Are tattoos allowed in Christianity?

Much of the debate around tattoos in Christianity comes from Leviticus 19:28, which prohibits tattoos. The reason that Leviticus forbade tattoos is that in the ancient world, tattoos were marks that showed to whom you belonged. Tattoos and brands were given to slaves and to beasts of burden. Sometimes, pagan religions would also give tattoos to show that a person belonged to that pagan god. It was a way of “marking territory.” But the God of Israel–the true God–is different. He didn’t treat the Israelites like his slaves or like cattle; he gave them freedom. And the Israelites were not to be like the pagans; they didn’t need tattoos or brands to show that they belonged to God. They would do that by their holiness of life and obedience to him. The law was God’s way of saying to Israel: “Remember, you belong to me.”

So it would seem, on the basis of this verse, that tattoos are prohibited.

Not so fast, though. In the previous verse (19:27), Leviticus forbids trimming the corners of a beard. And the verse before that (19:26) forbids eating any food with blood still in it!

So does that mean that some verses of Leviticus still apply, but others don’t? Well… not exactly. The issue here is that these verses of the Bible have to be taken in context. So let’s take a quick look at that historical context…

Leviticus is a book of legal codes for the ancient Jewish people. These were laws given for the keeping of a just and God-fearing society. In particular, Leviticus speaks a lot about how to properly worship God in Jewish rituals. Israel’s obedience to these laws was their way of keeping their covenant with God.

However, this caused a problem for the early Christians–were they still supposed to follow the old Jewish laws? After much debate, the early Church understood that the legal codes of the old covenant do not apply to the Church (this is actually one of the central themes of St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians). Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and the “mediator of a new covenant” (Hebrews 12:24), giving us a new way of relating to God and worshipping him. That is why the old ritual laws no longer apply.

That is one of the beautiful things about being Catholic–the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, is able to come together and show the faithful how to properly interpret various passages of Scripture. If we were to use Leviticus 19:28 as a justification for prohibiting tattoos, we would be taking that verse out of context.

So what do the official Church teachings actually say about tattoos? Well… very little, actually. The Catechism doesn’t even mention tattoos. It turns out that tattoos are neither inherently good nor inherently evil. Actually, tattoos and brandings have shown up here and there throughout the centuries in the Catholic world. Pilgrims to the Holy Land got tattoos to show they made the pilgrimage. Coptic Christians sometimes get tattoos to identify themselves. St. Paul of the Cross branded the Holy Name of Jesus on himself.

What is important to the Church is that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and therefore deserves great dignity and respect. That means you should treat your body with reverence as a gift from God. Does the tattoo you want honor that reality?

If you are thinking of getting a tattoo, then here are three questions that are helpful to consider and will help you to think about whether or not it is sinful:

1. What is the tattoo? A tattoo of something good, beautiful, and/or holy is fine. A tattoo that shows images of death, the demonic, other religions, the occult, sexual content, or something sinful is very wrong. It also shouldn’t be any image that is disrespectful or blasphemous toward God or anything holy, or go against the Church.
2. Where is the tattoo? Just like clothes or piercings, a tattoo shouldn’t be drawing attention to parts of your body in an inappropriate or immodest way. A tattoo on the arm, shoulder, ankle, etc. is different than a tattoo in less appropriate places. Also bear in mind that the location of a tattoo can affect how others see you–including family, friends, and employers.
3. Why are you getting a tattoo? Is it because you are not secure about your body? Are you trying to fit in or be cool? Those are not good reasons for getting a tattoo. Remember: your body is a temple. Does this tattoo respect the dignity of your body?

In short… be prudent. Don’t ever rush into getting a tattoo. Remember–it’s permanent!

And as one last note… If you are a child under the authority of your parents, and they tell you that you can’t get a tattoo… then you can’t get a tattoo. You still have to obey your parents!