The Church on Tattoos and Piercings (2024)

FAQs

Does the Bible say anything 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.

Scholars believe tattooing and the cutting of skin were related to mourning for the dead. The pagan worshipers of this region disfigured their bodies to appease the anger of their gods and find help for the deceased. Several religions do not allow piercings; however, Christians are able to have piercings.

He also encouraged priests to not be scared of and use tattoos as a way to encourage dialogue. “With young people one should never be scared. Never. Because always, even behind the things that are not so good, there is something that will bring us to some truth.”

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.

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.

Two were through the feet where the nail(s) passed through both to the vertical beam. The final wound was in the side of Jesus' chest, where, according to the New Testament, his body was pierced by the Lance of Longinus in order to be sure that he was dead.

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.

There's no prohibition (or allowance) directed to piercings specifically (since what we understand as piercings didn't even exist at the time) in the Bible (although the idea it's not different from earrings, for example, and also there's no prohibition to them).

Christianity. Some Christians take issue with tattooing, upholding the Hebrew prohibition. The Hebrew prohibition is based on interpreting Leviticus 19:28—"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you"—so as to prohibit tattoos. Interpretations of the passage vary, however.

Within the Catholic Church, there is no clear consensus on tattoos. Some priests and theologians consider it a fashionable element that is not a sin at all, others think it is correct if it does not represent figures related to the devil and others are opposed to tattoos.

Can Catholics have tattoos and piercings? ›

Old Testament prohibitions regarding tattoos are considered ceremonial laws and thus are not binding on Christians. There is nothing inherently immoral about a Catholic having a tattoo or a piercing.

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!

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.

In fact, the Vatican explicitly approved cremation in 1963 as a final disposition as long as the practice remains in line with the fundamental belief in the resurrection. That means the church is stating Catholics have nothing to fear from choosing cremation as their final arrangement.

There is no prohibition against tattoos in most Protestant congregations, though there may be a few more legalistic churches that frown upon it.

Paul's body was marked (tattooed) against his will, He wrote in Galatians: “I bear in my body the marks of Jesus.” How did he get them?

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.

Women were expected to arrange their hair (or have it arranged by slaves) in a style befitting their age and status, ³¹ but if they overdid it with complicated swirls and braids, or costly bands or ornaments, they could be accused of luxuria by men, ³² or of being sexually inviting.