Can Christians get tattoos? The question should not be ‘can’ Christians get tattoos, as if they were breaking the law (Leviticus 19:28), Christians are not under a command forbidding tattoos.
The Bible tells us that Christ gave us a new and living way (Hebrews 10:20); meaning, we are not under Old Testament civil or ceremonial laws. We are under grace (Romans 6:14). Therefore, there are no black and white answers here because it falls under the liberty we have in Christ.
Thus, the question is no longer ‘can’ but ‘should’ a Christian get a tattoo. Maybe better, why would a Christian get a tattoo? What is the message it projects to the world—the people we are supposed to be witnessing to? Does a tattoo promote the image of Christ to the world?
Romans 14
Romans 14 is a passage that many Christians will point to in a discussion of this nature. It is certainly a place to visit when Christians judge each other.
But this is not a discussion about ‘judgement.’ This is a discussion about whether believers should get tattoos—a discussion about what we can learn about the subject from the Bible.
Not so very long ago tattoos were viewed in a negative light. They were traditionally associated with seafarers, ‘heathens,’ gangs, and or prisoners. Only in relatively modern times, when God has been progressively eliminated from the public, tattoos are commonly referred to as ‘body art.’
Nowadays, people put all manner of art on their bodies reflecting lifestyle choices, mottos, beliefs, quotes, beloved family members, heritage, cartoon characters, Bible verses, and the list could go on. Since, in light of Romans 14, there is no command against Christians getting tattoos, should you get a tattoo is best answered between the individual believer and the Lord.
What Else Does the Bible Say?
Those opposed to tattoos may argue that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19); as such, we are to glorify God in our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:20). Marking our bodies with tattoos, they contest, is defacing our physical appearance. It is a strong argument not to get a tattoo. However, the emphasis of this text is on avoiding fornication—an internal defacing of believers, so to speak. As such, though the argument to glorify God in our bodies can be raised here, the Bible gives us more than just that one point to consider.
We Are Peculiar People
The Bible calls Christians peculiar people (1 Peter 2:9). Back then, the word meant a purchased people—people who were bought by the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28). God's peculiar people are ‘blood-related’ to Holy God who commands: (1) “be ye holy” in all manner of lifestyle (1 Peter 1:15, KJV) and (2) come out from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17). The idea is that Christians are a called-out group of people separate from the world.
We Are Witnesses of Christ
We are also commanded to teach the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20) and be witnesses of Christ's saving power (Acts 1:8). And though all things may be lawful for us (1 Corinthians 6:12), such as getting tattoos, Paul writes they are not always profitable.
We Are to Be Conformed to the Image of Christ
God's purpose for all of us is to be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). While this does not mean physical image, it does express the idea of conformity to the attitude of Christ (Philippians 2:5). So, we can agree that believers are meant to be more like Christ; to be peculiar people, not like the world.
Christians getting tattoos does tend to normalize the behavior. Attitudes toward tattoos among Christians have changed because we pilgrims (1 Peter 2:11) are perhaps trying to be like the world (e.g. sports stars, actors, wrestlers, other cool people); thus, justifying our desires for tattoos. But what message does the tattoo send to the people around us?
A Few Questions Before Getting Tattooed
If you are a Christian thinking about getting a tattoo and wondering what God’s will is about it, the scripturally anchored questions below may help you decide.
1. Do tattoos give the appearance of sameness to the unsaved; showing less of a difference between unsaved and saved (2 Corinthians 6:17)?
2. Does having a tattoo bring us more into the image of Christ to the lost, or does it bring us more into the image of the world to the lost (Romans 8:29)?
3. Does having a tattoo add more to an image of holiness, or does it give more of an image of worldliness to the world (1 Peter 1:15-16)?
4. Do tattoos make us look more like today's world or does an absence of tattoos give us a more peculiar appearance (Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 6:17)?
5. Does having a tattoo promote modesty (e.g., 1 Timothy 2:9-10, 1 Peter 3:3-4)?
6. Is having a tattoo conforming a Christian more to the world system and worldly trends or more to a Christ-like appearance and testimony (Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 6:17)?
7. Is getting a tattoo a personal decision to imitate the world; is it something that pleases God (Galatians 1:10)?
8. Does a tattoo glorify God with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:20)?
If after answering these questions you are not fully convinced to get a tattoo, you probably should not get one (e.g., Romans 14:23).
Final Thoughts
If a Christian is led to get a tattoo, it would seem contradictory based on what we can glean from the Bible. Christians are called-out separate people being transformed into the image of Christ. However, if a brother or sister is convinced to get one, to their own Master they stand or fall.
END
Author: Jerry S., Pastor, OLBC
Author Bio: Jerry is a bi-vocational missionary pastor-teacher and practical theology advocate in the Philippines, with a wide range of experience and education ranging from bachelor to doctorate degrees in various fields, who writes articles, blogs, devotions, e-books, academic papers, and more.
Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash
