Question:
Should a Christian get a tattoo or body piercing?
Answer:
If you look up this question on a message board off
of a web site you will find all sorts of answers. Unfortunately, rarely
do those answers consult and soundly use God’s Word. So, let’s use the
Scriptures to answer this question.
Let’s begin answering the question by saying this—the fact you had to
ask indicates it bothers you. Why? Romans 14:23 says, “...whatever is
not from faith is sin.” Do not violate a good conscience!
Second, a great question for a Christian (follower of Christ) to ask is
“what did Jesus do?” Since Jesus kept the law perfectly, this would mean
he had no tattoos. After all, keeping the law meant keeping the command
found in Leviticus 19:28, “You shall not make any cuttings in your
flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord.” So,
to assume Jesus had a tattoo is an incorrect assumption.
Third, since this command is in the old law, we must see if the New
Testament offers principles for the Christian seeking to justify a
tattoo or piercing.
One principle offered in Romans 12:1-2 says, “...do not be conformed
to this world…” Many like to justify tattoos and piercings by
pointing to other celebrities, sports stars and Christians. In so doing,
are we not seeking to be like those in the world?
A second principle can be seen in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Or do you
not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit...and you are
not your own?...glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are
God’s.” What would you think of a beautiful courthouse building
ruined by graffiti? Our bodies should be used for God’s purposes, not
our own.
A third principle teaches we should not offend others. 1 Corinthians
10:32, “Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to
the church of God…” In many cultures, the tattooed are viewed as
morally loose, rebellious, criminal and classless (statistics also back
this up). Why make it harder to teach the gospel than it already is in a
stubborn world?
August 2006