Why Do Some Christians Think Tattoos Are Wrong While Others Say Nothing Is Wrong With Them?

Question

ohsheeT · Accepted Answer

This is a good question for the fact of it doesn't matter what religion you have if you go to a church they say Christian Church in California and then you go to a Christian Church in Washington the preacher they both have different ideas there's no one certain Christian thing that anybody follows same with every religion every denomination they're all different so depending on who the man is standing up in front of you talking to you first of all you have to trust and respect him because whatever he tells you as a good Christian you're going to believe but then you go to another state and the guy that's standing up in front of you might tell you a whole different story that's the reason why I cannot be Christian or I could not be Muslim or Jehovah witness or Baptist because all of us on gag could be laying out in a field someplace looking up at the clouds and we're all going to see it different but not one of us I don't think we'll stand up and say if you don't believe it the way I'm telling you you're going to go to hell my mom is a Catholic when I was five six years old I had to go to church and went to a Christian church and I was there I think I probably went three or four times but I never went back because just everything to this day I believe in my God I believe in all of our gods I believe we're all supposed to become one one with each other one with ourselves one with the universe we all have the god Gene inside of us we all have good inside of us we all have bad cells understand that no matter what part of the world you live in there's a positive and a negative no matter what no matter what happens in our life positive and negative God devil wrong right hello goodbye yes no hate love so no matter what denomination you belong to as long as you have common sense and you know what's right and wrong I don't know why when man not unless it's God himself telling you do not do this but why a preacher can tell you one thing one place and a preacher can tell you another thing in another place for me I believe in my God I believe in God I believe that we're all here to experience life to become the best that we possibly can become and we are all supposed to be one and one with the universe if we all have the god Gene inside of us if we all became one and we all prayed all at the same time to stop war to stop hunger free energy it would happen but nobody wants to get on the same page most religious preachers they have their own page nowadays I can't tell you what to do I can tell you what I would do first of all I could care less about tattoos not unless it's pure 100% Picasso artwork and it flows with my body but I think whichever choice you want to do whatever reason you're asking this question for you'll find the answer if you look deep enough and if you're quiet long enough and you ask that question within it will be answered for you

ProbablyClueless · Accepted Answer

People who adhere strictly to the scriptures argue that tattoos are sinful because they used to be the practice of pagans, and other people who worshipped non-Abrahamic gods.

Modern day tattooing has largely lost it's spiritual significance, so the more modern Christians recognize that times have changed, so the intention of the scripture needs to change as well.

DizzyDesii · Accepted Answer

That cross tattoo is cute! But yea, I just don’t like the idea of being permanently marked. Airbrush is fine and temporary but i dont like needles nor the idea of permanent artwork on my body. I like how this is airbrushed but can come off after like a week Damn even the kid got one 😭🤣

petitedollbabee · Accepted Answer

Because some Christian’s pick and choose what they actually follow in the bible, which is funny.

Andres77 · Answer

It has to be taken in context. The mosaic wall was given so the budding nation of Israel would stand out as different from all the other nations of the earth. The Hasidic Jews don’t shave their sideburns and have those goofy looking curls because the Jews wandering the desert. encountered a people that shave their heads in a certain way, and God told them “don’t be like them”. So the Hasidic Jews latched onto that one portion of scripture, and they don’t shave that part of their heads.
And I’m sure they don’t eat pork.

And I’m sure they don’t have clothing in which cotton and will are mixed. That was guidance from God, so that budding nation of Israel would not be like any other nation on earth they would be distinctly different, because God calls us all to be different.

Jesus Christ was, and is the Messiah. Jesus Christ said that in Him, He fulfilled all Mosaic law. Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah so Judaism still follows mosaic law. The commands about tattoos were given for the same reason. Don’t be like the rest of the world. Be different. But in the context of Israel growing as a new nation.

THAT specific law is no longer relevant. The letter of THAT law is not relevant. The SPIRIT of “the law” is STILL relevant as Christians should stand apart from the world. The reason behind “the law” is still relevant. We are called to be apart from the world…. most notably in our behavior and the sharing of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

getting a tattoo is as bad as eating bacon.

i agree with what @Agape93 said. Most Christians don’t read or study the Bible and don’t know or understand what is in it.

Anonymous · Answer

“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

This is God’s commandment against self-harm (for instance if people were grieving the loss of a spouse or family member who died)

And it also forbids you to “print” any marks upon your body. Tattooing or scarification.

To answer your question, why do some Christians follow this commandment, and others do not? Partly it’s ignorance. It’s in the Old Testament, in Leviticus, and that’s one of the less eventful parts of the Bible that aren’t taught much.

Also, there are no perfect Christians. The inky perfect man was Jesus Christ. It’s kind of nit picking to say “Oh you’re not a Christian because you have a tattoo.” Of course you are. Just as you don’t somehow stop being a Christian if you steal, or lie, or sleep around. These aren’t “good” or moral things to do, or righteous living, but one should have repentance and want to be better. That is why forgiveness is so essential to faith. People will fail, and not always live up to the standard. But with faith and contrition we can better ourselves and grow in our faith.

DJB72 · Answer

There's an old testament verse that says "You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead nor print or tattoo any marks upon you; I am the Lord."
Leviticus 19:28 AMPC

This was a law Moses gave but for the simple reason that back then - at least 4000 years ago - and in that area the people who were tattooed tended to be marked for religious reasons to Baal, Moloch or one of the other "gods" the local tribes worshipped.

In context it's similar to when Paul wrote women should have their hair covered in church in the First century AD, which actually meant "don't dress like a prostitute" not literally "wear a hat".

RingOfFire · Answer

"Some Christians take issue with tattooing, upholding the Hebrew prohibition. The Hebrew prohibition is based on interpreting Leviticus 19:28—"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you"—so as to prohibit tattoos. Interpretations of the passage vary, however."

Jews and some Christians think tattoos are a sin because they deface the human body that God created. They both come from the same Judeo-Christian roots and share a common belief in the same Old Testament of the Bible.

BCRanger10 · Answer

I don't know what other churches say, but in the Catholic Church, not every matter of belief is a hardlined doctrine. Therefore, members can disagree with each other in good faith.

Some things, like, for example, abortion cannot be dissented from or changed. But others, like tattoos, aren't what the Church would call settled matters faith and morals.

But ultimately though, to your question more directly, there are at least 40,000 (and counting) different churches, all of which claim to be Christian and to follow Jesus and the Bible. That said, they will all claim to be the authority on things like this.

hahahmm · Answer

It was one of the commandments to the Jews in the Old Testament not to cut/make marks on their bodies in Leviticus 19:28. Maybe that's why they think that but I was raised very conservative Christian and it was not considered a religious issue. But at the same time it was understood that outside of maybe getting a military tat it's something that's really dumb to do. It's like taking a perfect painting and writing with a permanent marker on it. In some cultures it's normal to get tats for cultural reasons tho.

PragmaticProfit · Answer

In the book of Leviticus, there are various guidelines mentioned, including one discouraging the marking of one's skin. Additionally, there are instructions about not mixing fabrics and dietary restrictions on consuming certain types of meat. These guidelines were part of the ancient laws and customs followed by the Israelites. Different interpretations and practices have emerged over time, and individuals and religious communities often prioritize and interpret these guidelines in different ways based on their beliefs and traditions.

Sabretooth · Answer

the cross is a lie. moreover, the worship of them directly contradicts bible teachings:

LiamJHayden · Answer

A misreading of Leviticus 19:28, which is really speaking to the pagan practice of ancestor worship. What is funny is that the verse before says "You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard." yet the churches never try to apply that verse, which is part of the same thought, as that was a common practice in the worship by the pagans that surrounded Israel.

Truthatanycost · Answer

If you purchased a mansion and you caught a person spraying graffiti over the walls... you'd chase them away or the Police would be called...

Those who see the body as a totally unique and sacred temple that is a gift from God will see tattoos as a sin regardless of the scripture.

WanderingLoveWizard · Answer

I'm not a Christian, but I assume it has to do with not desecrating your body.
Theirs is more of a religious/ moral thing, but I actually agree.
Tattoos are no different than graffiti.
Your body is a temple and you scribbled all over it

ZackBan · Answer

Most here answered already. Self harm is agaisnt god's will.

But in reality chirstians are not all equally devoted. Some will pray and avoid major sins but will partake in minor sins. Others will go to church but have sex outside of wedlock and some will get tattoos.
But then you have others who really take all tenants to heart

normalice · Answer

Because some Christians like tattoos and some do not. Beliefs are used to validate their feelings and feelings are used to validate beliefs. It has nothing to do with any actual magical instructions, since, sadly, there is no such thing as magic..

Reorx · Answer

Some believe the body to be a temple in which God imbued part of His conciousness into. Desecration of a temple is the reason. True Christians respect free will, never dictate to others. Many claiming to be Christians are not & are in fact deceivers of the opposite fold. .

GoodGuyBreakingBad · Answer

The Christians who say Tattoos are wrong, they could be the strict religious people who overexaggerate about Tattoos, these things do happen, some Christians can take things too far, but it happens.

strateguy632 · Answer

some say "free from o. t." like book leviticus and deuteronomy, in the previous covenant, therefore can get tattoo inking. others agree but interpret "body is a temple" to guide how to decide, despite no specific law.

Sanser · Answer

It has nothing to do with christianity, its more like a conservative thing, at the end people with tattoos in the 70s/80s tended to be relationated with pimps and people with drug problems and that stuff. So a conservative person will still have a little bit of that mindset.

Boomchakalaca · Answer

Lmaooo cuz bible says dont ink urself 🐙 but its ironic for christians to get a tat. I do not follow any religion

eatmycupcake · Answer

Because Christianity can't universally agree on anything. It really isn't more complicated than that.

JeffersonA · Answer

Cause we are so busy fighting ourselves that we can't come together and love other churches.

mommymommymommy · Answer

Tattoos are considered a sin. You're not supposed to "desecrate" the body I'm jewish, and even I understand this. However, I don't get them cause i HATE needles, not because they're a sin

leahzrc · Answer

I don't think they think like this anymore. I see a hardcore christian with bible quotes all over his body

BCA6010 · Answer

I've never heard of this stance being taken seriously outside of the smaller sects that don't even approve of women wearing makeup, though I doubt anyone really appreciates someone with satanic tattoos, either.

Agape93 · Answer

Most Christians don't even know what their holy book says

AviatorTom · Answer

Just like Jews are not allowed to say the name of The Creator, and Muslims are not allowed to show an image of Mohammed, some Christians believe that it is wrong to show an image of the cross as a decoration on the human body.

blondfrog · Answer

My assumption from a religious perspective that you are like defacing your body that god gave you and it shows how ungrateful you are for your body. I don't know

genericname85 · Answer

because "breaking news". god is not a real thing but a subjective opinion or a psychological function of every individual. that's why the opinions about what god actually wants from us differ so much.

gothbxtch · Answer

because some people, instead of being true christians, use it as an excuse to be judgy and mean.

slatyb · Answer

There are thousands of Christian sects, and for almost any question of sin you will find churches on both sides.

Christoff92 · Answer

Some Christians are open minded to things some aren't. Not all Christians are the same.

AngryCarl2 · Answer

Because in Christianity there is an ongoing battle of Dogma vs. Common Sense.

Cubus · Answer

Because Bible prohibits tattoos Levictus 19:28 "You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the LORD."

najekim · Answer

Because the Bible says so. Just religious dogma.

soe11 · Answer

I am not a religious guy so I can not answer the questions. I have tattoo and my girlfriend got it, even though she is liberal Muslim.

whistlingwh0res · Answer

Because our body is a temple to keep God in it?

SoJust · Answer

This is a good question, maybe because everyone does tattoos according to their own taste, I'm thinking of getting a christian tattoo one day

kellytheman · Answer

Well thought it's a sin to alter your body in some way like piercings and tattoos.

mrkdvsn · Answer

I like the 1st paragraph of DJB72's comment. It says it all.

IsaacDahBoi · Answer

I've been told that it has something to do with how the body is the temple of God, but really, what's so wrong with decorating a temple.

jimmy2 · Answer

Here what I think when we die we either go to Heaven or Hell your choice and the tattoo, fat disgusting bodies go to ground or fire

kylecoffey73 · Answer

i grew up in a christian family and they dont really care if i got a tattoo.

MementoMori777 · Answer

cause some choose to accept it and others dont

dreamstar72 · Answer

Depends how they interpret the message.

eagle1951 · Answer

beats me i have 12

Jamie05rhs · Answer

Difference of opinion, I suppose.

Why Do Some Christians Think Tattoos Are Wrong While Others Say Nothing Is Wrong With Them?

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