Should Christians Get Tattoos or Piercing?by Melissa J | More from this Blogger 21 Apr 2007 12:18 PM In addition to the question of whether Christians are justified in getting tattoos and piercing, I'd like also to keep in mind other types of permanent procedures that some would go as far to suggest is mutilation. Appearances have evolved even in many Christian churches as they have in secular society. It's not for me to suggest what is right or wrong when the apparel remains modest and gender specific as the Bible states. But what about fashion that is relatively permanent like tattoos and piercing along with more severe disfigurements? Some argue that our flesh will perish anyway and it's what is inside that God sees and matters. If this were true then I don't believe the Bible would take the opportunity to discuss modest appearance and dress in various scriptures. The truth is our outward appearance is so often a manifestation of what's inside of us. Opponents of Christians tattooing and piercing often remind us of the fact our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and are ours only on loan and belong to God. I have no doubt Satan has an influence on people who grossly distort the bodies God has made for them. So what is it the Bible has to say regarding tattoos and piercing? Tattoos and piercing during the Old Testament days were done in pagan tradition and to mark slaves. Under the law in the Old Testament people were instructed 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." (See Deuteronomy 14:1 as well). Though we no longer live under the law of the Old Testament, many question if this now justifies various piercing in the flesh if not done out of pagan tradition. In Exodus 21:6 the Bible tells us if a servant wanted to remain servant to his master he would have his ear pierced as recognition that he will be so forever. In Genesis chapter 35 Jacob was told to "put away the foreign gods" among the people and to cleanse themselves. In verse 4 this included taking out their earrings from their ears. The choice to permanently pierce or mark your body is your own. The Bible states in 1 Corinthians 10:31, "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." I've known Christians who've gotten tattoos representing their Christian faith. I don't have a solid opinion on this matter-not that I'm any authority anyway. I too have tattoos and my ears pierced which were done during a time when my walk with the Lord was miniscule. Please visit these related blogs: Cutting Behaviors and Self-Destructive Thoughts Tattoos For MY Girls???? If it's Good Enough for Mama... Scripture reference are quoted from the NKJV. Relevantchristian tags User Comments Sherry Holetzky (11404) 22 Apr 2007 08:14 AMWow. This is something I hadn't given much thought before, but you really made me think.  swellen (70) 22 Apr 2007 09:47 PMHeh - this reminds me of a friend who, when pregnant, asked her husband whether they would get the baby circumcised if it were a boy (he's a Christian from a Jewish heritage, so circumcision would be important to the baby's grandparents). The husband replied, "Sure... so long as we can get his appendix out and give him a tattoo at the same time!" :-) But interestingly, the thing which caused the most dissension between them was about piercing the baby's ears if it were a girl. The mother is from an Italian heritage and she sees it very much as part of her cultural identity and heritage, while the father was dead against it. They have just had a girl after three (uncircumcised) boys and her ears are NOT pierced, but I suspect there was much discussion about it. As for me, I had my ears pierced when I was 11, and had a second hole done at 16, although I've since let that close up. I think the only thing that's stopped me from other piercings or tattoos is that I don't like the look of them... I still have decided whether they're biblical or not. I'm leaning towards believing it's a debatable matter and therefore up to the individual conscience, but I admit I haven't looked into it yet. You always give me something to think about in these blogs! mummy42now (6) 17 Jul 2008 10:54 AMI do believe as a Christian we have to be sensative to peoples feelings and be all things to all people in order to witness to them. I am a mother of two and I have been married for 10 years. I am 28 yrs. old and have been a Christian since I was nine yrs. old. Just recently, I got my nose pierced. I thought about it for years and also prayed about it. I have read the reference in Leviticus and understand it to mean that people were cutting and mutilating their bodies and tattooing their bodies to somehow honor the dead in a form of pagan practice. There was also a time later when Christians wanted gentiles to be circumcized because of the law and Paul specifically stated that this was wrong. He said that this was too heavy of burden to carry. Jesus says that His burden is easy and His yoke is light. I have always wanted a nose piercing because I believe it looks pretty, I am an artist and I like things that are a little different. I think that God created me this way just as He creates everyone with different charateristics and likes and dislikes. I don't think that a tiny hole in my nose could be considered mutilation and I definitely didn't do it to honor the dead! Although, there are several piercings that can cause health problems and are done for the wrong reasons and should be considered mutitating. I live in a Christian community and the reason I did not get it done before was because I did not want my Christian friends and neighbors to judge me. I was too concerned about appearances and fitting in with what a Christian is " supposed" to look like. I have also considered that maybe my piercing would help both Christians and non-believers to think a little bit out side of the box and realize that just because a Christian has a piercing doesn't mean that we can't or aren't living for Jesus. I have opened my witness to others that may feel judged by Christians or don't feel accepted in a church. Maybe they feel that we have something in common and Christ can use this to help me plant seeds and maybe even introduce them to Him. I can tell that some of my neighbors and friends don't like the piercing, but they know that I love the Lord and I'm not living in rebellion or anything. Maybe Christians needs to be a little less judging? How are we going to reach the lost if we're scared to be around them? Also, read Genesis 24:1-51, where the servant sent to find Rebekah puts the ring in her nose and the bracelets on her arms in a sort of marraige arrangement for Isaac. All this to say, I think God looks at our hearts, not at ouward appearances. Plus, my husband thinks my piercing is very attractive. He also is a Christian and leader in our church.  Dale Harcombe |
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