If you’ve been looking for ideas for Christian tattoos, but started wondering if by being a Christian, you should even get one, read on…
The Controversy of Tattoos on Christians
“Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:28 (KJV)
The Old Testament Law prohibits tattoos, but these prohibitions were in relation to pagan rituals and worship. If a tattoo is purely for God’s glory, it shouldn’t be a sin.
Me, personally, while I appreciate the art and the talents of tattoo artists, I’ve never had a desire to get one myself. Due to medical conditions, I have an extremely low tolerance to any pain, so even getting a Christian tattoo is out of the question.
The controversy surrounding Christian tattoos is largely centered on the fact that in the Old Testament of the Bible, God forbids Christians from “printing any marks” on their bodies. In fact, tattoos were associated with heathen religion, superstition, and idolatry; a pagan view of salvation that violated ceremonial law.
Those who engaged in these practices would affix a symbol or the name of a false god to their body. However, God demanded that His people behave differently. He reminded His people that He is the LORD, and they were His workmanship. If they were a part of idolatry, they could not have tattoos that glorify God.
Many Christians are skeptical of this argument, but the Christian community itself defends tattoos. Christian tattoos are generally not considered sinful, but they may be inappropriate for some people.
Ideas for Christian Tattoos That Have Meaning
One popular choice for a tattoo is a scripture verse that has a personal meaning to you. While many Christians don’t have Bible verse tattoos, they are a common choice among believers.
Christianity Symbols as Tattoos
Many Christian tattoos are symbols of their faith. Some include pictures of Jesus, renderings of the Last Supper, or the Rock of Ages. The most common outline of a Christian tattoo is the cross.
These designs are a way for Christians to demonstrate their beliefs and bring them closer to God. Although the religious significance of Christian tattoos is often debated, many believe they have spiritual meanings that are relevant to them.
Christian Tattoos Tell a Story and Help Spread the Word of God
Many people get tattoos that tell a story or have some special meaning behind the art. Actually, getting tattoos just for the sake of getting one is rather pointless; a waste of time and money.
Your tattoos should have significant meanings behind them; they should tell a story or invite questions about them. Some people use their tattoos as a way to evangelize since the tattoos have such profound meanings to those who wear them.
Many Christian tattoos are symbols of their faith. Some include pictures of Jesus, renderings of the Last Supper, the Rock of Ages, or the Cross of Jesus Christ. These designs are a way for Christians to demonstrate their beliefs and bring them closer to God.
Although the religious significance of Christian tattoos is often debated, many believe they have spiritual meanings that are consequential to them.
Do Christian Tattoos Glorify God?
If you’re considering getting a tattoo, ask yourself, ‘Will this honor God?’ If not, or if you have doubts, you should rethink your objectives to getting one in the first place. Remember, tattoos are permanent. Yes, you can get them covered or removed, by why go through the hassle and expense when you should have given more thought to it before you even got one.
I attended two weddings where the bride had a find a dress that would cover up her tattoos. Now I wondered, if you were so proud of them when you got them, why would you want to cover them up now? I didn’t make any sense to me then or now.
Alternative Ideas for Christian Tattoos
So you have a particularly special Bible verse or image that you love, and you’d get it tattooed if you could. Or you love the saying, verse or image, but don’t like tattoos. You can still wear your favorite artwork… on a t-shirt, hoodie, sweatshirt, or tank top.
Wearing your faith as artwork doesn’t have to be permanent. It’s not something you feel you must cover up for some future event. Simply put it on a piece of clothing! With t-shirts, you can have a different one for each favorite or especially meaningful verse, saying, or image.
What are your thoughts? Do you like or not like tattoos? Do you have tattoos?
