Tattoos, Piercings and Christianity

As we continue our topical ventures, I believe that this rather obscure subject is actually as simple as black and white…{pun intended}…and what you decide to plaster permanently on your body is up to you. You are the only one accountable for it. Forever. But the decision undoubtedly will cause questions to be raised, motives to be checked and religion to be challenged.

With that said, I believe that tattoos and piercings are one of the laws that was abolished by the cross. We can see very clearly God’s original stance as found in Leviticus 19:28. “You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the LORD.” This seems to be the main verse that everyone questions, and this particular controversy is only found in the Old Testament.

Now let’s break it down. First off, if this scripture is read in context, then you will see that God was making a reference to the cultic and religious practices of that time and culture. In essence, it was a sign of slavery, bondage and idolatrous worship. This command was given to the Israelites as a means of protection from being led astray by those practices; it was specific to them and was not directed at the body of Christ. In those times, it is my understanding that the cutting of the skin or marking of the body was also used as a means to honor the spirit of the dead, mourn the deceased and offer respect to the gods. Just like the sacrificial offerings and eating restrictions that were set forth at that time, those customs have passed away. Did you have to kill a ram this morning? I didn’t. Thanks to the blood of Jesus, we are not bound to those traditions anymore. We have been set free!

Obviously, in today’s culture, piercings and tattoos are used for ornamentation and adornment. I believe that He gives us freedom to choose those things. God created each of us as unique individuals. Now WHAT you choose to ink on your body is a different story, er, blog. Many times, this can also be used as a witnessing tool to a group of people that we may otherwise have a hard time reaching since it is a great conversation starter. There can definitely be pros and cons among other variables though, but it is not a sin.

I do know that God’s word says, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (1 Cor. 6:19-20) In this New Testament reference, it seems that this is to be used as a guideline. After all, the temple was draped with beautiful fabric and laden with gold. And if God did not want us to embellish ourselves with jewels, then why would He make references to our individual jeweled crowns in heaven? Grant it, He was most likely making a symbolic metaphor, but an example of adornment nonetheless. The latter is just my own interpretation and rationale…not a “thus saith the Lord,” but I also strongly believe that there is a time and place for everything. Use wisdom.

Here are a few important questions to ask yourself though if you are thinking about inking or piercing:
*What is the dynamic of your surrounding culture and will it be offensive?
*Is this something that you are going to want 30+ years from now?
*How will your current/future spouse feel about it?
*What is the importance and what does it symbolize?
*Is it in a place that could hinder employment?
*Who does it glorify?

The last time I checked, God judges the heart, not the outward appearance. Christianity is based off of a relationship with Jesus Christ, not a critical religious spirit with an aloof or judgmental opinion. A tattoo won’t make you a Christian, and it certainly won’t do the opposite either. Regardless though, if you are the one doing the questioning or the one doing the responding, do so in love and with the right spirit. ♥

Mine is a Fleur de Lis and Heart combo that was designed by my husband. It reminds me of my roots and is also a representation of the Trinity. (And it is only slightly coincidental that I got it the year the SAINTS won the Superbowl! lol)