Are tattoos alright?
Tattoos have become a hot topic for Christians in the past few decades or so. This is the most quoted verse in the discussion, and is used as a reference to how they are not tolerable. It does seem pretty plain and clear, but let's delve further. What is the passage in reference to? These are the rules that God is laying out for the newly freed people of Israel. They need a lot of guidance, and don't have the presence of the Holy Spirit to do so. We see that most of these laws are in reference to not doing what the pagans and Gentiles around them are doing. It was to separate them from the others. So then the question is, should we still obey these laws today? There are a few ways one could go with this. One, a blatant, "not at all." Should we no longer allow hair cutting? Should we never shave again? Do we have to live off a kosher diet? I would personally say no to these, as these were cultural guidelines, not spiritual laws. Another way you could go is to say, "absolutely we must still obey them." The final way is to say yes and no. Some of these stand the test of time, like murder, and rape, and such. But what about the laws regarding slaves? Is that saying that slavery is right? I don't think that is the point. It was to address the cultural times and the mistreatment of slaves.
So what does this mean for tattoos? Is it just a cultural thing, or something more? I think that we have to look and see what Jesus does when the Pharisees try to corner Him into doing "unlawful" things in the NT. Jesus response is that they are missing the point, these were to help you be holy, not lawful. Jesus said that we have to be more righteous than the Pharisees to get into heaven... This is ironic, saying that He criticized the Pharisees for paying too much attention to the law and not on God. They lost God when trying to keep the law, when the law was supposed to help them stay on track with God. But then the law became more important than God, and this was what Christ didn't like. The law is not the most important thing, our relationship with God is. Having said this, we see Paul say that some things are sins for some people, but not for others. But is this one of those things? I don't thing this is a yes or no question. I think it depends on the situation and the person. If your friends and family and church family don't have a problem with "Christian" tattoos, then I would say there isn't a problem. I actually know people who have Greek verses on their wrists or crosses, etc. that have stemmed from a simple question of what it says or means into talking about the Gospel. But on the other hand, if your parents, friends, family, church disapprove, it is a sin to get a tattoo as an act of rebellion (honor thy father and mother) and could cause a split in the body of Christ.
So if you are considering a tattoo, think it through, talk with family and other church members to see what they think. If you see it will be a problem, be wise and don't do it. I will also add that I believe that crosses, Bible verses, etc. are appropriate tattoos for Christians, and anything else, whether it be for strength, or courage, etc., or even a loved one may not be a good idea.
FInally, I would have to say that you should ask God, not just if tattooing is alright, but if a particular tattoo is alright. Pray about it, read the Bible, even random passages can add insight into what He thinks.
Created over 2 years ago
