The Bible warns 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.” However, just because society approves of something does not make it right in the eyes of God.
Some Christians take issue with tattooing, upholding the Hebrew prohibition (see below). 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, and perhaps even makeup.
Today they're common everywhere from Maori communities in New Zealand to office parks in Ohio. But in the ancient Middle East, the writers of the Hebrew Bible forbade tattooing. Per Leviticus 19:28, “You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves.”
The Bible warns 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.” However, just because society approves of something does not make it right in the eyes of God.
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.
Tattoos have been used for thousands of years as important tools in ritual and tradition. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have been hostile to the use of tattoos, but many religions, in particular Buddhism and Hinduism, make extensive use of them.
What does the Bible say about tattoos? Leviticus 19:28 says, “You shall not make any gashes in your flesh for the dead or tattoo any marks upon you: I am the LORD.” Although this passage clearly prohibits tattoos, it does not give an explicit reason why. This begs the question: Why does the Bible prohibit tattoos?
The Church doesn't have any strict teaching about tattoos because in most cases they are culturally based and according to the Church cultures should be respected. Unless something is objectively immoral, or we have immoral motives for doing it, Catholics are free to do as they wish.
The Bible never specifically addresses whether or not piercings are sinful. However, while the Israelites were forbidden from mutilating their bodies, piercings were a common practice both before and after the implementation of Levitical law.
When they came to Jesus, He was already dead so they did not break His legs (John 19:33). Instead, the soldiers pierced His side (John 19:34) to assure that He was dead. In doing this, it is reported that “blood and water came out” (John 19:34), referring to the watery fluid surrounding the heart and lungs.
The use of wedding ring is not commanded in the Bible, and there is no indication that it was ever practised in the New Testament. The use of finger ring in the Bible was as a symbol of authority.
Is getting a nose piercing a sin in Christianity? The Bible never specifically addresses whether or not piercings are sinful. However, while the Israelites were forbidden from mutilating their bodies, piercings were a common practice both before and after the implementation of Levitical law.
Leviticus 19:28 says, “You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead, nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the Lord.” The difficulty is that it's not exactly clear how this commandment applies to us today, since, it was probably directed against practices associated with pagan idolatry.
TATTOOS AND BUDDHISM
Because they are viewed as temporary, getting tattoos doesn't violate any Buddhist doctrines or beliefs. Some Buddhists say that tattoos are an unhealthy attachment to the body. However, even monks can have tattoos and some sects actually encourage them as a way to remember Buddhist teachings.
Tattoos are permanent alterations. Since our bodies are sacred temples of God, any permanent alteration should be carried out only for good reason.
“Don't be afraid of tattoos,” Pope Francis instructed, because they can be starting points for priests to connect with the young. He continued on to say that “tattoos signify membership in a community” and can open up conversations about belonging.
Catholic views on condoms. The Catholic Church's opposition to contraception includes a prohibition on condoms. It believes that chastity should be the primary means of preventing the transmission of AIDS.
Because there are certain items which the Church traditionally blesses, it may be that the tattoo itself is not a suitable object for a blessing. However, priests often give spontaneous blessings to persons for various reasons.
Does the Bible forbid tattoos for the Christian? Well the quick answer is no. The Bible does not forbid Christians from getting inked. Someone might say, “but I thought somewhere in the Old Testament it said not to get a tattoo.”
Half of the religious tattoos were images — the most common being the cross. More than one quarter were text, often Bible references, with a slight majority being New Testament references. But the Old Testament book of Psalms was most popular. Images with text comprised 21% of religious tattoos.
Ridding of your hair serves as a symbol of renunciation of worldly ego and fashion. In Buddhism, shaving your head (and face) is part of Pabbajja. Pabbajja is when a person leaves their home and “goes forth” to live the life of a Buddhist renunciate among ordained monks. It is a paramount step to becoming a monk.
Tattoos: legal issues
In Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Queensland, it's a criminal offence for a tattooist to do tattoos for someone under 18 years. In the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales, teenagers under 18 years need to get their parents' permission for tattoos.
In Japan tattoos have long been stigmatized for their association with organized crime gangs, the Yakuza, who pledge their allegiance with full-body markings. Consequently, anyone with ink – regardless of their profession – cannot usually use public swimming pools, hot springs, beaches and even some gyms.