Is It Really Against Christian Religion To Get Tattooed?

Question

I keep hearing people say different things about this, some folk say that having ink on your body degrades "God's temple" and others say that it isn't a problem only if the tattoo isn't of an immoral idea or image.

Is there really anything official that prohibits Christians from getting inked? People say many opinions but I wanted to know from the official stance.

Can any inked Christians give input?

Answer 1

What it really comes down to is the sect of Christianity you follow and how you interpret the Bible (or what version of the Bible you're interpreting).

Some do say that the body is God's Temple and you should treat it as such. However, this also means that it is just as important to be eating right and keeping yourself healthy. That verse mentioned about "not making cuts or marks" is a newer translation. So, like that person said, take it as you will. But, you should look more into older translations to get a better understanding.

Personally, I think that it becomes what feels right in your heart. If you're concerned about it being against your religion, don't do it, or ask the advice of many followers to help guide you. If you feel like it honestly doesn't (not shouldn't) make a difference, then a tattoo is fine.

Answer 2

follower of Christ and am getting tattoos

it is not against the 'religion'. God never says not to get a tattoo.

its basically based on how people interpret it.  I fine tattoos are fine, provided tehy dont have any santanic, demonic, etc. type meanings.

Yes, our bodies are God's temples but that doesn't mean we can give it wall paper or paint it lol  

personally, I don't like religion.  I'm not religious.  I believe in God, I believe He created me, the world and everything else.  I believe Jesus is the son of God and that the only way to Heaven to believe that Jesus is the son of God and that he died for mine/your/our sins.

hollyy (:

edit: dude i didnt even see that the girl right above me said something about paintings.  oops but owell i didnt copy.  just great minds think alike lol

Answer 3

its not. my dad has 2 tattoos and hes christian

Answer 4

I'll be getting a tattoo in February and I'm a strong christian.

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."

You'll hear it again and again and again. And that your body is a temple. I can't stand when people talk about that verse. They just look at the verse and take it as it is. But do you know what the bible is talking about? The Lord was talking to the pagans! NOT christians. The pagans had these weirdo rituals they do and God didn't like it. And as for your body being a temple, it is... but the bible also says your body is only a tent. So I think you should just take it as you want to take it.

Answer 5

If you would like more answers, consider asking around this site as well...

http://christianforums.com/

Answer 6

I'm a Christian and I have tattoos.

Answer 7

I'm Jewish, and Judaism is known for its viewpoint on tattooing.

I ran it by a rabbi.

While it's still somewhat taboo, the answer I received basically was that it's ok, provided you don't tattoo yourself with the name of G-d.

Answer 8

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."  

Take this as you like.  

Answer 9

It's not !

Getting a tattoo is YOUR choice.

And it probably doesn't say anything in the bible about it (tattooing probably didn't exist yet...)

You shouldn't be judged by how you look, and a tattoo counts as your appearence, right?!

Answer 10

I have always been told that it was not right, and the passage referred to is:

Leviticus 19:28 (King James Version)

King James Version (KJV)  Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.

That would lead me to believe that you are not to have any tattoos; however, if you go into this further, you can see there are some other things that are "no-no's" that are rather odd.

take a look at this website....it is very interesting.  http://www.inksling.com/tattoos_and_reli...

Basically I think it comes down to personal interpretation and choice, but like others have said, I believe that if a person has lead a good life and is a good Christian that a tattoo is not going to prohibit them from entering Heaven.    

Answer 11

Jews cant get inked...

Answer 12

no its not and some of my friends well parents friends have tattoos and they are Christian. so yeah.......

Answer 13

When people give me c**p about my tats and my body being a temple I tell them yes it is a temple and I am putting up paintings in the temple!

Answer 14

No, there is nothing wrong with this.  While the bible does say in Leviticus about not putting tattoo marks on your body, we were released from Mosaic Law when Jesus sacrificed himself for us, so no, that scripture is no longer valid for Christians today.

Answer 15

You can interpret religion anyway you want.  For the most part people don't believe that it is against the Christian religion, but I don't think the Pope will ever get a tattoo either.

Answer 16

Not at all

Answer 17

The way i see it is yes it may be a sin to stain your temple but we were born in sin and i don't think something that simple will stop god from allowing you into heaven as long as you worship him and so on that all that matters not the fact you have your mothers name, or a CROSS, or a butterfly, or what ever it may be.

Answer 18

Tattoos aren't against Christianity. If anything, they are for it--whether or not most bible interpreters want to admit is.

What about Revelation 19:11-16 ?

16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Answer 19

Im Christian and i told my mum i wanted a tatoo, she opposd like a normal mum but said it's my choice...nothing bout my religion.??