I’ve thought about getting a tattoo off and on ever since I was in my 20’s. A mother of a friend of mind always told him and me that Christians should not get tattoos. My friend now has at least two and they look nice. I know with the rise of the popularity of tattoos and body piercings many are asking is it alright for a Christian to have a tattoo and/or any body piercings? Before I go further, I want to share that I did get my left ear pierced just after I left Bible College (way back in 1993) but only had it in for 2 months before removing it. I removed it at the time because I would not have been able to work in the ministries of my home church with it in; I would have been considered a rebel.
I want to cover what the Bible actually says about getting tattoos and body piercings. The Old Testament did address it in Leviticus 19:28 which says:
You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD.
This is the verse my friend’s mom likes to quote. One of the hermeneutical rules of interrupting the Bible is to read the passage in context. With that said, only nine verses earlier in the same chapter (Leviticus 19:19) the people of Israel were also commanded to avoid mixing fibers in garments:
Nor shall a garment of mixed linen and wool come upon you.
Therefore, if someone chose to consider a tattoo sinful, then they would have to toss all their cotton/polyester clothing too! Another hermeneutical rule is to know what people group a passage to being written to; not knowing who a passage is focusing on causes interrupting errors. Leviticus 19 was written my Moses to the nation of Israel, and does not apply to us. God originally set aside the Jewish people as a “higher standard” among the pagan nations, through whom the Messiah would come. As a result, many of their laws were given to wean them from pagan customs, habits, and appearance.
The New Testament does not say anything about whether or not a Christian can have a tattoo and/or body piercings. Since Leviticus is considered the law and we Christians are no longer under the law (read Romans), does it mean getting tattoos and/or body piercing is alright; this passage is talking to the nation of Israel after all?
Society changes constantly, but God’s Word remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. People with tattoos and body piercings were looked down on up until the last 10 years or so. Society sees nothing wrong with tattoos and body piercings, but Christians go by the Standard that does not change; the Standard of God’s Word, the Bible. The bottom line is that the Bible (our Standard) does not clearly define tattoos and body piercing as a sin.
There is one thing to consider, though. Christians aren’t under the Law, but we are under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Because of that we need to remember that our bodies, as well as our souls, have been redeemed and belong to God. Each Christian has the Holy Spirit in them. Before getting any tattoos and/or body piercings, a Christian should ask God if it would be all right and if the Holy Spirit doesn’t convict you, go for it.
I know many good people with tattoos and body piercings. I have a good pastor friend of mind who has several Bible passages tattooed on his arms along with his children’s faces. His wife has tattoos of butterflies on her upper back and top of her foot. I would consider both Godly Christians who are serving their God. I think most of the issue with tattoos and piercings has to do with the external. God cares more about the internal.
Very interesting Tom, I appreciate this one and can't wait until the second thought. As you know my little subfamily are all tatted up and I do not believe that the "forgiving" Lord I know would turn me away from the Golden Gates d/t a tattoo, he would say I appreciate the way you utilized the colors I created for you, and by the way who did your work LOL. Have a blessed day brother. Kiss my princess for me.
ReplyDeleteContext is indeed important to understanding and applying any text of Scripture. It is particularly important when asking what in the Old Testament applies to New Covenant saints. But, we cannot always dismiss a command just because it is "Old Testament" law. If for instance, the prohibition to tats in the OT was due to its association to idolatry and part of a pagan ritualistic practice (which it was), then we still can not get tats and piercings if they are for ritualistic pagan practice (most today, I would think, are not). We also need to navigate "law" carefully. For instance, if I dismiss the "tat" rule just because it is Old Testament law, is adultery okay? Is murder okay? Is Idolatry okay? These are all "Old Testament" laws. And, if we are saying we are not under Old Testament law, are we saying we as Christians are under no law? And, if we are under some law, who's law, and how do we identify it? What informs it? Jesus said all the law and prophets (entire Old Testament) found their meaning in one great commandment (really two); Love the Lord your God with all your being, and love your neighbor as yourself. See, there is the law! But, who or what gives definition to what is or is not "loving?"
ReplyDeleteJesus asserted himself as a greater one the Moses. Jesus told us to lead people to obey all things "He commanded." There is our law! We are no longer under Moses; we are under the law of Christ. Jesus gave us lots of freedom. Paul said never to use our freedom for sin, and never use freedom in a way that would be unloving. That leaves room for tats and piercing and lots of other stuff, as long as we do it all in the context of living for Him.
For what it's worth,
Rog
In body piercing, the use of proper metal is very essential. This also determines the success of body piercing jewellery. Commonly, a metal that does not react with the skin is popular. Sterling steel or titanium and gold have the least reaction rate with the skin, and with that, the chances of infection are reduced. Metals like copper and nickel react with the skin, and therefore should be avoided completely.
ReplyDelete