There is much controversy though about Christians having tattoos, primarily stemming from Leviticus 19:28:
Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.Wayne Jackson has written a balanced article in the Christian Courier that I have copied and posted here verbatim:
One must be very careful about trying to use Old Testament passages as proof-texts for what one may or may not practice in the Christian age. It is a fundamental aspect of Bible doctrine that the Mosaic system was abrogated by the death of Christ (Eph. 2:14ff; Col. 2:14ff). The law of Moses, therefore, is not the Christian’s standard by which to measure conduct.
The following observations are in order:Why should we focus on one of these injunctions to the exclusion of the others? The immediate context of Leviticus 19:27-28 suggests that Moses was attempting to inoculate Israel against the emulation of certain heathen practices related to idolatry. For example, the prophet forbids “cutting the flesh” in the passage under consideration; yet no one contends that medical surgery is being condemned. Rather, “cuttings” in the flesh “for the dead” are in view (cf. also 1 Kgs. 18:28). This was an idolatrous practice.
- This same chapter (Leviticus 19) also provides instruction for appropriate
conduct in conjunction with offering animal sacrifices.- It requires leaving certain portions of one’s crops unharvested (in the interest of the poor).
- The sowing of two types of seed in the same field is prohibited.
- The Hebrews were not to wear a garment with two different fabrics combined
(e.g., wool and linen).- When new fruit trees were planted, none of the fruit was to be eaten for the
first three years. There are restrictions about how the man’s hair was to be cut, and the manner in which his beard might not be trimmed.- Keeping the Sabbath is enjoined, etc.
Ancient archaeological evidence indicates that some of the Canaanites would tattoo themselves with the names or symbols of their favorite “gods.” This appears to be what the prophet is condemning, not the modern custom of “esthetic” tattooing - regardless of how distasteful such a practice may be to many people.
Since the New Testament does not address the issue of tattooing specifically, one must be guided by principle. Any practice that is vulgar, gaudy, or a distraction to one’s Christian influence should be avoided. But, to some extent, this is a matter of taste and judgment.
No one can presume to prescribe conduct for everyone else in matters of this nature. Is it appropriate for women to wear make-up? How about permanent eye-liner? May men and women adorn themselves with jewelry? May they pierce their ears?
Christians must attempt to employ sound judgment in such matters, and give no occasion to the adversary for reviling (1 Tim. 5:14). Moreover, a Christian’s personal privacy and right of choice must be respected in ambiguous areas of judgment. This is the most a wise Bible instructor can say.
Well, what is my motivation for wanting a tattoo? At first, I wanted one to be cool - to fit in. I really dug those tribal tattoos that I see around biceps. However, due to the large size of my biceps it would probably be impractical and non-cost effective. One time in the gym, I flexed my guns and the sudden expansion of the muscle caused a mini-shock wave as the air was displaced by my biceps. A young teenage kid was knocked aside, and a mirror on the wall cracked. And if you believe that I've got this great bridge, hardly used that I'll sell ya!
OK, seriously though I've realized, that like all things; tribal patterns will gradually be out of style (I think back to the 70's where I wore enormous bell bottom jeans and waffle stompers. Oh wait, they're coming back into style). Having said that though here's a tat that I like:
This one is probably a little too extravagant for my taste:
And this one is over the top (Latin for Father, Son and Holy Spirit):
As I think about tattoos about a cross, I'm reminded of one of my Bible College professors who had strong feelings about the cross. Rather than seeing it as an identification of our union with Christ, he viewed it as a symbol of death by execution. He would say (not in a self righteous way) that we may as just tattoo electric chairs on our chests. I often think though of Paul's confession that he had been "crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me..(2 Cor 5:17). Therefore, it would be with great humility and recognition that I ever would have a cross tattoo. Hmmm - I wonder what Jesus thinks about all his children marking their bodies with the instrument of a terrifying and excruciating death?
Well, on a lighter side there are two other tattoos that I am considering. One would be a biceps tattoo similar to one I saw at a race years ago. This guy had an elegant triathlon tattoo of athletes swimming, running and biking around his bicep. I kind of like that, and have thought of starting it with one set, and then for each triathlon I do adding another. At two -three triathlons a year at the most at 48 years old I don't envision running out of biceps soon!
Related to that, when I do a triathlon I take off my wedding ring. Sometimes early in the morning that water can be cold and even with a wetsuit on cause a little, shall we say; shrinkage. Often my fingers contract and the ring becomes vulnerable to being lost at the bottom of a lake or river. It's weird though, I don't feel right without my ring on, that's the way I say to the world "someone loves me and has chosen me". I'm thinking that under the ring I could carry a small tattoo on my ring finger that simply says "Sherry".
Well, those are my thoughts. Will I get a tattoo? Dunno!
