Body piercing and modification, in general, is a topic of contention even in modern-day society due to religious and/or conservative beliefs.
Christianity
In the context of Christianity, many people believe that body piercing is sinful, whereas others believe it is allowed in their religion. Within the Christian community, there are debates around interpreting passages of the Bible to either allow or forbid body piercing.
Some Christians who are against body piercing use the “Book of Leviticus” to support the view that body piercing is a sin, arguing that you “should never mark your body”. While others read the same Book and interpret the marking of the body as more figurative than literal.
In a similar vein, there is much debate around the Christian concept of seeing “our bodies as a Temple” to be treated with respect and kindness. Some, again, interpret this as not marking or changing your body with modifications such as piercings. Whereas many Christians don’t see piercings as “disruptive” or negative to the body, but rather as something that adds to the body’s beauty.
There is a Christian belief that partaking in activities or a lifestyle that one believes to be a sin indeed makes the act a sin, even if it’s not objectively clear or “fact” than the act is a sin. Believing body piercing is a sin and doing it anyway, makes it a sin – essentially, a self-fulfilling prophecy. This highlights the subjectiveness of piercing attitudes in a religious context.
Ultimately, much of the Christian debate around body piercing, tattoos, and other modifications boils down to personal interpretation of scripture and concepts. Some see piercings as self-expression and not “marking your body,” whereas others see piercing as a sin that goes against the Bible’s teachings. Neither opinion can be right or wrong, merely personal preference and interpretation.
Cultural Stigma
That said, views of piercing as “sinful” can have a knock-on cultural effect in the West and lead to discrimination against those with tattoos and piercings. Even non-religious anti-piercing opinions are popular in modern-day UK, particularly in professional and business contexts.
According to Salary.com in 2019, 76% of survey respondents felt that piercings and tattoos can/will hurt a job applicant’s chances of being hired, with 55% of respondents reporting that visible body piercings are always inappropriate at work. The same survey concluded that older age correlates with intolerance of body modification, with the younger generation more likely to have piercings and be more tolerant of colleagues with piercings and tattoos.
With more young people getting body piercings, especially with celebrities getting in on the trends, the taboo is starting to break.
Non-Western Views
It’s important to note that this is an extremely Westernised view of piercing taboo. In many cultures, piercing is part of traditions dating hundreds or thousands of years back, and not taboo at all. Ear and nose piercings are the most globally popular piercings, even dating back 5,000 years with mummified remains found to have ear piercings. Tongue and lip piercings are growing in popularity in the modern day, but did you know that African and Native American tribal cultures have incorporated these piercings into their cultural practices for many years?
Is Body Piercing a Sin?
The most accurate answer to “is body piercing a sin?” is perhaps “it depends on who you ask.” Remember that what you do with your body is your business, no one else’s. If you want to pierce your ears, nose, face, bellybutton, wrist… do it!
If you ask yourself “is body piercing a sin?” and you answer “not to me” – that’s all that should matter.
FAQs
The Bible does not explicitly address body piercings. Some Christian interpretations suggest that body piercings may be seen as sinful based on Leviticus 19:28. Others argue that body piercings are a form of personal expression and not inherently sinful.
Is it a sin to get body piercings? ›
Ultimately, much of the Christian debate around body piercing, tattoos, and other modifications boils down to personal interpretation of scripture and concepts. Some see piercings as self-expression and not “marking your body,” whereas others see piercing as a sin that goes against the Bible's teachings.
Did Jesus have any piercings? ›
As far as recorded, Jesus was pierced on the cross: Feet, Hands, and his side.
What does God say about tattoos and piercings? ›
The Bible warns against tattoos in Leviticus 19:28 (Amplified) which says, “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print or tattoo any marks upon you: I am the Lord.” However, just because society approves of something does not make it right in the eyes of God.
Is piercing your ears a sin in the Bible? ›
The main biblical argument against piercings comes from Leviticus 19:28. This verse says: “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord.” Some Catholics interpret this to prohibit any tattooing or body modification, including ear piercings.
What does the Bible say about showing off your body? ›
1 Peter 3:3-4 tells us, Do not let your adorning be external – the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear – but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.
Is it bad to pierce your body? ›
With any piercing, there is the danger of this type of infection, including the hepatitis B or C viruses and tetanus. These types of infections are commonly caused by contaminated piercing equipment. It is important to be up to date on immunizations, especially hepatitis B and tetanus, before having anything pierced.
Is it a sin to cuss? ›
1 Peter 3:10 tells us that "whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech." God commands us to keep our tongue from all obscene words, filthy and corrupt communication, lying, swearing, cursing, and any evil speech.
What are the 5 piercings of Jesus? ›
The wounds
The five wounds comprised 1) the nail hole in his right hand, 2) the nail hole in his left hand, 3) the nail hole in his right foot, 4) the nail hole in his left foot, 5) the wound to his torso from the piercing of the spear.
What did nose piercings mean in the Bible? ›
There is no indication in the Biblical text that the nose ring that Eliezer gave to Rebekah was of any particular significance; like the golden bangles, it was a simple gift for a potential bride, a way to let Rebekah and her family know that her suitor was generous and well-to-do.
One eternal or unforgivable sin (blasphemy against the Holy Spirit), also known as the sin unto death, is specified in several passages of the Synoptic Gospels, including Mark 3:28–29, Matthew 12:31–32, and Luke 12:10, as well as other New Testament passages including Hebrews 6:4–6, Hebrews 10:26–31, and 1 John 5:16.
Will God accept you if you have tattoos? ›
It doesn't matter if you have tattoos or not, this isn't the deciding factor on your eligibility to enter into heaven.
What was Jesus's full name? ›
However, if local custom was followed, he would likely have been formally called “Yeshua Bar Yosef” (Jesus son of Joseph). In other settings, he might be called by his hometown, “Jesus of Nazareth.” The name “Jesus” means “the Lord is Salvation” — certainly a fitting name for Our Savior!
Is it against Christianity to get a piercing? ›
the Bible does not explicitly condemn body piercing, but it does caution against excessive focus on outward appearance. It emphasizes the importance of inner beauty and modesty, suggesting that the motive behind body piercing should be considered.
Is makeup a sin in the Bible? ›
Given all this, some people are confused about whether makeup and jewelry are permissible for people of faith. But the Bible never says it is wrong or sinful to wear makeup or jewelry. While the wicked queen Jezebel wore jewelry, so did good women of faith such as Rebekah and Esther.
What does a nose ring mean spiritually? ›
They can serve as reminders of personal growth, transformation, and the desire for self-discovery. The act of getting a silver nose stud may represent a step towards aligning one's outer appearance with their inner spiritual aspirations.
What do body piercings symbolize? ›
The reasons for piercing or not piercing are varied. Some people pierce for religious or spiritual reasons, while others pierce for self-expression, for aesthetic value, for sexual pleasure, to conform to their culture or to rebel against it.
Is the Bible against tattoos? ›
But in the ancient Middle East, the writers of the Hebrew Bible forbade tattooing. 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.
What is the spiritual significance of body piercings? ›
Piercings and religion have always been closely intertwined. Religions, particularly of tribal and pagan origins, have often used body jewelry to represent spiritual devotion or connection. Some of the religions that have incorporated the adornment of piercings include Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism.
