Should Christians Get Tattoos?

This expert summary explores the modern Christian debate surrounding tattoos, analyzing scriptural context, practical concerns regarding permanence, and the motivation behind body art. It concludes that while the practice is not inherently sinful, believers must prioritize internal character and carefully weigh the potential consequences of external adornment.

I. The Core Biblical Conflict: External Adornment vs. Internal Beauty

The primary arguments against tattoos stem from the Old Covenant context and the New Testament emphasis on internal character.

1. The Old Covenant Prohibition (Leviticus 19:28)

The single main argument against tattooing comes from Leviticus 19:28, which states: “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves i am Lord”.

• Context of Paganism: This prohibition was issued at a time when pagan nations would tattoo or cut their bodies as forms of idol worship or rituals for the dead. Moses commanded the Israelites to be separated from these practices.

2. The New Testament Emphasis on Heart (1 Peter 3:3–4)

The New Testament encourages believers to focus on imperishable beauty over outward appearance.

• Internal Focus: 1 Peter 3:3–4 advises: “Do not let your adorning be external the braiding of hair or putting on of gold jewelry or the clothing that you wear but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which in God’s sight is very precious”.
• Character Over Looks: This passage essentially teaches believers not to let external adornments like gold, clothes, or tattoos be the main thing of value. True beauty and “all of the pretty things” should come from within, from your character and who you are before Christ.

II. The Evolution of Tattoo Motivation

The context and purpose of tattoos have significantly changed from ancient practices, complicating a simple application of the Old Covenant law.

From Ritual to Remembrance

While tattoos were primarily used for idol worship and pagan rituals in Moses’ time, today, the reasons are often sentimental.

• Sentimental Meaning: Individuals today may get tattoos with the date they were married, or as a remembrance piece of a lost child. Tattoos in this context are not honoring pagan deities or part of a death ritual.
• Artistry: Modern tattoos are considered “actual works of art”. They are not the crude, etched “stick and poke” designs seen from prior generations.

The Risk of Identity Focus

A major concern is when tattoos become central to a person’s identity and self-esteem.

• Deeper Issue: If a person is “not okay with yourself the way that God designed you” as a blank canvas, and feels they need tattoos to feel good about themselves, there is a deeper issue regarding their sense of value in God and their desire for admiration from others.
• External Focus: The danger is that one tattoo leads to many, forming an identity and community “around this external thing that is not where we should be focusing our our our thoughts and our mind”.

III. Practical and Missional Concerns (Piper’s Arguments)

Beyond the biblical verses, practical issues of permanence and potential missionary hindrance are raised. John Piper outlined six key reasons for caution:

1. Focus on External Adornment: Tattoos risk focusing attention on the outside rather than the internal character.
2. Permanence: Tattoos are a “permanent thing on your body forever”. If one is not ready to make a lifelong commitment to the design (e.g., a former boyfriend/girlfriend’s name), they should wait.
3. Body as a Temple (Graffiti Argument): The body is considered a temple, and getting a tattoo is essentially “graffitiing the temple”. Though some argue it may be “good graffiti” that promotes positive messages, the argument remains.
4. Missionary Limiting: Tattoos can be a hindrance to sharing the gospel in certain contexts. If traveling to a Muslim culture where tattoos are impermissible, the body art could become a barrier.
5. Regret and Expense: People often regret getting “silliest tattoos” perhaps due to sales. Removing them is likely expensive and requires multiple sessions.
6. Uncertainty and Scars: Removal involves processes like laser zapping, which can be painful, take many different times, and potentially leave scars.

IV. Tattoos as Conversation Starters and Gospel Tools

Conversely, some argue that tattoos can serve as effective tools for evangelism and outreach.

• Relatability: One justification cited is that a person with tattoos may be perceived as more relatable to non-believers, avoiding the appearance of a “buttoned up Christian boy who’s like judging holier than thou legalist”.
• Gospel Tract: A story is shared about a friend who had a gospel tract tattooed on her arm. This serves as a direct conversation starter that literally shares the gospel message with people who ask about the art.
• Door Opener: Asking someone, “Tell me about your tattoos,” is a great way to start a conversation with a non-believer (“pagan”). Having one’s own tattoo could potentially open that door.

V. The Shift in Permanence and Divine Perspective

The sources acknowledge that modern technology and God’s perspective shift the debate away from the rigid concept of permanence and outward judgment.

• Laser Removal Technology: The development of laser removal technology means tattoos are no longer strictly permanent. This potentially changes the argument against tattoos being “so consequential”.
• Divine Perspective: The final measure of judgment is internal, not external. God actually looks to the inside, to the heart, and does not care about outward appearance—whether one is “short tall skinny fat”.
• Real-Life Examples: The story of Brian “Head” Welch from the band Korn is cited. Despite being covered head-to-toe in tattoos (including teardrops and neck art) that were a major part of his life before and after conversion, he now loves Jesus with all his heart, demonstrating that tattoos do not preclude genuine faith.