Are Christians Allowed By The Scripture To get Tattoos?

Living in the world as it is now is a great challenge for most Christians. Most times, one tries hard not to conform to the ways of the society and it is no news that the line between what is right or wrong is blurred. Christianity seems to have so many faces these days and people just choose whatever brand of the religion that appeals to them.

Christianity is a way of life and it is not just about believing in Christ, it also entails acting like Christ as Christ is the model for the church. To be more like Jesus should be a Christian’s main ambition. Bearing this in mind, you all would agree that Christians around the world are conflicted as to how some things ought to be done. One major area of such conflicts is getting tattoos. This is not an academic piece so I am not going to go into the definition of tattoos and its history. Tattoos have always been from time immemorial and were popular among the ancient tribes long before now, however they have gained more popularity outside tribes and are more accepted secularly these days.

 

I watched an episode of Preachers of LA and a minister of God was considering getting a tattoo and that got me thinking about the general acceptance of tattoos especially among Christians. Despite its recent popularity, there are still many people that turn their noses at the sight of tattoos on other people’s bodies. Some perceive it as a sign of notoriety. I am liberal minded enough to know that we are more than what we have outside and that our mind is what counts.

I understand however that one can’t rely on common sense all the time when it comes to the things of the spirit, so I am going to share with you what the scripture says about tattoos. Before I delve into it, note that one can find places in the scripture that are both for and against the inscription of tattoos.

Leviticus 19:28 states that ‘Ye shall not make any cuttings in you flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you, I am Lord.’ This scripture is cited most times by anti tattoo Christians. I would have gone into details explaining this scripture but that would make this post very long and academic, I would love to point out however that this part of the scripture has nothing to do with tattoos as we have it today. The ones talked about in the above scripture are the ones gotten to mourn the dead which was the practice among the heathens of those times. Tattoos, as we have it today, is more of a fashion statement.

The book of Galatians 3:23-25 states that:

‘But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. 24.Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. 25.But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.’

The above cited scripture is self explanatory, we are in the new testament and are therefore justified by our faith as opposed to the law.

I have come to the conclusion that having tattoos has nothing to do with not living the Christ like life. It is wrong to think those with tattoos wouldn’t make heaven because they have tattoos. It is like saying uncircumcised males are sinners and so can’t make heaven.

People get it for different reasons and no matter the reason, it requires deep thoughts as one might be stuck with it forever. It is a matter of choice but just like clothing, one has to be mindful one is not sending the wrong message by getting outrageous inscriptions.

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