Greg Chandler
05/28/15
Trends and fads rise and fall with amazing rapidity in twenty-first century culture. One that has witnessed an amazing upswing in recent years has been that of tattoos. According to a Pew poll taken in April of 2015, 45 million Americans profess having at least one tattoo, with the nation spending a whopping $1,650,500,000 on this body art craze. With this type of popularity, many Christians will consider taking part and, as with any decision, must weigh the action against what is appropriate for a child of God. Therefore, before “inking the deal,” the following should be taken into consideration.
Tattoos Are Not Inherently Immoral
Christians of a conservative mindset, especially those of older years, may argue that all tattoos are sinful. Often, a passage from the Law of Moses is used to prove the point: “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves; I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:28). Before using this text to condemn tattoos, it must be remembered that this was a law for the ancient nation of Israel. Within the same chapter are commands to remember the Sabbath, honor the sanctuary of God, refrain from rounding off the hair on the temples, and to not mar the edges of the beard. For the Israelites, tattoos had significance that was typically associated with the pursuit of idolatry and other ungodly activity. Since the New Testament does not offer the same type of prohibition, it would be improper to seek to establish authority from a law that is no longer in effect.
Tattoos and Modesty
Although the New Testament does not speak specifically of tattoos, it does lay down strong standards relating to modesty. An example of this is found in Peter’s writings on proper attire: “Do not let your adorning be external – the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear – but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious” (3:3-4). A study of New Testament standards will find that immodesty is defined as anything that brings undue attention to the body. This may be the lack of clothing or it may be excess, including radical clothing, hairstyles, multiple body piercings, or body art. In other words, anything causing one to gain attention in this way is, in the eyes of God, immodest. This can certainly describe some tattoos. One who has a shaved head covered in tattoos will gain undue attention; one who has tattoos flowing from the neck downward will gain undue attention. Graphic images inked on to the body will also certainly turn heads. For a Christian, such should never even enter into the realm of possibilities.
Another part of the tattoo trend for some has been that of body art placed in provocative places. There is no doubt that, with such tattoos, parts of the anatomy which should remain hidden are revealed to the body artist. This also violates God’s standards on modesty.
Motivation
Christians must also consider the ultimate goal in getting a tattoo. In the earlier cited poll, 29% admitted that the reason for getting a tattoo was because it made them feel rebellious; another 31% stated that “feeling sexy” was the motivation. Both of these reasons are incompatible with Christianity. Rebellion is a sin condemned both in the Old and New Testaments. Whether it is children submitting to parents, slaves to masters, or Christians to Christ, God clearly reveals that He does not tolerate those who go against the lines of authority He has put into place. He also warns about creating a situation to cause one to lust. To the man who lusts after a woman in his heart, Jesus states that it is as if he has already committed adultery. Certainly one who places such a stumbling block before another will be held accountable before the Lord (Matthew 18:6). A Christian who chooses to adorn the body with rebellion or seduction is in violation of the standard laid down by the Lord.
Costs
As in all things, the Christian must ask if this action is going to negatively impact influence on others. Though perhaps the group is shrinking in modern times, there is still a healthy minority of people who will look at such action as rebellious, even if this is not the case. One might rail against such prejudicial views and could perhaps make a good argument. Still, is this something worth the fight? In such cases, one might well remember the words of the Apostle Paul, when he said, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful” (I Corinthians 6:12a). Influence is a lifetime in the making, yet so fragile that it can be lost in a single action. Is it worth the risk to lose influence on someone in this way and lose the ability to help?
Also, a Christian must consider how this will impact future life situations. Will such an action adversely impact employment opportunities? Will it one day make it difficult to explain to one’s own children why such action was taken? Will this be an appropriate look for one who may be a future preacher, Bible class teacher, elder or deacon in the Lord’s church? Such questions often seem distant and remote in youth, but the wise youth will think long and hard before potentially creating long-term consequences.
Conclusion
Fads will come and go. A time will soon come when tattoo removal companies will rake in millions of dollars from the once young individuals whose bicep tattoos now swing limply under the arm. As in all decisions, Christians must first ask the question of how this will impact service to God. Think long and hard! Avoiding a trend for the sake of maintaining influence is an outcome well worth the cost.