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5 Christian Arguments Against Getting Tattoos

By    |   Thursday, 26 March 2015 04:36 PM EDT

Many Christians say their tattoos are a sign and reminder of their faith. But some believe tattoos have no place on a Christian’s body and desecrate what belongs to God.

Here are five arguments against Christian tattoos:

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1. Leviticus 19:28: This is the Biblical verse that some Christians point to as a scriptural basis for avoiding tattoos. The verse is an Old Testament restriction against marking the body. In some versions, the original text is translated into “tattoo.” The popular New International Version says: “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.” The King James Version translates this passage with the words “print marks” instead of tattoo.

2. Modesty: The general argument under “modesty” concerns whether or not the focus will be on the person or on God. Tattoos are most often made to be noticed. Merriam-Webster defines “modesty” as a quality of not only behaving and dressing in ways that do not attract sexual attention, but also the quality of not being too proud or confident about yourself or your abilities. There are many cautions in scripture advising modesty in dress or personal presentation.

3. The body is a temple of the Holy Spirit: Some Christians argue that tattooing defiles the body as a perfect creation and temple of the Holy Spirit. Our bodies do not belong to us to decorate as we please, they belong to God. Those who argue this point cite 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 which says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”

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4. Tattooing and Paganism are related: Rapture Ready argues that since the history of tattooing is associated with paganism that Christians should not have tattoos. This argument follows that since tattooing has been connected to magic rites and other spirit world practices, it is dangerous for Christians to accept.

5. The mark of Death and Rebellion: Rapture Ready also points to death as one of the primary themes of tattoos. The skull is one of the most popular tattoos of all times. Many tattoo shops also promote scenes of hell and pornography. Tattoos are also connected to rebellion and deviance, which the Bible condemns.

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Many Christians say their tattoos are a sign and reminder of their faith. But some believe tattoos have no place on a Christian’s body and desecrate what belongs to God.
christians, tattoos, body art, sacreligious
453
2015-36-26
Thursday, 26 March 2015 04:36 PM
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