Can a Christian Get a Tattoo?

I get asked this all the time!  Okay. I want to tread lightly here... Please hang on for my entire argument before getting upset!   So, Paul makes it very clear that for the believer all things are permissible!  So that settle it… a Christian CAN get a tattoo.  Actually Paul continues, “but not everything is beneficial”.  I think that question needs to be explored. Is it beneficial.  Here’s a few considerations.  
#1 Consideration:  Our goal in life is to glorify God in everything (Col. 3:17, 23; 1 Cor. 10:31).  So the first question is, does this tattoo glorify God?  Okay, caveat: I have no tattoos, nor personally would I ever get a tattoo.  But I actually believe that yes, in a sense, a tattoo can glorify God. I have a friend that has a tattoo that is very Christ honoring and it opens doors to share the gospel that I wouldn’t have the opportunity for. A family member has a very beautiful Hebrew word that expresses her thankfulness for what God has done. It is extraordinary and a beautiful expression of worship.   I also believe that God redeems things.  If you have a tattoo pre-Christ, that isn’t honoring, it opens the door to share what Jesus has done.  So 1 point  in favor.  Also, keep in mind, is getting a tattoo the “unforgivable sin?”  Nope!  Grace baby!  So with that in mind, I believe the arguments against FAR exceed getting one, but still listen to the entire argument.  These are my thoughts. Again, we live by grace and there is NO CONDEMNATION here but please keep these things in mind before getting one (full information).

1. Biblical Principles:  We must ask what the Bible says!
   • Leviticus 19:28 Warning: The Bible explicitly states, "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord." While this command is from the Old Testament law and is no longer a law for us, however, it reflects a principle of keeping the body holy and set apart from pagan practices. Which is related to a few points, the next two reflect that:
   • Imago Dei (Image of God): Humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Our bodies are meant to reflect God's glory. Altering the body with tattoos can be seen as marring the image God has created, potentially dishonoring the body as God's temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
   • Satan’s Deception: In the spiritual realm, Satan hates humanity because humans are made in the image of God. In my conviction, tattoos could be seen as part of Satan's plan to deface or destroy any reminder of God's image on earth. I really think I’m on to something here.  I have a strong conviction on this and I don't think it is a stretch. But it's not a hill I'm dying on. 
   • Whom will I marry?  What I mean by this is that the Bible teaches a married person becomes one with the other. Have you considered what your future spouse might think? 
2. Historical and Cultural Precedents: Wise to consider, but not the full argument. 
   • Association with Gangs and Criminals: Historically, tattoos have been associated with gangs, criminals, and rebels. They were used to signify allegiance to groups that often engaged in illegal or immoral activities, marking individuals as belonging to a counter-cultural, often anti-authoritarian, subculture. Does this sound like something flowing from heaven or hell? 
   • Tribal and Pagan Practices: In ancient times, tattoos were primarily used by pagan tribes for ritualistic purposes, often tied to idolatry and the worship of false gods. As Christians, aligning with such practices is never appropriate.
   • Stigma and Judgment: Despite modern acceptance, tattoos can still carry a stigma in conservative and professional circles, affecting how others perceive an individual’s character or values.  Along with that, I have missionary friends that are working in South America and Africa, and even among non-Christians, tattoos are associated with criminals so they destroy any hope of influence by having them.  Some of them need to wear coverings or long sleeves in the hot African sun.  Just a consideration in case God calls you overseas…
3. Health Risks: To me this is a big one and one  of the big reasons I won't get one. 
   • Macrophages and Ink: Tattoos involve injecting ink into the dermis layer of the skin. Macrophages, the body’s immune cells, try to remove this ink, which can lead to chronic inflammation as they are unable to completely remove the foreign particles. This is a HUGE problem that most never consider but it is in 100% of the time. 
   • Toxicity and Cancer Risk: Some tattoo inks contain heavy metals and other potentially toxic substances. Over time, these can accumulate in the body, potentially leading to health issues, including an increased risk of cancer or other diseases.
   • Infections and Allergic Reactions: Tattooing can introduce bacteria and viruses into the body, leading to infections. There is also a risk of allergic reactions to the ink, which can cause severe skin problems. Not to mention the high rate of Hepatitis that comes from unscrupulous and unclean tattoo artists.
4. Psychological and Emotional Concerns:
   • High Correlation with Mental Disorders: Studies have shown a high correlation between tattoos and mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. This raises concerns about whether tattoos are a healthy form of self-expression. Many tattoo parlors are open late at night. Guess who rules the darkness?  Also, many artists won’t do tattoos on the face and neck because the extremely high rate of mental disorders associated. 
   • Regret and Identity Crisis: Many people experience regret after getting tattoos, especially if they were done impulsively or as a result of peer pressure. Tattoos can also become a source of identity crisis if they no longer align with a person's values or beliefs as they mature.  Actually, I should explore this more.  Tattoos are a form of self expression and identity… I really struggle if we permanently put on something that is not gospel centric.  A sports team, musician, a favorite activity all indicate what we truly worship… Just thinking out loud, but I think I am on to something here too. 
5. Common Sense Considerations:
   • Permanent Decision: Tattoos are permanent and costly to remove (painful too from what I hear; a friend had her giant angel wings removed from her back, yikes!). They may seem appealing at the moment but could lead to regret later in life, especially if personal beliefs or values change.
   • Professional Implications: Visible tattoos can impact employability in certain professions or lead to negative perceptions in professional settings. This can affect career opportunities and personal relationships unless you want to work at Tijuana Flats for the rest of your life (not so bad, taco Tuesdays are amazing).  
   • Personal Testimony: For Christians, tattoos can send mixed messages about one’s faith and commitment to living a life set apart for God. Tattoos may distract from a Christian witness by drawing attention to the body rather than to God.
6. Spiritual Warfare Perspective:
   • Satan's Desire to Distort God's Creation: From a spiritual perspective, tattoos can be seen as part of a broader scheme by Satan to distort and deface the image of God in humanity. Since Satan cannot harm God directly, he may try to destroy or deface humans, who are made in God's image. Okay, I repeated that again but it is important.

Conclusion:
While tattoos may be culturally acceptable in many circles today, there are numerous arguments—biblical, historical, health-related, psychological, and practical—that suggest it may be wise to avoid tattoos in order to honor God, maintain personal health, and uphold a clear Christian witness. But hey, if you want one, I'm not getting in your way. I love seeing the tatted up guy sitting next to the dude in a suit.  That's Christianity! Feel free to lovingly comment.  I know people have strong feelings on this.