The query “Is tattooing a sin?” doesn’t have a transparent match in Christianity. It is dependent upon who you ask as a result of there are some Christians who imagine it’s a sin. The Bible verse that the majority Christians seek advice from is Leviticus 19:28, which says, “You shall not make any cuts in your flesh for the lifeless, nor shall you tattoo any signal on your self: I’m the Lord.” Let's see what well-known Christians and the Scriptures say about tattoos.
Tattoos are extra fashionable than ever. Practically (40%) U.S. adults have not less than one tattoo, and much more, about half (45%) say they’re not less than considerably prone to get a everlasting tattoo sooner or later, in response to a Harris Ballot. Entertainers, skilled athletes and even variations of Barbie have many seen tattoos. With such prevalence and rising curiosity, Christians rightly query what the Bible says about tattoos.
Is it a sin to get a tattoo?
Whether or not tattooing is a sin in Christianity has no straight reply and varies between Christian denominations and leaders. Opinions on tattoos throughout the Christian group vary from acceptance to robust opposition, reflecting broader theological interpretations and cultural contexts.
For instance, the late Reverend Billy Graham, a outstanding evangelical Christian determine, advised that whereas tattoos are usually not particularly talked about as sinful within the New Testomony, Christians ought to contemplate how their actions, together with tattoos, is likely to be perceived by others and whether or not it’d hinder their witness of Christ. He urged believers to suppose deeply concerning the “why” behind their resolution to get a tattoo and whether or not it glorifies God.
Then again, figures from extra conservative backgrounds typically seek advice from Leviticus 19:28, the place it’s commanded, “You shall not minimize your our bodies for the lifeless or tattoo yourselves. I’m the Lord.” Whereas that is an Outdated Testomony legislation that many imagine was particularly directed in opposition to the traditional Israelites, some Christians take it as a timeless guideline.
Conversely, many trendy Christian leaders and thinkers take a extra liberal stance. They argue that tattoos in themselves are neither inherently sinful nor morally unsuitable, offered they don’t convey messages that battle with Christian values. Pastor Mark Driscoll of Trinity Church in Scottsdale, Arizona talked about that the cultural context and private that means of a tattoo can play a big function in deciding whether or not it’s acceptable for Christians, and emphasised the significance of the motive and message behind the tattoo.
What does the Bible say about tattoos?
The brief reply is… nothing. At the least nothing definitive. The Bible doesn’t particularly point out tattoos as we perceive them in trendy instances. Some Christians condemn all tattoos as immoral as a result of God clearly forbids them in Leviticus 19:28. From the phrase tattoo Showing on this verse in some fashionable English translations, the argument appears simple. For instance, the NIV reads: “Don’t minimize your our bodies for the lifeless or tattoo yourselves. I’m the Lord.”
Different Christians say that this passage not applies to us as a result of it’s an Outdated Testomony legislation and never for Christians. When you go surfing and attempt to reply a query about tattoos, you will note each approaches and conflicting conclusions. Nevertheless, each of those approaches are deceptive as a result of, as we’ll see, the reply to the tattoo query is that the Bible has nothing clear concerning the apply of injecting ink below the pores and skin to create everlasting photos, patterns, or messages—aka tattoos.
Leviticus 19:28 interprets: “And also you shall not make an incision for the lifeless in your physique; and writing marks that you’ll not make on your self; I’m the Lord.” The Phrase writing refers to written or engraved symbols/phrases and is just used right here. A phrase for manufacturers, additionally used alone right here, has an unsure root, so we aren’t certain what the phrase means. Subsequent phrase tattoo didn’t enter English till the late 1700s. That is in all probability why the KJV, written within the early seventeenth century, is nearer to a literal translation that claims, “you shall not . . .”printing marks on you.”
The background of this legislation was that Israel, after being rescued from slavery, was between Egypt and Canaan. Latest archeology reveals that whereas Egypt did tattoo, it was restricted to ladies. Proof means that tattooing feminine physique components related to fertility (breasts, thighs, and stomach) was thought-about a great luck attraction to guard the birthing course of. The ladies additionally typically had the imprints of the fertility goddess Bes, which helps this idea.
In Canaan, proof means that as a substitute of marking the physique with ink, extra excessive scarification, comparable to branding, hacking, or slicing the pores and skin, was used. Archeology supported by biblical texts means that the Canaanites often minimize up their our bodies for ritual functions (1 Kings 18:28), particularly to mourn their lifeless and honor their gods. Leviticus 19:28 appears to counsel this when it says, “Thou shalt not make cuts within the flesh of the lifeless, nor make marks upon thyself.” In gentle of this data from Egypt and Canaan, it could appear that God forbade scarification, not tattooing as we all know it.
Whereas there will not be any clear passage within the Bible that offers with tattoos, that’s hardly a license to have limitless tattoos. You continue to must suppose earlier than you print, particularly if you’re a Christian. The next are guiding questions that will help you suppose by your resolution.
Modifications – Because the Bible doesn’t explicitly forbid tattoos, are there any restrictions? We all know that our physique just isn’t our personal, however God's temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). The Bible views the physique extremely as God's handiwork that should not be disfigured. Non-Israelites didn’t maintain this view. Immediately, some have completely modified their our bodies to look extra like animals or aliens than people who’re the one ones made in his picture. We should ask ourselves the extent to which we will modify our our bodies to go well with our needs with out detracting from the great thing about the human kind as created by God.
Motif for tattoo – Why get a tattoo? Whether it is in rise up in opposition to mother and father, it’s clearly unacceptable (Ephesians 6:1-3). And whereas inventive self-expression could also be nice, our major motive in all the pieces we do must be to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31). This implies making an attempt to honor and draw consideration to him, to not your self. Getting a tattoo for witness functions could also be acceptable, however do not forget that it’s not the first or only method of evangelism. It’s on no account an alternative to verbal communication of the gospel. You aren’t fulfilling the Nice Fee just because you’ve gotten Bible verses tattooed.
Modesty – Modesty means not being self-promoting. Are you making an attempt to direct individuals's ideas to God or to your self? Tattoos typically spotlight sure components of the physique and get our ideas on that a part of the physique. It’s laborious to imagine that somebody with a “Trump stamp” (tattoo on the decrease again) is making an attempt to direct individuals's ideas to God. Modest pondering will lead you to suppose and even restrict the dimensions, quantity and placement of tattoos.
Marketability – Will employers wish to rent you? Many corporations are not looking for your tattoo to be seen and this will forestall you from being employed. Many employers will limit your tattoos and require you to cowl them up as a result of they don’t seem to be socially acceptable from a enterprise perspective.
Tattoo message – What do you wish to inform the world about your self? Tattoos are highly effective messages that mechanically categorical what you worth. They’re nearly everlasting and can probably be with you for all times. The rising tattoo expertise is formally known as “tattoo remorse”. As you get older, it’s possible you’ll, like an increasing number of individuals, remorse your tattoos since you've outgrown their message and altered your values.
Cash – Is it the wisest use of cash? One web site, Tattoo Data, says, “In America, you possibly can anticipate a base worth of $80 to $100 an hour…only a few outlets will contact you for lower than $40” (2004-2009). We’re accountable to God for the way we use our cash. It is usually vital to notice that the elimination applied sciences being developed are much more costly than the price of the tattoo itself.
Medical issues – Tattoos carry actual well being dangers. The Mayo Clinic warns, “Don't take tattoos evenly.” They’ve led to extreme allergic reactions, infections, unpleasant scars, and blood-borne illnesses comparable to hepatitis B and C. Tattoos deliberately open the pores and skin and expose your blood to unknown micro organism. Tattoo parlors are usually not medical clinics, even when they pierce the pores and skin and reveal blood.
Please suppose earlier than you print. Don’t make this resolution swiftly or swiftly. Use these guiding inquiries to suppose by your resolution. Talk about them with mature Christian adults you belief.
This text initially appeared in Attain Out, Columbia, and is used with permission.
Will Honeycutt has been a professor of up to date points and apologetics at Liberty College in Lynchburg, VA since 1995. He lives in Forest, VA together with his spouse of 25 years and their grown daughter and enjoys educating college-age adults at his church.
Picture credit score: ©Unsplash/Jon Tyson