What Does The Bible Say About Tattoos And Piercings Are Christians Allowed To Get A Tattoo
Is it allowed for a Christian to get tattoos or piercings according to the bible? The Old Testament has a clear and simple answer to this question. No. We are not supposed to make any incisions or tattoos on our bodies.
Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.
Please note: Incisions means nothing else than piercing the body with metal.
The Principle Of Stewardship
The two points to think about under this principle are the stewardship of our bodies and the stewardship of our money. Before you reject the stewardship argument as weak, think about the risks and consider the stewardship of your body. The Mayo Clinic website states, Tattoo inks are classified as cosmetics, so they arent regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration . The pigments and dyes used in tattoo inks arent approved for injection under the skin. Long-term effects of these are unknown. The site also lists some of the specific risks associated withgetting a tattoo. First there are the blood-borne diseases, including:
- Hepatitis C
- Tuberculosis
- HIV
Do You Have Doubts About Getting A Tattoo
Be honest with yourself. If youre having doubts and youre constantly fighting with should you do it or should you not do it, then its a good idea to stay away from it. If you are having doubts about something and you think its wrong, but you do it anyway then that is a sin. Do you have a clear conscience before God or is something saying dont do it?
17. Romans 14:23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
18. Galatians 5:17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
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In ancient Egypt and Japan, tattoos were common. Ta Mko tattooing has been practiced by the Mori of New Zealand for centuries as a way to express who they are as individuals as well as who they are as a community.
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I Have Tattoos Learn From My Mistakes
I got all of my tattoos when I was younger before I was saved. After I was saved, I was able to admit the real reason behind my desire for tattoos. Usually you dont hear about tattooed Christians saying no dont do it, but Im telling you dont do it. There are sometimes consequences of getting tattoos.
Ive heard of many people who had allergic reactions and are suffering the consequences today with scars they have to live with for life. One of my tattoos led to an unsightly keloid scar that I had to get removed. We dont think about the future.
Imagine 40 years from now. Your tattoos are going to be wrinkly, they will get faded, etc. I know so many people who regret the tattoos that they received in their youth. Although the number has decreased there are still many companies that wont hire you if you have visible tattoos. Its not worth it.
21. Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
22. Luke 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sits not down first, and counts the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
23. Proverbs 27:12 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
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Teens Tattoos And The Bible
Should we allow our adolescent to get a tattoo? Doesn’t the Bible forbid them? Our 16-year-old wants to get one, but we’ve held off on any serious discussion of the matter, in part because we’re so shocked that we don’t know what to say. How should we, as responsible Christian parents, react to this request?
Lets tackle the biblical side of your question first. Our own view is that the Bible has nothing specific to say to Christians on the permissibility of tattoos. Its true that the practice was forbidden in the Old Testament Law. Leviticus 19:28 says, You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead, nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the Lord. The difficulty is that its not exactly clear how this commandment applies to us today, since, it was probably directed against practices associated with pagan idolatry. The custom of making cuts in the body was a heathen way of attracting the gods attention by arousing their pity. By way of contrast, in todays culture tattoos are generally viewed as being cosmetic or aesthetic in purpose.
If your teen is unyielding, you might suggest a compromise: a temporary henna tattoo could be a way of making a trial run without taking on a permanent commitment. If hes willing, you could agree to revisit the question when he turns eighteen. Remember, when dealing with adolescents there are times when you have to know how to give a little in order to maintain influence over the long haul.
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Should Christians Get Tattoos
I strongly believe that the answer is no.
Tattoos have roots in witchcraft, paganism, demonism, mysticism, and more. Never has tattoos ever been associated with Gods children until the 21st century of course. Lets be honest. As the world and demonic activity started to get into the church, so did tattoos.
5. 1 Kings 18:28 And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them.
6. 1 Corinthians 10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lords table, and of the table of devils.
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What Does The Bible Say About Tattoos & Piercings
The Truth About Tattoos and Piercings covers the controversial topic of modern tattoos and piercings. How should Christians view tattoos and piercings?
Its nearly impossible to go out in public these days without seeing someone with a tattoo or body piercing. The movie stars have them. The sports figures have them. In fact, a news story dated April 30, 2009 says that Barbie now has them. In celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Barbie doll, Mattel has created a new Barbie, complete with tattoos and a toy tattoo gun so children can stamp themselves with washable tattoos. The American Academy of Dermatology website says that 24 percent of people 18 to 50 reported having a tattoo. A Harris Poll dated February 12, 2008, stated that 32 percent of those aged 25 to 29 had a tattoo, and 25 percent of people 30 to 39 had them. Because tattoos and piercings are so popular, its a topic young people have to deal with and about which they naturally have many questions. Is it right for a Christian to get a tattoo? Is it right to have multiple piercings in your ears? What about a ring in your nose? Parents dont always know how best to answer these questions.
Should Christians Have A Tattoo Conclusion
Performing permanent changes to our body, such as piercings or tattoos, is like saying that we arent good the way God has created us. Instead of getting tattoos or piercings, we should always pay attention to what pleases God.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
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What You Should Consider Before Tattooing
If you are thinking about getting a tattoo it is important that you do the following.
- First, pray. Ask for the direction and confirmation of God.
- Talk to your pastor and explain your feelings. Ask him what is the position of the church that you attend.
- Ask yourself honestly whether it will be a stumbling block for your brothers in faith.
- Analyze what your motivation is. Why do you want to get a tattoo? Do you want to get peoples attention or create controversy? Do you consider it beautiful or an artistic expression? What motivates you?
- Do not let yourself be pressured by friends or by fashion. Do not get a tattoo to please another person.
- Choose the tattoo well. Imagine yourself with that tattoo in 50 years. Will you be ashamed? Can it make you feel ridiculous? Will you feel good when looking at it?
- Think about how it will influence your life. For example, will it cause complications in the workplace?
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What Is Your Purpose And Motivation In Getting A Tattoo
It is an important question to answer while getting tattooed. The purpose or motivation that provoked the idea of getting tattooed must be to please the Lord. There are sayings that de-motivate inking. But some say if the objective is to fight off the disorder or clarify, your fight with a disease is practically applicable and permissible. But if the purpose is wrong and goes against the following, like getting a tattoo because everyone else is also, it is disregarded.
What Does This Mean And Can Christians Get Tattoos
For those whose bodies already bear the marks of a pre-Christian past, take comfort: they are still part of personal testimony. In conversation with others who sport tattoos, they provide a natural avenue to discussing the gospel and demonstrating that the important change has taken place inwardly, where Christ has exquisitely and tenderly marked the inner person.
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Tattoos In Ancient Times
The tattoos were used mainly as a sign of worship or worship of a god or an idol. As soon as others saw the brand they knew which god the other person served.
In some cultures like the Greek or the Roman they used tattoos to distinguish the social position or the military rank of someone. They were also used as a sign of belonging, that was in the case of slaves.
Health And Other Risks Of Tattoos
Tattooing also carries health risks, including allergic skin reactions , bacterial infections, granulomas, scar tissue and blood-borne diseases . The Mayo Clinic has documented these potential health problems connected with tattoos. Due to permanence and risk factors, most U.S. states either prohibit or require parental approval of the procedure for minors.
But even if tattooing continues to gain wider acceptance, is that proof of acceptance in Gods eyes?
Despite increasing popularity, tattoos have far from unanimous approval. Many employers still do not want to see tattoos on their employees and representatives due to a negative stigma or image. In the professional world tattoos are still considered by many to be unprofessional and could keep an applicant out of some career opportunities.
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Tattoos: For The Dead
A popular reason to get a tattoo is in order to honor a loved one who has died. God directed His people to disassociate themselves from Canaanite traditions such as slashing their bodies as a way to mourn their dead. What about designing beautiful markings in honor of loved ones who have passed on?
In Luke 9:60, Jesus said to leave the dead to bury their own dead. Paul wrote, We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope . Christians grieve for their dead, but they do not worship them.
Not only do they have hope of reuniting with lost loved ones who believed in Christ for salvation, but they have been commanded to have no other Gods to worship no idols. Talking to a loved one, keeping a shrine to the deceased, making a shrine of ones body by way of a tattoo: this is idolatry.
David was criticized for breaking his fast after his baby son died, but David replied, Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? .
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What Are The Most Important Things To Have In Mind When Tattooing As A Christian
At the end of the day the decision to get a tattoo should be your decision and only yours. If you find that it is not desirable to you or goes against your beliefs then by all means do not get one! There is no need to make a rash decision about a tattoo and it is okay to change your mind along the way. If you are still unsure then it is always a great idea to discuss it with other people who share similar values. Also, maybe more importantly, talk to God. The most important thing is that you are at peace with your choice on whether to get a tattoo or not.
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Secular Influence And The Popularity Of Tattoos
Tattoos may be more accepted today, but it was not until the late 20th century that tattoos gained great popularity in the United States. Prior to that, tattoos were seen mostly on military men, criminals, bikers or other tough people.
Peer pressure has played a major role in tattoos through history. Whether due to identification with a tribe, pagan god, military group, prison group or gang, sports figures, entertainment icons or circle of friends, people often get tattooed for identity and acceptance.
But God tells His called-out people, Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the worldthe lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of lifeis not of the Father, but is of the world .
Some argue that a tattoo is merely an adornment like jewelry. But jewelry can be quickly removed or changed a tattoo cannot. Many have been tattooed later to regret it. Not surprisingly, tattoo removal is now a big business. But attempted removal is expensive, uncomfortable and not always successful and scarring or skin variations often remain.