Overview
Christianity has traditionally viewed tattoos as a form of idolatry and as something that runs contrary to the tenants of their faith. This has made many Christians hesitant to get a tattoo, and has caused those that do to grapple with the moral implications of their decision. This article will explore what the core beliefs of Christianity are, why tattoos are viewed as an affront to those beliefs, and whether that view still holds true in modern times.
Biblical References
The Bible contains several passages which explicitly forbid idolatry, often associated with tattooing. The strongest of these passages, Leviticus 19:28, states: “You shall not make any cuts (or tattoos) on your body for the dead or throng the marks of those who do so”. This has been interpreted by many Christians to mean that those who have tattoos have violated one of the core tenants of their faith.
Another passage, Deuteronomy 14:1, further reinforces this sentiment by stating that believers must “not cut slavery on their skin” and goes on to condemn those that do. This has been interpreted to mean that tattoos are a form of idolatry, as they are seen as an outward display of rebellion against God.
Historical Views
Tattoos have been a part of human culture for centuries, and for much of that history, the practice of tattooing has been discouraged by the Church. This was largely due to the fear that tattooing could lead to a “loss of identity” and that individuals could become overly enamored with their body art – leading them away from their spiritual path.
In addition, tattoos were also associated with certain fringe groups – including criminals, sailors, and gang members – which might have further soured the Church’s opinion of the practice.
Modern Times
Today, attitudes towards tattoos in Christian churches have softened significantly. Most churches no longer regard tattoos as an act of idolatry, and instead see them as a form of personal expression. In fact, many Christian denominations have begun using tattoos to express their faith – often in the form of symbols or religious texts.
Furthermore, while tattoos may have been traditionally associated with particular lifestyles, this is no longer the case – tattoos have become increasingly popular among people from all walks of life, regardless of their faith. As such, tattoos are no longer seen as something that is exclusively for those outside of the faith.
Conclusion
Tattoos have long been viewed as a form of idolatry from a Christian point of view, however, the Church’s attitude towards the practice has softened in recent years. While tattoos may still be frowned upon by some more conservative denominations, the consensus among most Christian churches is that tattoos are a form of personal expression and should be respected as such. Additionally, tattooing has become increasingly popular among people of all faiths, further minimizing the stigma associated with the practice.
