What the Bible says about tattoos
In the 21st century, tattoos have taken on new meaning to young Christians.
By Molly Korzenowski
Madi North, a junior majoring in Biokinetics, walked inside a tattoo parlor in Nov. of 2015. Her heart was racing and her palms were sweating. She was about to get her first tattoo as a Christian, something people have always looked down on, and she wasn’t sure what to expect. Before she came, she had decided to get a phrase on her forearm derived from 2 Corinthians 5:15 reading “so I could live.” North sat down in a plush chair and flinched as the phrase began to materialize, becoming permanently a part of her.
“They used to be pointless and rebellious, but I think now people are more aware of their meaning to them.” — Madi North, junior Biokinetics major.
Tattoos in the Christian community have always been a topic of debate. People saw them as signs of pagan religions and deviant behavior, things prohibited in a Christian lifestyle. Nevertheless, tattoos have spiked in popularity over the last decade, even with young Christians.
“They used to be pointless and rebellious, but I think now people are more aware of their meaning to them,” North said.
Steven Enderlein, an Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, said the only verse in the Bible directly related to tattoo-like practices is Leviticus 19:28 (ESV) which reads, “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.”
Enderlein said this verse did not apply to current Christians. Instead, it was directed to the people of Israel at the time it was written to keep them distinct from surrounding pagan groups. At present, tattoos are used more for self-expression and creativity.
“Today it’s more the issue of what’s the content and communication point that you’re making with your tattoo statement,” Enderlein said.
For Christians, it should be less about the act of the tattooing and more about the purpose of the tattoo. In 2 Corinthians 6:20 the Bible stated that believers were called to honor god with their bodies. An article in Charisma Magazine said that some Christians saw tattoos as a violation of the body which is supposed to be a temple for the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, many saw it as a chance to express their faith as a decoration to their temple, much like stained glass decorates a church.
Laurel Bunker, Dean of Campus Ministries and Pastor, believed it came down to the tattoo: the image it depicted, the reason behind it, and the person it represented. Tattoos had the power to work in both good and bad ways.
“It comes down to the heart,” she said. “You can have no tattoos what so ever and be a horrendous individual.”
Despite this, people with tattoos were still haunted by initial judgements. Crosby Steen, a junior Business Analytics and Marketing major, placed his tattoo on his shoulder so it barely stuck out beneath his sleeve. He said that this placement allowed him to stop people from drawing conclusions about him before they got to know him.
“They’re a little quick to judge on it but once they understand my reasoning behind it they can respect it,” Steen said.
If the purpose behind the tattoo was pure, Christians sometimes used them to bear witness to God. North said that right after she got her tattoo a woman at a store asked her about it. This gave her a chance to explain its spiritual meaning to a complete stranger.
“It kind of opens up the conversation to taking the first steps to furthering his kingdom,” she said.
“They serve as a reminder that I can serve Christ through everything that I do.” — Crosby Steen, junior Business Analytics and Marketing major
Along with evangelical purpose, tattoos served the wearer. North and Steen both saw their tattoos daily and were constantly made aware of their meanings. The verses they included helped incorporate the Bible and God in their daily lives.
“They serve as a reminder that I can serve Christ through everything that I do,” Steen said.
So, regardless of the past, the acceptance of tattoos grew in society. Even though they were rooted in ancient pagan ritual, there was no clear command against them in the Bible that pertained to the present. It’s the purpose behind the tattoo that defines whether it’s okay, not the act of tattooing.
“I believe that through my heart I put this on my shoulder to worship him and to show that I did these things through his strength,” Steen said.
“I’m here only because Christ allowed me to be.” — Madi North, junior Biokinetics major.
North stepped out of the parlor with her newly inked forearm bandaged with a clear wrap, the words forever on her skin. Any prolonging doubts that she had vanished as she read the words. They always served as an important reminder, a phrase that resonated in her heart.
“I’m here only because Christ allowed me to be,” she said.
