Why some Christians oppose having tattoos

Why do some Christians worry that having tattoos might lead to sinful or negative influences in their lives?

It is an interesting subject that often sparks some spirited conversations among believers. So, what's the deal with having tattoos in Christianity?

On the one hand, some Christians embrace tattoos as a form of self-expression and personal storytelling. They see their body as a canvas, a unique way to share their faith journey or convey meaningful messages through ink. 

For them, it is about wearing their beliefs on their sleeve.

On the other hand, some Christians take a more conservative stance.

What does the Bible say about having tattoos

When it comes to what the Bible says about having tattoos, the answer is not crystal clear, and it can be a bit like navigating a maze.

First off, the primary verse that comes up in discussions about having tattoos is found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Leviticus. 

Leviticus 19:28 says, "You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord." This verse seems pretty clear at first glance, right?

Some Christians argue that this command in Leviticus is specific to that historical context and does not apply directly to having tattoos today. They say the focus should be on the heart and motives rather than the physical act of tattoos. 

Also, they point to the New Testament, where there is more emphasis on faith, love, and grace.

With this, it is worth noting that Christianity is a diverse faith, and opinions on this issue can differ among individuals and denominations. So, it is often a matter of personal conviction and interpretation when it comes to having tattoos as a Christian.

Why do some Christians oppose having tattoos

First things first, you might wonder why some Christians take a stand against having tattoos. 

Well, it often stems from their interpretation of certain biblical passages and their desire to live in accordance with their faith. 

Here are six common reasons why.

Biblical interpretations

Some Christians take Leviticus 19:28 pretty literally. They see it as a clear commandment from God, saying, "Hey, don't get tattoos." It is like a straightforward rule in their eyes.

They believe that the Bible is the ultimate authority and take it seriously if it says not to do something. For them, the "not tattoo any marks on you" part of the verse is crystal clear, and they choose to follow it faithfully.

Moreover, Christians who oppose tattoos based on biblical interpretation see Leviticus 19:28 as a command rooted in historical context. They take it as a principle of holiness, using it to guide their decision not to get tattoos.

Avoiding worldly influence

You see, for some Christians, the concern about having tattoos revolves around the idea of avoiding worldly influence. 

What does it mean? This is all about steering clear of trends, customs, or practices they see as rooted in secular or non-religious culture.

Accordingly, they want to live their lives in a way that aligns closely with their faith, and they worry that getting tattoos might be influenced by popular culture rather than their religious convictions. 

Tattoos, in their view, can often be associated with the latest fads or fashion statements.

By avoiding tattoos, they aim to distance themselves from what they perceive as the ever-changing trends of the world. 

They want their decisions and choices, even the ones as personal as having tattoos, to reflect their commitment to their Christian beliefs rather than being swayed by what's "in" at the moment.

In essence, avoiding influences is about maintaining a separation between their faith and the external influences they believe can lead them away from their religious path. 

They want to ensure that their actions and choices, like whether or not to have tattoos, are guided by their faith and not by the ever-shifting currents of the world.

Respecting the body as a temple

So, when Christians talk about respecting the body as a temple in the context of having tattoos, they are drawing inspiration from a passage in the New Testament, specifically 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. 

The passage says, "Do you not know that your body is a temple 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 body."

To these Christians, it is about recognizing that their bodies are sacred because they house the Holy Spirit. They believe God's presence resides within them, making their bodies holy and deserving respect.

When it comes to having tattoos, they might view it as altering or defacing this sacred temple. 

Tattoos, in their eyes, can be seen as a form of self-modification that does not align with the idea of honoring God with their bodies. They may worry that tattoos detract from the purity and sanctity of their physical selves, so they choose to abstain from them.

Avoiding stumbling blocks

Some Christians believe that having tattoos can be a stumbling block for others. In the context of having tattoos, they worry that if they get inked, it might surprise or disturb fellow believers or even people who are exploring Christianity. 

Also, they are concerned that instead of focusing on the message of their faith, these tattoos could become a distraction.

For example, you are part of a tight-knit Christian community and have decided to get a tattoo that holds deep personal meaning to you. This serves as a symbol of your faith or an important message. You might think it is a beautiful expression of your beliefs, which is perfectly fine.

However, some Christians worry about the impact such tattoos might have on others, especially those new to the faith or struggling with their beliefs. They are concerned that seeing someone within their community with tattoos might send mixed messages or even lead others to question their faith.

Such Christians believe that faith should be the primary focus and want to ensure nothing distracts from that. They view tattoos as potential stumbling blocks because they fear they could draw attention away from the core message of Christianity. 

Furthermore, they believe it is about creating an environment where everyone can grow in their faith without unnecessary distractions or doubts.

Focusing on inner faith

For these Christians, it all comes down to what they believe truly matters in their relationship with God. They emphasize that their faith should be a deeply personal and spiritual connection that happens within their hearts and minds.

In their view, having tattoos, while it can be a form of self-expression or a way to communicate beliefs, is an external display. They might argue that someone can have elaborate religious tattoos but not have a strong, sincere faith in their heart.

They concentrate on nurturing their inner faith, making it the core of their relationship with God. 

Moreover, they believe that the state of their soul, love for God, and commitment to following Christian principles are more crucial than any outward symbols or expressions, including tattoos.

Personal conviction

Personal conviction means that some Christians have a deep, heartfelt belief that having tattoos goes against their faith or personal values. They make a decision based on their understanding of their relationship with God and their interpretation of the Bible.

You know how people have different preferences, right? 

Some might love spicy food, while others can't handle the heat. Similarly, Christians have diverse beliefs and interpretations of their faith.

When it comes to having tattoos, it is not always a one-size-fits-all situation. Some Christians, through their own personal experiences, prayer, and study of scripture, genuinely believe that God is guiding them to avoid tattoos. 

It is a conviction that comes from the heart.

For these individuals, it might feel like a calling or a way to honor their faith. They might see tattoos as something that does not align with their personal walk with God and are committed to living their lives in a way they believe is pleasing to Him.

Respect and understanding for one another

In Christianity, the stance on having tattoos varies from person to person, congregation to congregation, and denomination to denomination. We have touched on various reasons why some 

Christians oppose tattoos, such as their interpretation of specific biblical verses, desire to maintain a distinct religious identity, or a deep-seated personal conviction aligning with their faith journey.

What's important to remember is that this diversity of viewpoints reflects the broader Christian community's complexity. As in any religion or belief system, there's room for individual interpretation and conviction. 

With this, some Christians may embrace tattoos as a form of self-expression, while others may feel compelled to avoid them to express their faith.

Ultimately, even if we do not share the same views, recognizing and appreciating the deeply held beliefs of others is essential. 

It is also a reminder that the journey of faith is highly personal, and individuals' decisions regarding having tattoos are often deeply rooted in their sincere dedication to their relationship with God.