Is it really a sin to get a tattoo? (From Christian standards please)?

Question

I'm asking because I heard it somewhere and I want to clarify.

Answer 1

No it is not. Yes, the bible did say not to destroy or mark on the temple of God. ( Your body) That is way back in Old Testament though.

If anything, getting a tattoo is decorating the temple.

It also says in the bible that Jesus comes back with the words " King of Kings" written on his thigh. If that isn't a tattoo I don't know what is.  

Answer 2

if it says "satan is pretty cool" then yes. other than that, fair game to all. there is a verse in leviticus that talks about not scarring your body. Christians today take that verse as law, yet when it comes to other matters of "the law", they ignore it or say "grace" covers it. But regardless, don't get it tattoo no matter what religion you are. Eventually you will regret it and people will make fun of you behind your back if it is lame.

Answer 3

This is a great question and have always heard people telling me (I'm a Catholic) that getting a tattoo is a sin.  This has always upset me because I know it's not true and I think someone that IS NOT my religion should not tell me what is and is not a sin...  But to answer the question:

This is a tricky question because everyone interprets the Bible differently.  Basically there are 2 places in the Bible that SOME (not all) Christians interpret as meaning "tattoos are a sin."  In the Old Testament - Leviticus - it says something about marking your body: this refers to an old pagan ritual of marking one's body after someone died - and what it's really saying is that we shouldn't practice pagan rituals if we are to believe in One True God.  In the New Testament it says something about our body is a temple: this refers to taking care of yourself (body and mind) - basically don't purposely hurt yourself (as in cutting) and don't over-indulge in drugs, alcohol, anything that is bad for you.  It has nothing to do with tattoos, because if you get them done the right way - in a clean place, by a professional - you are not hurting your body.  

I hope this helps!

Answer 4

child abuse is a sin, murder is a sin, sexual abuse is a sin.

a bit of ink on youre skin...... i dont think its even a question.

Answer 5

I just saw that on Greek.  But I don't think it is truly a sin.  Maybe from the Jewish religion?

Answer 6

I don't agree with a lot of the answers here.  My answer is... it depends.  It depends on your interpretation of the Bible and how literally you take the Old Testament.

Leviticus 19:28 "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD." is usually cited amongst the "tatooing is a sin" crowd.

I went to an Assembly of God church that asserted that tattoos were a sin, but then when I asked about some of the other gems from Leviticus and I was told that "the Old Testament was for the Jews, not for Christians" which I have some problems with, considering the 10 commandments and the Psalms are in there, along with all sorts of other things.

I would say truly look within yourself, God speaks within all of us and you'll know if its right or wrong.

Answer 7

There is a scripture in Leviticus that says not to put tattoo marks on your body, however, Christians no longer live under Mosaic Law (after Jesus sacrificed himself for their sins) so no, there is no longer any biblical reason for you not to get a tattoo.  Go get inked!

Answer 8

No, it's not.  

It used to be that if you were Jewish and got a tattoo, you couldn't be buried in a Jewish cemetery.  The 1st tattoo I got, my inker was Jewish, covered in tats and can be buried with his family in a Jewish cemetery if he wants.  

As far as Catholic, it's a matter of Bible interpretation.  Read the passage and think "what does this mean to me".  I know some pretty devote Catholics that get crosses inked onthem.  Would God throw a fit and tell St Peter not to let you in for that?

Answer 9

I think its looked down upon in the bible, but I go to church with my grandma on occasion, and I am sleeved. I do get a couple of looks, but alot of people are very welcoming, and they don't judge it so much anymore. Tattoos can be very meaningful. I think people are realizing that it is more main stream now, and they are more open to the idea. I felt embarassed at first to go to church and my grandma even tells me dont worry! Theres alot of people with tattoos, and no one will say anything! And they haven't so..

Answer 10

no. im a nun and i have a tatoo on mu hip bone. the priest tatooed me so i wouldnt have to be exposed.

Answer 11

Who's to say what's a sin and what isn't? It's surely a case of having morals - if you're not hurting anybody and not offending anybody (though all sorts of peoples will get offended at anything!) then how can it be a sin?

A sin is an offence to god. Because religious text is so ambiguous and open to man's interpretation then it is entirely up to you as to whether you think it's right to have a tattoo or not.

If you need guidance from strangers as to your moral and religious beliefs, then whether or not to get a tattoo is the least of your problems!

Answer 12

I don't think there's anything saying you can't get a tattoo. I know there's some garbage about the mark of the beast or whatever, but no one has ever shown me where it says specifically not to get a tattoo. I was told by a priest and heard on Catholic radio that tattoos were fine as long as they weren't vulgar. The part about not damaging your temple means not to do anything to yourself that would harm you, ie. cutting, starvation, mutilation, etc. One of our main parish helpers has a TON of biker tattoos & no one ever says anything to him.

Answer 13

Actually, I think Judaism views it more of a sin than Christianity. I was very hesitant before getting my first one, because I plan to convert to Judaism someday and was really worried about it.

Answer 14

i personally think it is bc in revelations it says the "mark of the beast", i know a lot of people that interpret this as markings like tattooos. hope this help (:

answer?

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 15

No. Is it a sin to get your ears pierced? So many Christians have their ears pierced and technically that is a MARK on your body. So, what's the difference with a tattoo, right?

Answer 16

ha!

Answer 17

I wish I could give you the passage, but it is in the bible that we are not to make marks on our skin, or alter our skin, or something along those lines. I come from a Roman Catholic family, and I have a lot of tattoos, so I've heard it a lot.