Tattoos & Body Piercing
Someone once asked me for a Christian perspective on tattoos and body piercing. They had heard a few answers from others, but were not convinced that the answers they received were Biblically-based. I understood their frustration. I feel that too often the church gives a simplistic answer to a complex question, and in so doing, teaches our children to simply obey, not to think. Just saying something is wrong, or quoting one out-of-context verse from the Bible is not really adequate. Our children deserve better. Lest I be open to the same charge of proof-texting, please note that the scriptures mentioned below are only a sampling of many that support the principles discussed.
Whenever we say something is bad that the Scriptures don't speak to directly, we are skating on thin ice. In reference to marks on the body (i.e. the mark on Cain, the mark of the beast, etc.), the Scriptures only have a couple of references. In reference to tattoos, there is only one specific reference (Lev. 19:28). In context, the verse is discussing idol worship, but the grammar of the sentence seems to indicate that tattoos of any kind are forbidden. Without getting into a discussion of which Old Testament laws are still binding on Christians and which are not, it would seem prudent, given the Bible’s generally negative view, to avoid tattoos altogether. However, that is a personal opinion, and the Biblical weight is slight. There are additional practical reasons for avoiding tattoos, and I think these arguments are stronger, but if a person wishes to get a tattoo, I cannot see that it would be a sin.
As for body piercing, we know that earrings and nose rings are both mentioned in Scripture, but we don't know much beyond that. Did they wear them in both ears? How many did they wear in a row? Did both men and women wear them? Bangles and ankle chains are also mentioned, but again with no details. They are nowhere condemned in Scripture; therefore we must not pretend that it is Christian to wear them or not wear them. (Those who quote 1Peter 3:3, should note that it does not forbid the wearing of jewellery; rather, it says that a woman's beauty should not come merely from these things but from a gentle and quiet spirit.)
In my view, these things are essentially matters of taste, style, and culture. This doesn't mean that we can't take a stand for or against, but we should do so on the basis of Biblical principles rather on the basis of Biblical commands. For example, in the Old Testament, we were taught to give 10% of our income to the Lord, but in the New Testament, we are taught to give generously, even “hilariously”. (2Cor. 9:7). In the OT there are instructions on the kinds of clothing one should wear, but in the NT, the principle is “modesty”. A law is very specific, but can miss the heart; a principle is general, but requires the heart. This forces us to think a bit more deeply, but ultimately our children will be better equipped for living. Once children learn the principles, they can then apply them to any number of situations.
Here are some relevant principles to consider when the topic of tattoos or body piercing comes up:
First, the principle of modesty (or humility) says that I will not do things which will call undue attention to myself. “Hey, everybody, look at me!” See Philippians 2:3 and 1Peter 5:5.
Second, the principle of deference says that we should be sensitive to the issues that concern others. When in Rome live as the Romans do. Eat meat offered to idols unless it offends someone else. If it does, then don’t. See 1Corinthians 8
Third, the principle of honor says that we are to honor parents, government, elders and other rulers and abide by their standards. Thus, while children live at home, they must commit to honoring their parents. While at school they agree to respect the standards of the school. That means more than just doing what they are told, but rather living in such a way that they truly demonstrate their respect for those in authority even when they are not around. See Romans 13:1,7
Fourth, the principle of stewardship (our bodies being a temple of the Lord) says that we should not do anything which might cause harm to our bodies. Some modern fads such as mutilation, rings in the mouth, tongue, breast, etc. are simply unhealthy because they may lead to infection or hamper the God given functioning of the body, and therefore are not acceptable for Christians. See 1Corinthians 6:19
Fifth, the principle of witness (we are to be lights to the world) says that we should always be prepared to witness. Will this help or hinder? The question needs to be asked and answered honestly. In some circumstances, it might help! For example, when I was at Bible College, I argued (successfully!) that my beard helped me in my coffeehouse ministry to street people. (In a stroke of administrative wisdom, the dean approved it because I was part-time and lived off campus, but only as long as my picture wasn’t published in the yearbook!) See 2Peter 3:15
While the principles are timeless, the applications change with the culture. For example, certain kinds of body piercing will always be unhealthy and therefore should be avoided. But others are a matter of cultural acceptance. They should be avoided perhaps at certain times and places, but may be acceptable at others. Modesty, deference, honor, stewardship, and witness, are always in style.
Help your children to discern between those things which are wrong and those things that are simply not helpful, wise, acceptable, approved, etc. Teach your children to obey Biblical commands, but also to be wise and discerning and to live by Biblical principles.
Whenever we say something is bad that the Scriptures don't speak to directly, we are skating on thin ice. In reference to marks on the body (i.e. the mark on Cain, the mark of the beast, etc.), the Scriptures only have a couple of references. In reference to tattoos, there is only one specific reference (Lev. 19:28). In context, the verse is discussing idol worship, but the grammar of the sentence seems to indicate that tattoos of any kind are forbidden. Without getting into a discussion of which Old Testament laws are still binding on Christians and which are not, it would seem prudent, given the Bible’s generally negative view, to avoid tattoos altogether. However, that is a personal opinion, and the Biblical weight is slight. There are additional practical reasons for avoiding tattoos, and I think these arguments are stronger, but if a person wishes to get a tattoo, I cannot see that it would be a sin.
As for body piercing, we know that earrings and nose rings are both mentioned in Scripture, but we don't know much beyond that. Did they wear them in both ears? How many did they wear in a row? Did both men and women wear them? Bangles and ankle chains are also mentioned, but again with no details. They are nowhere condemned in Scripture; therefore we must not pretend that it is Christian to wear them or not wear them. (Those who quote 1Peter 3:3, should note that it does not forbid the wearing of jewellery; rather, it says that a woman's beauty should not come merely from these things but from a gentle and quiet spirit.)
In my view, these things are essentially matters of taste, style, and culture. This doesn't mean that we can't take a stand for or against, but we should do so on the basis of Biblical principles rather on the basis of Biblical commands. For example, in the Old Testament, we were taught to give 10% of our income to the Lord, but in the New Testament, we are taught to give generously, even “hilariously”. (2Cor. 9:7). In the OT there are instructions on the kinds of clothing one should wear, but in the NT, the principle is “modesty”. A law is very specific, but can miss the heart; a principle is general, but requires the heart. This forces us to think a bit more deeply, but ultimately our children will be better equipped for living. Once children learn the principles, they can then apply them to any number of situations.
Here are some relevant principles to consider when the topic of tattoos or body piercing comes up:
First, the principle of modesty (or humility) says that I will not do things which will call undue attention to myself. “Hey, everybody, look at me!” See Philippians 2:3 and 1Peter 5:5.
Second, the principle of deference says that we should be sensitive to the issues that concern others. When in Rome live as the Romans do. Eat meat offered to idols unless it offends someone else. If it does, then don’t. See 1Corinthians 8
Third, the principle of honor says that we are to honor parents, government, elders and other rulers and abide by their standards. Thus, while children live at home, they must commit to honoring their parents. While at school they agree to respect the standards of the school. That means more than just doing what they are told, but rather living in such a way that they truly demonstrate their respect for those in authority even when they are not around. See Romans 13:1,7
Fourth, the principle of stewardship (our bodies being a temple of the Lord) says that we should not do anything which might cause harm to our bodies. Some modern fads such as mutilation, rings in the mouth, tongue, breast, etc. are simply unhealthy because they may lead to infection or hamper the God given functioning of the body, and therefore are not acceptable for Christians. See 1Corinthians 6:19
Fifth, the principle of witness (we are to be lights to the world) says that we should always be prepared to witness. Will this help or hinder? The question needs to be asked and answered honestly. In some circumstances, it might help! For example, when I was at Bible College, I argued (successfully!) that my beard helped me in my coffeehouse ministry to street people. (In a stroke of administrative wisdom, the dean approved it because I was part-time and lived off campus, but only as long as my picture wasn’t published in the yearbook!) See 2Peter 3:15
While the principles are timeless, the applications change with the culture. For example, certain kinds of body piercing will always be unhealthy and therefore should be avoided. But others are a matter of cultural acceptance. They should be avoided perhaps at certain times and places, but may be acceptable at others. Modesty, deference, honor, stewardship, and witness, are always in style.
Help your children to discern between those things which are wrong and those things that are simply not helpful, wise, acceptable, approved, etc. Teach your children to obey Biblical commands, but also to be wise and discerning and to live by Biblical principles.