Tattoo or Not Tattoo?

This is a question many "Christians" struggle with. For many Christians, tattooing falls into the category of "disputable matters." The Bible says in Leviticus 19:28, "Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. I am the Lord." (NLT) How much clearer can that be?

It's important, however, to look at the verse in context. This passage in Leviticus, including the surrounding text, is specifically dealing with the pagan religious rituals of the people living around the Israelites. God’s desire is to set His people apart from other cultures. The focus here is prohibiting worldly, heathen worship, and witchcraft. 

God forbids His holy people from engaging in idolatrous, pagan worship and sorcery which copy the heathens. He does this out of protection because He knows this will lead them away from Himself, the one true God. So, the important question remains, is getting a tattoo a form of pagan, worldly worship still forbidden by God today? (Consider Romans 14)

If you are considering the question, "To tattoo or not tattoo?" The more serious questions to ask yourself are: 

• What are my motives for wanting a tattoo? 
• Am I seeking to glorify God or draw attention to myself? 
• Will my tattoo be a source of contention for my loved ones? 
• Will getting a tattoo cause me to disobey my parents? 
• Will my tattoo cause someone weak in the faith to stumble? 
• Instead of asking, "Is it okay for a true believer - a disciple of Jesus Christ to get a tattoo," perhaps a better question might be, "Is it okay for me to get a tattoo?"

Since tattooing is such a controversial issue today, I think it's important to examine your heart and your motives before you make the decision.

Self Exam: To Tattoo or Not Tattoo?
Here is a self-exam based on the ideas put forth in Romans 14. These questions will help you decide whether or not getting a tattoo is a sin for you:
1) How does my heart and my conscience convict me? 

2) Do I have freedom in Jesus Christ and a clear conscience before the Lord regarding the decision to get a tattoo?
3) Am I passing judgment on a brother or sister because I don't have freedom in Jesus Christ to receive a tattoo?
4) Will I still want this tattoo years from now?
5) Will my parents and family approve, and/or will my future spouse want me to have this tattoo?
6) Is my decision based on faith and will the result be glorifying to God?

Ultimately, the decision is between you and God!