Ultimately scripture neither presents the idea that tattoos somehow harm the temple of God (our body) or dishonor God. In fact, God uses the idea of a tattoo favorably when he speaks of his remembrance of his people. However, while tattoos are permissible it is not always wise to get one.
There is nothing in the New Testament that expressly forbids tattoos or piercings.
Is It Sinful to Get a Tattoo? To answer it directly, no. Tattoos and the act of getting one are not sinful in themselves. The Bible doesn't give a black-and-white directive on tattoos; it doesn't condemn it, neither does it promote it.
The Bible warns us against tattoos in Leviticus 19:28 (Amplified) which says, “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print or tattoo any marks upon you: I am the Lord.” I know some will have a hard time receiving this teaching because tattooing has now become an accepted practice…
Jesus was a faithful, observant Jewish man – the Jewish Messiah. And when John wrote the book of Revelation in chapter 19:16, he saw an image of Jesus coming back on the earth and it says that on his thigh, it is written King of kings and Lord of Lords.
2 Chronicles 36:8 has led certain commentators throughout history to believe that Jehoiakim was actually tattooed. The famous 11th-century Jewish commentator Rashi (known for his pithy commentary on the Hebrew Bible), writes simply: “'Which was found on him': A tattooed writing.”
Jesus did not have a last name.
Each person needs to honor God with their own conscience. The one who is “free” to get a tattoo should not judge the one who is not free to do so. Likewise, those who have personal convictions about tattoos should not impose their convictions on someone else.
Crosses are often worn as an indication of commitment to the Christian faith, and are sometimes received as gifts for rites such as baptism and confirmation. Communicants of the Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox churches are expected to wear their baptismal cross necklaces at all times.
Ultimately, much of the Christian debate around body piercing, tattoos, and other modifications boils down to personal interpretation of scripture and concepts. Some see piercings as self-expression and not “marking your body,” whereas others see piercing as a sin that goes against the Bible's teachings.
No, God does not condemn tattoos outright. Such marks, when associated with pagan theology and worship, were forbidden. But, removed from an idolatrous context tattoos are merely a cultural artifact; one God appears to have found to be a fitting picture of how he remembers us.
If a tattoo is located in a place that can be covered, it is recommended to keep it concealed during prayer as a sign of respect and modesty.
1 Peter 3:10 tells us that "whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech." God commands us to keep our tongue from all obscene words, filthy and corrupt communication, lying, swearing, cursing, and any evil speech.
Catholic teachings on tattoos
The archdiocese's article on tattoos notes that Catholics should take a thoughtful approach to tattooing and choose designs that “communicate a positive message,” rather than an offensive or morally problematic one. “It is not something to be rushed into,” the article says.
God does not expressly prohibit the use of makeup. He's more concerned with matters of the heart, and in that vein, makeup can be used to encourage sin. But it's not an automatic contraband.
If you have a medical problem such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, a weak immune system, or a bleeding problem, talk to your doctor before getting a tattoo. Also, if you get keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue) you probably should not get a tattoo.
The Bible never gives detailed instructions about drinking. It does, however, give principles every Christian should consider. Bottom line: Scripture prohibits drunkenness, not drinking. If a Christian chooses to consume alcohol, they should do so with moderation and self-control.
The Bible references crystals as beautiful, but without healing powers. Some Christians say crystal use is wrong because it's idolatry or an occult practice. Other Christians believe crystals are OK since they're created by God. As long as you're channeling God's energy through them, you're not sinning.
Among the symbols employed by the early Christians, that of the fish seems to have ranked first in importance.
“You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” What does the Bible say about tattoos? That's it—that one line in Leviticus 19:28 of the Old Testament.
Q: Will getting a tattoo make me unforgivable? A: No, forgiveness is available to all who genuinely repent, regardless of past choices.
The Roman Catholic Church does not condemn smoking per se, but considers excessive smoking to be sinful, as described in the Catechism (CCC 2290): The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine.
"Christian tradition has long held that Jesus was not married, even though no reliable historical evidence exists to support that claim," King said in a press release.
The date of the birth of Jesus is not stated in the gospels or in any historical sources and the evidence is too incomplete to allow for consistent dating. However, most biblical scholars and ancient historians believe that his birth date is around 6 to 4 BC.