Blog post #4: Is It a Sin to Get a Tattoo?

I know that some people believe that it is bad having a tattoo because it means that you are committing a sin. One my sister's classmates really believes that getting inked is like disobeying God himself because you are modifying your body and changing the way He made you.

In relation to this topic, I found an article entitled "Tattoos and Christians - Should Christians Have Tattoos?" by Mary Fairchild from the site www.christianity.about.com.

The answer to whether it is a sin to get a tattoo is both yes and no. This is one of the questions many Christians struggle with. There is no definite answer if it is immoral or not because it is a disputable matter. However, Leviticus 19:28 says, "Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos, I am the Lord." Clearly, the Bible says no.

However, it is important to look at the verse in context. This passage in Leviticus 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 main objective here is to prohibit witchcraft and other unworldly worships.

"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," says Mary Fairchild.

For me, it is not a sin because the situation today is way more different than it was back then. It is more important to ask yourself if this is really something you need and if you are sure that you are doing it with a clear conscience.

In addition to this topic, I came across this article entitled "Is It a Sin to Get a Tattoo?" by Jay Haizlip from www.huffingtonpost.com.

It really depends on who you ask if getting inked is against God's command. They mostly refer to Leviticus 19:28 and this verse is absolutely relevent for us today. Anyone getting a tattoo really needs to ask themselves, why I am getting this and what is the meaning of this tattoo? Is the tattoo an expression of sorcery, idolatry or pagan symbolism? If you believe it is, then don't do it because you'll only have regrets. If you think that it is not forbidding all expressions of tattoos, then get one. Culturally speaking, over the last 20 years, tattoos have become more socially acceptable. A recent study by Pew Research, claims roughly 40 percent of Millennials have tattoos. It's no longer just the outcasts of society; doctors, attorneys, suburban moms, celebrities, even pastors can be found with tattoos.

"Ultimately, the decision is between you and God," says Jay Hazlip.

There are a lot of opinions and debates over this, but if you really consider yourself as a true Christian, then I think you should never do so because some may misinterpret it as being "ungodly". Still, each Christian is free to choose what he or she should do in this matter. We just have to respect the decision of each one of us.