Comments on FTM: Can a Christian Get a Tattoo?

Hey MTR. Could you get that JPG to me of your tat?...

2009-09-04T12:24:31.708-05:00

Hey MTR. Could you get that JPG to me of your tat? kylevant[at]gmail.com

Hello and God bless everyone out there who has vis...

2009-08-28T01:50:43.654-05:00

Hello and God bless everyone out there who has visited this website looking for insite on wether we christians can have a Tattoo. I have been doing some research on my own and after surfing through this website, which by the way I would like to thank the brother for the well thought and clear views on this tribial,yet not condeming issue...I will be getting my first tattoo, designed by me for the purpose to Glorfy Jesus my loving Saviour. Thanks!!

Please let me apologize to you for my cowardice. ...

2009-07-18T23:05:22.964-05:00

Please let me apologize to you for my cowardice. Before my above comment post I had not read over all of the other posts. VERY cowardly of me not to own up to my comment on your post with my own name.

You look to be doing a lot of defending of your article too. For everyone who continues to attack this article's author... not very loving of you now is it.

Leave the author alone. Don't forget love. Hate feels so good while you are feeling it. Don't hate, love. Love is much better. I do know that love reached down and took hold of me. Love also gave His last breath on a Roman cucifix. Very interesting...

Interesting... It all boils down to love and I th...

2009-07-18T22:41:47.222-05:00

Interesting... It all boils down to love and I thank you for loving your fellow man enough to post a very accurate and scripture-backed article. You are greatly appreciated and respected by myself for this. You also reminded me again how an open mind and loving heart are a good combination in a human being. Godspeed to you.

hi....i loved ur article on tattooing and the chri...

2009-06-01T12:48:02.356-05:00

hi....i loved ur article on tattooing and the christian... you really have put in a lot of research into it. I am a tattoo artist in New Delhi, India and I do get a lot of people coming to me, including Christians, to get tattooed. I feel tattoos is a very personal thing....there are people who love it and people who dont, regardless of religion or background. There used to be a time when makeup..something most women use today, was considerd evil and bad.. And look at it now, women depend on it!!!
To me, tattooing today is a form of expressing oneself, besides looking cool. It's like language...people use bad language and people use good language.
And in the end...like it says in the Bible...Your Body is a Temple...(then let me paint the walls!!!!)..... :) :) :)
Warm Regards....

Two immediate responses to the article: I'm a semi...

2009-05-29T00:17:05.627-05:00

Two immediate responses to the article: I'm a seminarian student, in the journey of becoming a pastor. I have a tattoo on my lower right back of a symbol, which I designed myself, that conveys: "a window to my soul is through Christ." This symbol has sparked enough conversations that led others curious about Jesus Christ. So a tattoo can also be a form of ministry! Especially in the Artist Community.
second opinion: I like to challenge that a dragon is not explicitly satanic, nor sinful. It is in the western culture, but not in the eastern culture. A dragon actually is a symbol of strength and providence. If your article is about the intention of the heart, then I suggest that no images are exclusively sinful. I say this to be respectful to "World Christianity" and not only "Western Christianity".

I am a pastor also and I think you may find it int...

2009-05-18T19:06:00.000-05:00

I am a pastor also and I think you may find it interesting that I at 58 years old and just got a second tattoo (I have one on my back of my guitar at 48. This second tattoo is of Christ and it is the "laughing Christ" which you can google a picture of. It helps to remind me that the joy of the Lord is my strength. When I think about all the things we need to address in this world as followers of Christ, tattoos are the least of my worries and I bet, they are the least of God's worries. Do the tattoo!!!

I think John W. E.'s comment summed it up. But, s...

2009-04-29T14:13:00.000-05:00

I think John W. E.'s comment summed it up. But, something else to think about, (I apologize if someone else brought this up): Money. Tattoos are EXPENSIVE and I can think of far more Godly ways to spend my money. I guarantee that there are better ways to use money to further the kingdom of heaven than spending it on a tattoo. Just my opinion. I really appreciate your views on this topic and your emphasis of THINKING, WAITING, and PRAYING before getting a tattoo. Because, spiritual or not, you have to prayerfully ask yourself if your tat will further the kingdom of heaven, which we are called to do!!
Thanks!

MTR, actually I didn't think you were snippy at al...

2009-04-28T10:24:00.000-05:00

MTR, actually I didn't think you were snippy at all. I found you were being sincere. Best regards.

Frank-- Been meaning to reply to you. You certainl...

2009-04-27T10:16:00.000-05:00

Frank--
Been meaning to reply to you. You certainly seem like a nice guy and I appreciate the manner in which your concern is conveyed.

Forgive me, please, for being a bit snippy in my replies. In some way I feel like I've been talking about this subject forever!

MTR, hello, again! Before starting my new comment,...

2009-04-06T18:27:00.000-05:00

MTR, hello, again! Before starting my new comment, please let me say that I appreciate the patience and intellectual honesty you have shown in handling these comments.

I've done some more thinking, so, just to sum up:

A lot of people think that many Old Testament rules do not apply to Christians today: rules governing the way you cut your hair and rules obliging you to put adulterers to death and rules concerning tattoos and over 600 rules altogether...

But Jesus said they do still apply to us. All of them (Matthew 5: 17,18). So, the “no tattoos” law is still in force whatever we might think the reason for it was at the time that Moses wrote it down (Leviticus 19:28). God’s reason for forbidding tattoos is not for us to question.

So we now have two situations concerning tattoos. Let’s take a hypothetical person and call him (her) XYZ:

1) Let’s assume that Jesus was crucified to save a lot of people but NOT XYZ: In this case, XYZ will be tried, condemned and cast into the lake of fire, on the Day of Judgement. He (she) will be condemned for everything, including having a tattoo. “…The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.” (Revelation 20: 12 – N.I.V.) and also “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.” (Matthew 12: 36 – N.I.V.)

2) But now let’s assume that XYZ’s name is in the Book of Life and that Jesus WAS crucified to save him (or her): In this case, XYZ has ALREADY been judged, condemned and punished for every single transgression, including wearing mixed fibres, committing adultery, robbing a bank, having a bad haircut and getting tattooed. XYZ has been judged and then put to death in the person of Jesus Christ, as He hung on the cross. So on the day of Judgement XYZ will not go on trial again, even if he (she) does have a tattoo. It’s the DOUBLE JEOPARDY RULE.

But Jesus said that every letter of the Law still exists. It has not been abolished. So, when the New Testament states that Christians have been “freed” from the Law, it simply means that one cannot be punished twice for the same transgressions and Jesus has already been punished on behalf of those He saved.

So, instead of cherry picking my way through 613 (?) Mosaic laws and rules and regulations, I prefer to acknowledge that Jesus spoke the truth; that they are all still in effect and to confess that I’ve probably broken most of them and I really hope that Jesus died for me, too. I think that’s better than entering into a state of denial. I’m not getting a tattoo because the fact that I’ve broken most of the laws is no reason for me to invest money and pain just to break one more!

Again, thank you for your patience.

I have to say, your blog is the first one I have r...

2009-04-05T14:25:00.000-05:00

I have to say, your blog is the first one I have read on here that makes sense. And, I am the daughter of a Baptist minister. I have four tattooes. I don't think I will get another, but who knows. Every thing is one of God's creations. A cat that I loved with all my heart who died. Actually two. And the moon with flowers and a butterfly. I have a fairy, which isn't one of God's creations, but I feel zero guilt. I prayed for a long time and God didn't convict me not to get one. I don't want to draw attention to myself. The Lord knows my grief at the loss of my cats. He knows my love of a beautiful moon. We spend way too much time judging each other. How about helping each other instead. Come on y'all, reach out your hand to that person dressed in rags. You might just touch an angel.

I think that Christians who get tattooed in the kn...

2009-03-13T11:50:00.000-05:00

I think that Christians who get tattooed in the knowledge that Jesus paid for their transgressions are like those young people whose daddies pay all their traffic fines: the more their daddies pay, the more they think they’re free to violate the law. I don’t think that’s the right way to accept Jesus.

Lately I've been wanting a small tattoo and I was ...

2009-03-12T21:45:00.000-05:00

Lately I've been wanting a small tattoo and I was searching on google and came across your page. Thank you for you opinions, I agree with you on many aspects. I am still debating/praying about it, but if I do I am planning to get one when I turn 18/go to university/become an adult. That way there will be less conflict with my parents(hopefully)! Thanks again, God bless.

Read the post. Its full of scripture.I suppose you...

2009-03-08T22:26:00.000-05:00

Read the post. Its full of scripture.

I suppose you're asking the question, "Do I think my tattoo glorifies God?"

It so happens that I do think this. What doesn't glorify God is diminishing him to an argument over something so trivial.

Ok, So i Noticed something after I posted that las...

2009-03-08T20:01:00.000-05:00

Ok, So i Noticed something after I posted that last time.

MTR,
Could you please use Scripture to back up what you say? If we do not believe the Scriptures then we need to change the subject to "Are the Scriptures truth?" I would yes.

2 TImothy 3:16 "16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness," and

1 John 5:3 "3 This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,"

Commands shouldn't be burdensome. Do we not share our faith because the Great Commission is too hard? People all over the world are dying to uphold the seriousness of that Charge. It came from the same Bible. Are scriptures your authority?

We should do everything to God's glory because it is a command. When you are doing homework you should be like, "thank you God for the opportunity to learn. I will do this to the best of my ability to thank you for the blessing of education." Everything should be like that. I can admit that I do not live up to that standard, that is why I need my savior every day. We do not water down the authority of Scripture because it seems to hard to uphold. That is what it seems you are trying to do. Paul said that he presses to Philippians ward the high calling of God. 4:13 says that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I love you guys and want to see you live a life that Honors God. I sin. I do not want to. You guys are probably better people than me. I just think it is better to tell someone that they are wrong rather than letting them live on in untruth and unrepentance. I am not saying that I know everything. That is why I quote scripture. The Bible says it not me. I love you guys.

For the King and His Kingdom,

Sam Baker

Yes, I think that everyone's most personal hobby i...

2009-03-08T19:25:00.000-05:00

Yes, I think that everyone's most personal hobby is under scrutiny. And this passage does apply to the most personal of things. Notice that the passage says that even when you eat and drink do it to the glory of God. Those are the most basic essential thing that every human needs to do. So yea, if you collect anything, do it to the glory of God, when I get a hair cut or trim my beard I want to do it in a way that brings glory to God. The passage says "whatever you do" just live Romans 3:23 says "for all have sinned." all means all and whatever means whatever. No way around it. Just because it is not convenient or easy doesn't negate it's truth or seriousness. I have sinned and pray that God does help do everything to His glory. I'm not off the hook because it is too hard.

With Love,

Sam Baker

At the risk of being repetitious, I really must em...

2009-03-08T14:44:00.000-05:00

At the risk of being repetitious, I really must emphasize:

1) “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,” (1 John 5:3 – New International Version)

2) God’s command in Leviticus 19:28 (N.I.V.) was “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.”

3) And Jesus said “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” (Matthew 5: 17,18 – New International Version).

4) So we show our love for God by obeying Him, which includes not getting tattooed (or not getting tattooed again.) I cannot imagine anyone trying to bring glory to God by disobeying Him!!!

5) Of course, in today’s world most people find it practically impossible to keep the Law down to the smallest letter or the least stroke of a pen, but I happen to know that it’s very easy NOT to get tattooed....

Sam--Do you get your hair cut for the glory of God...

2009-03-08T11:15:00.000-05:00

Sam--

Do you get your hair cut for the glory of God? Do you use deodorant for the glory of God? Do you watch TV for the glory of God? Maybe sometimes. Yes, 1 Corinthians does say that, you're right, but attempting to apply it to everything that may seem the least bit personal can be extreme. I guess anyone's hobby could easily come under scrutiny this way.

That guy who collects baseball cards or that woman who enjoys knitting... They better be doing it for the glory of God!

Elle,The Bible says that what ever you do, do it t...

2009-03-07T22:31:00.000-06:00

Elle,
The Bible says that what ever you do, do it to the Glory of God (1 Peter 4:11 & 1 Corinthians 10:31). Soli Deo Gloria! It doesn't matter that it doesn't offend God. That is not our purpose in life. Our purpose is to bring glory to God only. Colossians 1:16 says that you are created by God and for God. Not for yourself.

with love,

Sam

Hi there. I like this post, it makes sence. I've b...

2009-03-07T13:40:00.000-06:00

Hi there. I like this post, it makes sence. I've been wanting to get a tattoo that says, "Hope" in beautiful letters. Long story short, the word means a lot to me. I don't think this word would be disgracing God in any way, do you? I also have another question. Is it okay if we get a tattoo that represents things that we love, or have meaning to us, but don't necessarily praise God, but they don't disgrace him either. Like song lyrics. As long as they are not saying something such as, "Ohh the devil! Worship the devil!" or something that is disgraceful, or gives off a bad message, is it okay? Thanks, and nice tattoo.
Oh and you do know that thing is there forever rigt? Kidding! :D

Sam was not making an argument specifically agains...

2009-03-03T14:59:00.000-06:00

Sam was not making an argument specifically against tattoos. He made a good argument saying, in short, "do not cause distress to others."

My own argument is "If we love God we try to please God; not ourselves." Jesus left it clear that we please Him by doing His will, i.e., by following His Law to the best of our ability.

But I don't think anyone will go to Hell simply because of a tattoo. People go to Hell whose names are not in the Book of Life (Revelation 21:27) That is so interesting because it shows us that the only people who go to Hell are already dead and have always been dead. So God kills nobody...

Paul gives us an example of "dead": "But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives" (1 Timothy 5:6) New International Version.

If a person has the gift of divine, eternal love that person must be alive, even if tattooed. So let's all cheer up!

I just wanted the truth about the law to be clear... After all, who said "I am the way, and the TRUTH and the life"?

Sam--Yep, I noted the very things you say. But aga...

2009-03-03T14:34:00.000-06:00

Sam--
Yep, I noted the very things you say. But again, you are making an argument against tattoos, and if you are going to go with that as the reason for not getting a tattoo, you have to apply it to everything: Music, food, dress, what kind of car I drive.

And yes, such logic can be applied to these things. All things within reason.

I have a tattoo of Jesus on my uppoer right arm. I'm said it before and I'll said it again: This is hardly any more rebellious than wearing a cross around my neck.

MTR, What causes your brother to stumble is a si...

2009-03-03T14:29:00.000-06:00

MTR,
What causes your brother to stumble is a sin. If it offends ssomeone then is it that hard to not get a tatoo? No. You have to actively seek out a tatoo unless you are somehow branded.

"1 Timothy 4:12 (New International Version)
12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

Romans 14:12 (New International Version)
12So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

1 Corinthians 8:9 (New International Version)
9Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak."

It is not that hard not to get a tatoo. Living is a Christian life is about loving God and Loving others with that same love.

"John 15:12-13
12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

When you are saved you actually die to your own will. (Galatians 2:20 for instance)

It is not what you like or what you think is a sin or not, it is more about laying down your life for others (agape love). What does our will matter over God's? What does what we want matter over what God wants? A Christian life should be marked by self sacrifice and the loving of other people. If it causes someone (a young Chritian for example) to question what is sin a rebellion then you should just give it up, not quarl over it. The Bible tells us to avoid things that would divide us. Since this tatoo thing is not about salvation, then is it that hard to give it up so that many others may know Christ? No. Just like Drinking (which I don't think is horrible if you don;t get drunk), but some people dont like so it is easy to not drink. The list goes on. If it helps someone becasue your skin is clean then don't mess that up. One of our goals here is to preach the Good News, not to please ourselves with things of this world. I love you guys and your thoughts.

Finally, why do we spend so much time teaching tha...

2009-03-03T13:20:00.000-06:00

Finally, why do we spend so much time teaching that tattoos are somehow a sin (they are not) while not teaching that sideburns are a sin (nor are they)?

You say the difference has to do with tattoos being an act of rebellion. I'm not sure that that particular line of logic holds. Tattoos are rebellious only by those who see them as rebellious, and if they are that because they are in defiance of some old covenant law (which actually has little to do with tattoos and everything to do with idolatry), why don't we view sideburns as rebellious?

Simply put, getting a tattoo is not a sin. One's motivation and purpose behind the tattoo may or may not be a sin. Its the heart that causes sin, not a tattoo.