Are Tattoos Suitable for Catholics?

[allana]

Hi, I searched this forum for suitable answers and have successfully found some here, however, it contrasts with what Fr. Stephen Somerville says. (See the link here for his reply

traditioninaction.org/Questions/F013_Tattos_Somerville.html

The responses here were:
1.
Other than a general injunction that there is an obligation to be mindful of bodily health and to avoid spending on luxuries money that one cannot afford, the Church does not take a position on body enhancements such as tattoos. So long as you take the proper precautions to safeguard your health and so long as the money it would cost is not needed for personal obligations, you are free to get a tattoo. - Michelle Arnold (Catholic Answers Aoplogists)
As your intention is devotional in nature and is not meant to be disrespectful of the rosary, there would be nothing wrong with getting the tattoo you are considering. - Michelle Arnold (Catholic Answers Aoplogists)

I am not judging her responses i just want to know why the difference in opinions here, between Ms. Arnold and Fr. Stephen Somerville

Thanks!

 

[Joe_5859]

There is a difference of opinion because the Church has never spoken definitively on the issue. There are certain issues over which good Catholics are free to disagree. This is one of them.

So pick which argument you find more compelling and go with that one. Just don’t call someone a “bad Catholic” if they disagree with you.

Edit: I should add that I find Fr. Somerville’s argument a tad unconvincing. As far as I know, people don’t get tattoos by “cutting themselves with knives.” That passage is referring to a specific pagan ritual whereby the false prophets are attempting to summon their false god. It seems a stretch, to say the least, to try to apply this to tattoos. It’s interesting that he stops short of condemning tattoos outright and only says that they are “at least unseemly for a Catholic”, followed by a request that we stay free from “unworthy marks.” If someone were to get a Christian tattoo, would that also be an “unworthy mark”? That seems a little more difficult to say. But this is just my opinion. You’re free to disagree.

 

[Tommy_Joe]

In reference to your question as to whether or not tattoos are “suitable” for Catholics, in my opinion I would imagine it would depend on your interpretation of Scripture, the intent of getting the tattoo, and the subject of the tattoo itself.

Since I’m not familiar with any official teaching of the Church to the contrary, I’d have to agree with Michelle; you have the freedom to get a tattoo.

You also have the freedom to pierce your ears, paint your toe-nails, and wear makeup everyday.

Long before it was “fashionable”, and long before I became a better Catholic, I was tattooed three times. If I had it to do all over again; I doubt I’d make the same decision. As a matter of fact, years ago I advised my sons not to do as I did. (unfortunately in the case of the oldest; that little bit of wisdom went in one ear and out the other!).