to explain the changed or new life in Christ,I must tell you that this is no different than the unaccountable Christian street person who holds up a sign all day on your busy corner with a bible verse or two on it! It's a very poor witness because it is simply a very INCOMPLETE presentation of the Gospel. Neither a bible verse sign nor a tattoo will lead someone to Christ though God can use all things ET. It's not what Christ would do in either case and hasn't done!



I haven't decided on one yet. Any thoughts on my outlook?

it's biblically baseless and very subjective. It would seem your only decision to make is weather Christ would do it in your shoes or not!!!!!!!! The answer is a resounding NO! I pray you follow Christ's example instead of thinking (or feeling) "outside the book" Solus Scriptura my friend.....Solus Scriptura

Wisdom is the rule of the day-NOT how we feel about things! The Bible was not designed to make you "feel" good but to BE good! :)

[Solus]

She said God told her it was alright to get a tatoo.


Where in scripture did God tell her it was ok??? God does not answer prayer apart from scripture..........this is a little concerting. And the real issue here is why would you even pray for this kind of thing when the value to the Christian would be so tiny compared to so many other things that should be on your neice's mind and heart~






I asked her what type of tatoo was her daughter getting and she said it was the name of Jesus in Chinese lettering. Her mom believes it will be alright in the sight of the Lord.

I am not saying one way or the other, but would like to ask if anyone has scripture supporting tatoos or condemning tatoos. I would like to be able to show her other people's comments outside of our family who she feels is biased.

God Bless and thank you all in advance for your comments[/QUOTE]

[hisredeemed]

Leviticus 19:28, 21:5,6,8 --->Matthew 5:17 very clear

and Galatians 6:17 are the scars the same as Jesus'. After Paul was lashed.

Not to mention that tatooing, starting back thousands of years, have a very strong connection to the identification of criminals. Hmmmm, sounds familiar, no?

And I don't see how God can turn back on His own Word. He is the same, yesterday, today and forever. So I don't understand how He can tell someone it's alright to tatoo their body when He is specific about not marking the bodies of the righteous.

We are set apart ones and should not desire to be like the world. We are told to be in this world but not of. How can anyone tell the difference if we don't act any different?

[Solus]

but why would we care what any person "describes" as either? These are subjective and have foundation in scripture

"Sola Scriptura" in operation Rylee and hisredeemed "nailed" it! :0

[GREEKGURL1]

Hi,

In My Opinion I Think That We Are Not To Be Like The World And If We Tattoo Ourselves Then We Look Like Everyone Else..right? If You Look At Most Of The People They Have Tattoo's And Why Do You Wanna Look Like Everyone Else?we Are To Stand Out !:)
Sister In Christ,
Kelley

[tara2294]

I look at tattoos as art. It's something beautiful on your body, like make-up. Those of you who disagree with tattoos, do you wear make-up? Maybe you shouldn't since it's something marking your body and everyone does it... Anyways, I think they're pretty in moderation and I have a butterfly on my ankle that I got 12 years ago and still love. Just my opinion.

[Solus]

I for one do NOT wear make up! though I can still bench press over 530 pounds~ :)

[Tee828]

She said God told her it was alright to get a tatoo.


Where in scripture did God tell her it was ok??? God does not answer prayer apart from scripture..........this is a little concerting. And the real issue here is why would you even pray for this kind of thing when the value to the Christian would be so tiny compared to so many other things that should be on your neice's mind and heart~


I too was suspicious when she said "God told her it was ok." Her mom said she had prayed for a year about it before she got this answer. I told her mom again to seek the Lord's guidance and referred her to the scripture in Leviticus. She said that scripture was in the old testament and so it did not apply to this situation. I disagree because I truly believe in the complete Word of God from Genesis through Revelations.

She doesn't see how one little tatoo could cause any harm.

[Solus]

apart from ceremonial law vs. moral law of the OT,she still has to answer for th act her prayer is allegedly ansered outside of scripture.......which is bad theology. her mother is being subjective and relying on her feelings to determine the will of God... sad situation

[Solus]

looks like Mr.T understands the value of NOT drawing attention to himself and/or the appearence of evil so he is taking off the gold jewelry (over kill) and humbling himself to more of a less pretencios image. Good for him he has always seemed solid in his carte and defense of Christian principles.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,203547,00.html

[Brad]

What really declares us as Christians is our lives. The Jewish believed in external marks (circumcision, diets, washings, robes, facial hair, etc.). But Jesus and Paul believed that the real marks of a Godly person was an inward mark (Matthew 23:25; Romans 2:29; Heb. 8:10; 2 Cor. 3:3). Being retired USN Petty Officer I saw many tatoos in the Navy. My Mother made me promise that I would never get one. I didn't, but I saw a lot of them. One thing about a tatoo that as time passes it loses it's color and turns black. As the skin ages/wrinkles so does the tatoo and it changes shape and becomes unrecognizable. Many Christians become that way. To much concern with outward and not enough attention given to the inward (Matthew 23;27-28). Then one faces the danger of beoming as the Pharisees.

[dayseven]

It's probably stating the obvious, but the Will of God doesn't work contradictory to the Word of God. If you think you know the will of God, and it contradicts the written word of God, you have to question it, if not reject it. I support the quote from Leviticus, and being S-DA, I try to live up to the other laws set out in said book too.

[Solus]

What really declares us as Christians is our lives.


The Jewish believed in external marks (circumcision, diets, washings, robes, facial hair, etc.).

BRAD COULD YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN THE ABOVE LINE BROTHER? WHAT DO YOU THINK THE PURPOSE WAS OF THE JEWS DOING THESE THINGS?



But Jesus and Paul believed that the real marks of a Godly person was an inward mark (Matthew 23:25; Romans 2:29; Heb. 8:10; 2 Cor. 3:3). Being retired USN Petty Officer I saw many tatoos in the Navy. My Mother made me promise that I would never get one. I didn't, but I saw a lot of them. One thing about a tatoo that as time passes it loses it's color and turns black. As the skin ages/wrinkles so does the tatoo and it changes shape and becomes unrecognizable. Many Christians become that way. To much concern with outward and not enough attention given to the inward (Matthew 23;27-28). Then one faces the danger of beoming as the Pharisees.


PLEASE NOT ABOVE BRAD WHERE I BROKE UP THE PARAGRAPH

[Brad]

Solus, the reason for the external marks and customs was it was part of the Mosaic Law (the first five books of the OT known as the Pentateuch). The reason God had the Israelites do these things was that it was a sign of the covenant between the Israelites and God. It distinguished them from the peoples/gentiles of the other nations. Circumcision became a requirement of the special Covenant between God and Abraham. The Covenant that promised that Cannan would become and stay the Israelite Nation; and that Abrahams offspring (Issac born of Sarah his wife in their old age) and descendants would occupy the land and be as numerous as the stars in heaven. The sign of this covenant was circumcision of all the males. That is why God told Abraham to circumcise himself, Issac, and all the male children Gen. 17:1-14). The other outward signs of washing, not cutting of beards, clothing, tithing, etc. were requirements of the law. A good Pharisee kept all of these laws. Also they created a few rules of their own to further explain the law. That was know as the oral law. However, the Pharisees insisted that everyone keep the whole law, which was really impossible to do. They couldn't even do it all themselves. They were more interested in the outward signs/traditions of their religion. But forgot and didn't practice the most important aspect of love and mercy.

[jeetkunejimi]

Hi tee828,
I don't think the tattoo itself is as much of a question as is the REASON for the tattoo.

What is the tattoo you want, and why do you want it?

The pagans and heathens have always marked, cut, stretched, or in other manners disfigured their bodies in order to either please their gods or please themselves.

If you can think of a way that your tattoo will glorify God, then I would say, do it.

Sincerely,

Jeetkunejimi.

[Wisdom]

Hi Tete828 - I'm new to Christian Chat Forum so I hope you'll accept my thoughts.
Leviticus 19:28 - "Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. I am the Lord." (New Living Translation).
However, as it is in the old testament it might be worth reading the whole chapter to put it into context and remembering that the old testament was based on the laws of the time. We now live in the era of grace through Jesus Christ so even though I cannot say yes or no, i wonder whether some laws need still apply today. I've thought of getting a tattoo myself but I don't think I could stand the pain. ;-)

[bambi07]

hey .. well i am a christian i am 18 yrs old.. and i have 1 tattoo.. i got on my 18th birthday and my tattoo is of a jesus fish with the letter and number p 3 (his name was paul peter parquette) in the middle..it is mainly for my grandpa..but as i sat there when he was tattooing me i realiazed that i am now going to always have a physical reminder that God is always going to have my back.. and i will also always have my grandpa watching my back.... i am also thinking about getting one more tattoo and it will be in galiec saying live well love often laugh much it will most likely be i black and white with crosses on either sides of the words..to again represent my faith and my way of life.

[Mike008]

Consider this.... We are told that the body is the temple of God, should we deface the temple of God? Also, is it a worldly, and vain thing to have a tattoo..will it glorify God or just draw attention to you that will not glorify God.

[Mike008]

tee..first of all God did not tell her to get a tattoo ..she told herself...and why get it in chinese lettering..?.... another fleshly decision ?...

[Emanuel]

Well it is not wrong to get a tatoo. If you are of the New Testament, then none of the old Testament laws apply to you. You are under a new Covenant with Jesus.

Jesus said " There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him, but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile him.

And here is what Jesus said defiles a man...for from within, out of the heart of men; proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetouness, wickedness, deceit, lavciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness....

well I don't see anything here against tatoos..does any body? But we must be discrete, don't use your freedom in Christ to put a tatoo that would make people think you serve any of these sins Jesus mention.....tee828....God bless and gookdluck to you.....

[Rufus]

Well it is not wrong to get a tatoo. If you are of the New Testament, then none of the old Testament laws apply to you. You are under a new Covenant with Jesus. None? Are the 10 commandments applicable to a new testament Christian?

Jesus said " There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him, but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile him.

And here is what Jesus said defiles a man...for from within, out of the heart of men; proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetouness, wickedness, deceit, lavciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness....

well I don't see anything here against tatoos..does any body? But we must be discrete, don't use your freedom in Christ to put a tatoo that would make people think you serve any of these sins Jesus mention.....tee828....God bless and gookdluck to you..... I believe an argument could be made that cutting oneself for the purpose of putting permanent marks on the temple of God, could meet the criteria of foolishness.

[KingsDaughter]

It is ironic that I first come to this web site & this is the first question I see. About 8 years ago, I got a tatoo in Chinese that says Jesus. I have know God my whole life, I have a problem with pain & for me to get one was unheard of, if you know me. The reason I wanted one was not out of rebellion or to look cool, I could have had anything put on my body, I was an adult. LOL. But, I became closer to God, I am still drawing closer today, but I felt like it was a sign of my Faith. It was like this for me. You know how some people can just start talking about God, well, I uas not like that, the tatoo actually opened the door to a lot of conversations. People would ask me what my tatto said & that opened the door. I would say "It is Jesus In Chinese". And I cant tell you how many people began to talk to me about their Faith. It still opens those doors today. Although today it is much easier for me to talk about Christ, but it still opens the door to many talks about God. I have found that it is usally people that have an interest in tatoos, but when they inquire about it, I find they have many questions about God as well. =)
After I got my tatoo I had people tell me that as a Christian I should not have tatoos. I prayed about it because I felt bad. I never once felt that God was upset with me. I dont think God wants your entire body filled with tatoos, but than again, I have never talked to God about that. I have never had the desire to tatoo my entire body either. I think that whatever you are going thru, small or big, questions or answers, just ask God, He will answer you, but you need to listen & wait. Pray about it.

My sister didnt like that I got the tatoo, she has 4 children, one of them, a girl, said she wanted one. LOL, she said Aunt Christy has one. Well that was fun. Especially when my sister does not agree with it. All I could say is "Talk to God"!!

God Bless

[Mike008]

Emaneul..I thnk you used them verses out of context...our body is the temple of God and defiling it is just like tatooing it with a needle? If you propose to add your opinion then you must base it on Gods word and not what you might think is right or wrong. Is it worldly to be involved with tatoos since the reason you are getting them is from the heart, the inward man or women...the person has to ask the question..why am I really getting one, to show off before men ? to fit in with worldly friends ? is it reallly glorifying to God or just a worldly enjoyment? I hope emauel that you didnt give people the excuse to sin. All my prayers

[Rufus]

It is ironic that I first come to this web site & this is the first question I see. About 8 years ago, I got a tatoo in Chinese that says Jesus. I have know God my whole life, I have a problem with pain & for me to get one was unheard of, if you know me. The reason I wanted one was not out of rebellion or to look cool, I could have had anything put on my body, I was an adult. LOL. But, I became closer to God, I am still drawing closer today, but I felt like it was a sign of my Faith. It was like this for me. You know how some people can just start talking about God, well, I uas not like that, the tatoo actually opened the door to a lot of conversations. People would ask me what my tatto said & that opened the door. I would say "It is Jesus In Chinese". And I cant tell you how many people began to talk to me about their Faith. It still opens those doors today. Although today it is much easier for me to talk about Christ, but it still opens the door to many talks about God. I have found that it is usally people that have an interest in tatoos, but when they inquire about it, I find they have many questions about God as well. =)
After I got my tatoo I had people tell me that as a Christian I should not have tatoos. I prayed about it because I felt bad. I never once felt that God was upset with me. I dont think God wants your entire body filled with tatoos, but than again, I have never talked to God about that. I have never had the desire to tatoo my entire body either. I think that whatever you are going thru, small or big, questions or answers, just ask God, He will answer you, but you need to listen & wait. Pray about it.

My sister didnt like that I got the tatoo, she has 4 children, one of them, a girl, said she wanted one. LOL, she said Aunt Christy has one. Well that was fun. Especially when my sister does not agree with it. All I could say is "Talk to God"!!

God Bless I'm certainly an advocate for prayer but I do wonder where you believe the Bible fits into your scenario?