Is getting a tattoo a sin?

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sarakelley

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Just wondering what the church’s view is on this? I mean I don’t think the bible specifically states that we shouldn’t get tattoos… But I was just wondering … Thanks 🙂
 
There have been numerous threads with this question. You might do a search instead of waiting until someone answers you.
 
Levitcus 19:28 (RSV)

You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh on account of the dead or tattoo any marks upon you: I am the LORD.

Maybe this is not my business. It probably is not. 🙂 But I have never seen a woman who I thought wow she is more attractive because of her tattoo. Sometimes it’s neutral but most of the times it’s negative.

A woman’s skin is beautiful as God made it.

You probably hate me now, but that’s ok. 😉
 
In my opinion your body is beautiful as it is and doesn’t need to be marked up. Keep things in your heart not drawn all over your body. Excessive tatoos and piercing would be mutilating your body and would be sinful. Check the other posts for other answers.
 
Paul provided the link with more detailed info, but I’m going to highlight the final couple paragraphs:
But if you do decide to get a tattoo, consider the following:
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  1. The images should not be immoral, such as sexually explicit, Satanic, or in anyway opposed to the truths and teachings of Christianity.
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  1. Be prudent. While “Mom” is probably a safe bet, tattooing your current girlfriend’s name on your arm probably isn’t.
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  1. Consider the arguments against tattooing (there’s bound to be a good website out there devoted to that). Just because the Church doesn’t prohibit getting one doesn’t mean that you should. Consider the following question: Would you put a bumper sticker on a ferrai?
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The advice I gave to my sister when she was considering a tattoo was to give it several months. If you still feel strongly about the tattoo you had in mind after that time, then maybe get it. If, during that time, you change your mind about the type of tattoo you wanted, or where it should be located, perhaps wait another several months before getting it.
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Personally, I have two tattoos and have carefully considered each for a year or more before getting them. I’ve placed them where they are not visible while wearing nice clothes like a dress shirt and slacks so that they don’t distract in more professional, businesslike environments. I’ve also chosen only to get tattoos which are symbols of who I am and who I want to be. One is a religious symbol and another is my personal mission statement for life (in Chinese caligraphy just because it’s beautiful).

What Matt Fradd doesn’t mention in his piece is we can become defined by our body art. So if you want a tattoo, make sure it’s something you want to define you for the rest of your life.
 
i don’t think that getting a discreet tattoo on a part of your body that won’t be be seen by anybody but your spouse is a sin

but to place a tattoo for show in an attempt to “flaunt your body” is not right
 
It’s your body and skin.

The Torah verses do not really apply. These rules were against body markings taken infor pagan religions, something that doesn’t happen anymore.

Still, IMNAAHO and only IMNAAHO, no body art is equal in appearance to the smooth, unmarked, natural human skin.

ICXC NIKA.
 
🍿 here we go again!

In any case - the consensus is generally, it’s not a sin. The old testament verses are about not imitating pagan practices; as part of the ceremonial law they don’t apply today.

Now, everyone has their own opinion on whether it’s a good idea or not, and you’re probably going to hear lots of those…
 
Perhaps the question to ask: "Is getting a tattoo considered mutilation in the church or is it too subjective a term? "

***2297…… Except when performed for strictly therapeutic medical reasons, directly intended amputations, mutilations, and sterilizations performed on innocent persons are against the moral law.
CCC
 
I do not think it is a sin. But if you are thinking about getting a tattoo think long and hard about both the immediate and the long term consequences.

I recommend that you go to the WebMD site and search ‘tattoo’. There is a video there that provides credible considerations relative to the pros and cons of tattoos from a medical perspective.

Peace be with you.
 
JamalChristophr said:
Perhaps the question to ask: "Is getting a tattoo considered mutilation in the church or is it too subjective a term? "

***2297…… Except when performed for strictly therapeutic medical reasons, directly intended amputations, mutilations, and sterilizations performed on innocent persons are against the moral law.
CCC
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This question has already been answered:
catholic.com/blog/matt-fradd/what-does-the-church-teach-about-tattoos
jimmyakin.com/2004/03/tattoos.html
bustedhalo.com/questionbox/what-is-the-church-teaching-regarding-body-piercing-and-tattoos
cuf.org/2005/07/tattoos/

As the article from CUF indicates, mutilation is an action which inhibits the proper functioning of skin or another organ of the body. Tattoos and piercings only do that if applied with improper equipment or technique (dirty needles, untrained artist, etc.).
 
Blue_Goose said:
I do not think it is a sin. But if you are thinking about getting a tattoo think long and hard about both the immediate and the long term consequences.

I recommend that you go to the WebMD site and search ‘tattoo’. There is a video there that provides credible considerations relative to the pros and cons of tattoos from a medical perspective.

Peace be with you.
Click to expand...
There’s a similar article on About.com that I used before getting my first tattoo. The second one was the same guy at the same shop so I didn’t do as much research.
 
Tattoo’s seem to be fashionable these days, I myself think they mostly look terrible,
Like looking at a beautiful work of art , and someone creats vandalism by throwing a
Full Jug of paint over it,
 
There’s nothing worse than seeing a beautiful girl at the door of the church, about to make her entrance at her wedding Mass, flowers everywhere, beautiful music playing, loved ones gathered, she’s in a gown that’s flawless, with a big green tattoo all over her shoulders and back.
blech.
But it’s your life. Keep in mind that if it’s not discreet, some employers won’t believe you to be right for “their” image.
My daughters begged me for tattoos and “extra” piercings (ears were ok with me).
Now, at 21 & 24 they are saying wow, so glad you talked us out of it. That was a dumb idea. Our friends look awful and really regret those tattoos.
Just some thoughts…
 
Are you getting the tattoo because you are trying to offend God? Remember sin is not what you do but why you do it. Jesus excoriated the people who gave money to the poor because they did it for the wrong reason. He blessed his followers who ‘broke the sabbath’ for a good reason.
 
I’m really not sure what it is about tattoos that seems to provoke such a level of argument over them.

Most posters here are adults, and presumably capable of making far more serious decisions than whether or not to get a tattoo. I’ve had married friends comment that people seem to question their readiness on getting a tattoo, more than on getting married or having children! It’s just a tattoo, they do come off, and anyways it’s pretty low down on the list of things you could regret.

Some people like them. Some people don’t. But there’s nothing more to it than that - there’s no reason for dire warnings like getting a tattoo is going to make you permanently hideous or something, unless you have exceptionally bad judgement. And if your judgement is that bad I suspect tattoos are the least thing wrong.
 
The natural human skin radiates the life of the body. Why would one want to obscure that for an artistic expression?

But it is, OP, entirely your call. Frankly, asking on here is somewhat of a waste of time.

ICXC NIKA.
 
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