When I just googled the words ‘should christians get tattoos’, 2,870,000 results came up. And when I searched ‘should christians get piercings, 82,700,000 results came up. That’s a lot of personal opinions on tattoos and piercings. And to be honest with you, I don’t agree with most of those opinions. But this post isn’t going to be a debate. I’m going to take the controversial topic of tattoos and piercings for Christians and turn to the Bible for answers. From my research on the topic, I’ve consistently seen three different opinions on the topic. Typically, people are very black and white when it comes to this topic. It’s either, “All tattoos and piercings are a sin. Point blank period. Conversation over.” Or, “Sure! Go to town on some ink and needles and get whatever tattoo and piercing your heart desires!” But occasionally, I would find that little gold nugget of a grey area that says, “Tattoos and piercings are fine, as long as they’re not contradictory to the Bible or to your personal convictions." That’s where I happen to fall on the spectrum. But before we get in to this conversation, I’d like to make it clear that I am in no way trying to push my beliefs onto you. I highly encourage you to take the information I present you, pray about it, and allow God to give your your own convictions on the topic. That being said, let’s get started.
Leviticus 19:28 You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord. When it comes to tattoos and piercings, this is the scripture that most Christians turn to in order to prove that it’s a sin. However, they take it out of context. They look at this verse and decide that tattoos are automatically a sin. However, looking at the context, that’s not necessarily the case. In that passage, God is commanding His people to separate themselves from the world. During that time, tattoos and piercings were associated with sinful religious practices. That’s why the people were told to not make markings on their body. However, that’s not to say that all tattoos and piercings are a sin. I honestly believe that it depends on the content and intention of the tattoo and piercing. To help you decide whether or not your body marking is honorable to God, try filtering it through these scriptures and my personal thoughts. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and your mother… Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls. Is your tattoo or piercing being used to glorify God? Or yourself? Are you getting it to inappropriately draw attention to a certain part of your body? Is it demonic or crude? Do your parents approve? Would you be embarrassed to show or explain it to your pastor? Would people automatically assume that you aren’t a Christian by looking at it? Do you feel peace about it with God? If your tattoo or piercing passes through these filters with flying colors, then I say go for it. I don’t personally have any convictions about this topic. I currently have three ear piercings and a nose piercing, and I’m about to get four more ear piercings and re-pierce my nose (because it closed up after I lost my nose ring). I’m also talking to my mom about getting a semi-colon tattooed on my wrist for my birthday in a few weeks. However, please don’t just follow my lead. I encourage you to talk to your parents or a godly mentor, pray, and actually listen to God’s response.
4 Comments
Leah
6/3/2020 09:47:59 am
I disagree on tattoos. The Law is clear. If we begin to doubt God's authority on one verse, who's to say He actually condemned other sins, like homosexuality and stealing? It's the same way Satan tricked Adam and Eve in the garden: "Did God actually say..."
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Tiana
6/3/2020 10:33:46 am
While I understand what you're saying, I have to disagree with you. If all the scriptures in Leviticus are still relevant to us today, then we shouldn't be wearing clothing made of two different matierials (Leviticus 19:19). Men shouldn't trim their beards (Leviticus 19:27). We also shouldn't be eating shellfish, pork, or rabbit (Leviticus 11). And if we're still following that law, then slavery (including child slavery) is encouraged (Leviticus 25:44-46).
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Leah (your sis)
6/3/2020 04:49:29 pm
Well, hey, even if we don't agree on anything, at least I know you're alive! Find a way to contact me, would ya? Lol. 3/11/2021 11:07:43 am
I appreciated your thoughtful approach to this subject.
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MissionIn short, I started this blog because I want to give girls all over the world hope. All of the topics I write about on this blog are things that I have struggled with or am still struggling with. I want to help young women everywhere achieve freedom through Christ. Archives
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