If the Church forbids us from mutilating our bodies, does this mean that getting a tattoo is against the teachings of the Catholic Church?
Answer:
First of all, the Church has not made any kind of formal decision on the matter of tattoos. There is some Biblical evidence on this, for example, a passage in Leviticus that says:
“You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh on account of the dead or tattoo any marks upon you: I am the Lord” (Lev. 19:28).
Yet, it seems that this prohibition was present so as to avoid the people of Israel from following the pagan mourning practices of the Canannites. Moreover, these Old Testament ritualistic laws are not binding on Christians.
The Church does say that we should avoid practices that mutilate or damage our body, as you can see in no. 2296 of the Catechism.
Some tattoos could be morally permissable, but there are a number of points to take into consideration.
1. What is the motivation? If it is being done for reasons of vanity or pride then it could be something not so laudable.
2. Then, there are tattoos with words or pictures that celebrate the demonic, are unchaste, or offend against charity, so these would not be considered morally acceptable.
3. There are also health considerations to take into account. If the instruments for tattoos or piercings are not properly cleaned then they can be a source of infection, including hepatitis C, which is a serious problem.
4. Would getting a particular tattoo mutilate your body in some respect by causing damage or impeding normal bodily functions. This is probably more relevant when it comes to the various forms of piercing.
5. Would a tattoo offend family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues, and in some way cause scandal?
6. Is the expense involved justified in light of the needs of my yourself, those who depend on you and what we should be doing in terms of helping out those in need?
So, there is no cut and dried rule on this and every individual needs to evaluate their situation and apply the basic moral precepts to guide them.
This article goes into some of the issues involved and concludes by asking: “Are they marks worth making?”
This other article, written a few years ago in the National Catholic Register, points out that sometimes tattoos can communicate a postive message, such as the use of religious symbols. It also warns that it is not something to be rushed into and that often people come to regret their decision to get a tattoo. Also it a difficult and painful process to remove tattoos.
FAQs
Paul makes it perfectly clear that the ceremonial law is no longer binding. I'll cut to the chase: There is nothing immoral about tattoos. Mother Church has never condemned them, and neither can I. It is one of those areas where a Catholic must follow his or her conscience.
Can Catholic priests have tattoos? ›
To briefly answer your specific questions: A tattoo, if it is discreet, wouldn't necessarily ban you from the priesthood. You would have to check with a vocation director or religious superior. There is no magic GPA required, though someone usually needs at least average or above-average intelligence.
Where in the Catholic Bible does it say not to get tattoos? ›
There are some Christians who believe it is a sin. The verse in the Bible that most Christians make reference to is Leviticus 19:28, which says,"You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord." So, why is this verse in the Bible?
Is it a sin to get a tattoo? ›
The Bible makes no specific references to tattoos as we understand them in modern times, but some Christians believe tattoos to be immoral because of a particular verse. Leviticus 19:28 Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves.
What does the pope say about tattoos and piercings? ›
After a Ukrainian student priest from the audience asked in a recent meeting how he should respond to present-day culture, the pope insisted that religious leaders shouldn't shun tattoos, but embrace them because they can help connect people and communities.
What does the Bible say about tattoos? ›
Per Leviticus 19:28, “You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves.” Historically, scholars have often understood this as a warning against pagan practices of mourning.
Are you allowed to cross your legs in Catholic Church? ›
Do not slouch. Both feet should be kept flat on the floor. Ideally your hands should rest on each thigh or knee, fingers together, elbows relaxed, back straight. Don't sprawl about and cross your legs.
What is the Catholic tattoo ideas? ›
Some common Catholic tattoo designs include the cross, crucifix, rosary, saints, and religious imagery such as angels or the Virgin Mary. These tattoos can represent a deep religious belief and serve as a constant reminder of one's faith. They may also symbolize protection and guidance from a higher power.
What can Catholic priests not do? ›
Throughout the Catholic Church, East as well as West, a priest may not marry. In the Eastern Catholic Churches, a married priest is one who married before being ordained. The Catholic Church considers the law of clerical celibacy to be not a doctrine, but a discipline.
Can nuns have tattoos? ›
While it may be a topic of concern for the order you want to join, it may or may not interfere with your eligibility. You'll need to converse with the religious leader to discuss if the tattoos will be a problem. Most likely, your vestments will cover them up anyway!
Conservative Catholic opinion on condoms is not intended to be cruel. As traditional Catholics see it, using condoms is wrong, even as a prophylactic against disease, because they prevent conception. Life, from the moment of conception to death is, Catholics believe, sacred. Only God can terminate life.
Is smoking a sin Catholic? ›
The Roman Catholic Church does not condemn smoking per se, but considers excessive smoking to be sinful, as described in the Catechism (CCC 2290): The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine.
Is it a sin to be cremated? ›
The short answer to your question appears to be no, cremation is not a sin. That said, the biblical recordings of funerals explain that God's people were laid to rest in tombs; usually a hewn rock of some sort with a stone seal.
Can Catholics get tattoos? ›
As St. Irenæus says, the law of bondage is cancelled by the new covenant of liberty. ³ We would be bound to follow it if it overlapped with a moral law, but it doesn't. So Catholics are not forbidden from getting a tattoo.
Are tattoos blasphemy? ›
Although these expressions of appreciation may be done with good intentions, for most religions, tattoos are considered forms of blasphemy rather than respect. The Christian Bible reads in Leviticus 19:28: “Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. I am the Lord.”
Can you be a nun if you have tattoos? ›
While it may be a topic of concern for the order you want to join, it may or may not interfere with your eligibility. You'll need to converse with the religious leader to discuss if the tattoos will be a problem. Most likely, your vestments will cover them up anyway!
