Modern culture very often expresses itself by challenging and provoking generally accepted norms. And many traditions, which until recently were unacceptable in society, are now becoming almost the norm and do not cause harsh criticism.
On the other hand, Orthodoxy is an orthodox religion, the basic dogmas of which have not changed throughout the two millennia of the existence of Christianity. Let's talk today about such a fashionable trend of our time as tattoos. What is the attitude of the Orthodox Church towards tattoos? Is it permissible for an Orthodox person to do them?
What the Bible Says About Tattoos
We see the main justification for the prohibition of putting an image on oneself in the Old Testament Book of Leviticus: “You shall not make any cuts in your flesh or write marks on yourself.” In the New Testament, in the Revelation of John the Theologian, there is a warning not to put on yourself the marks of the beast, which is also very often compared with tattoos.
The Bible on Tattoos
The essence of the biblical prohibition of images on humans is a reverent attitude towards the physical body, as a vessel of the immortal soul. In the letter of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians you can see that the human body is called the temple of God. Such a high comparison excludes a disdainful attitude towards everything physical, preventing it from being desecrated.
According to the same apostle, every believer is a living temple of God. And just as you cannot desecrate temples at your whim, you also cannot change anything given by God at the request of a person. This does not mean at all that the body does not require care; on the contrary, there should be care as a vessel of the soul. But excessively decorating, changing one’s original appearance or features is a sin for a Christian.
Religion of the Downtrodden: Tattoos and Christians
Figures indicate an increase in the popularity of applying ink under the skin (in 2003 - 14%, in 2008 - 16%., and in 2012 21% already had at least one tattoo) [1]. A significant portion of media figures, artists, and professional athletes wear noticeable tattoos. But the popularity of a cultural trend does not mean that it is good. As Christians, we must be wise (Matt. 10:16) and align ourselves with the Bible in all things.
Is getting a tattoo a sin? What does the Bible say about tattoos?
In short... nothing. At least nothing definite. The Bible does not make any specific reference to tattoos as we understand them today.
Leviticus 19:28 and tattoos of idolaters
When understanding the issue of tattoos, you can come across both a loyal attitude and a rigoristic attitude. Both of these approaches, however, are misleading because the Bible does not address the practice of inserting ink under the skin to form permanent images, designs, or writings, also known as tattoos.
Some Christians condemn all tattoos as immoral because God forbids them in Leviticus 19:28. Since the word tattoo does appear in this verse, the argument seems convincing.
Other Christians say that this passage no longer applies to them because the Old Testament law was for Jews but not for Christians. If we take the texts of Scripture literally, then modern Christians should not eat meat “that still has blood in it”[2] (Lev. 19:26) and “should not trim the hair on the head, which grows on both sides of the face, and They must cut their beards at the edges”[3] (Lev. 19:27), and also fulfill many other similar Old Testament prescriptions of the Law.
So is tattooing a form of pagan idolatry still forbidden by God today?
The modern translation reads: “Do not make cuts on your body in memory of the dead, and do not get a tattoo on yourself.”
At the turn of 1906-7. in St. Petersburg, the Office of the Chief Medical Inspector of the Ministry of Internal Affairs considered the petition “For permission for E.P. Vakhrushev to engage in tattooing,” which indicates a growing interest in tattooing in Russia only at the beginning of the twentieth century. That is, the Russian public was not widely familiar with the phenomenon of tattoos. It can be assumed that the Synodal translation of the Pentateuch, completed in 1868 (almost 40 years after the appearance of the first tattoo parlor in Russia), is closer to the literal meaning: “do not make cuts on your body and do not ink marks on yourself.” However, the word "cuts" refers to inscribed or engraved symbols or words and is used only in this passage. The word "writing", also used only here, has an uncertain root, so it is difficult to say for sure what the word means.
The reason for the adoption of this law was that Israel, rescued from slavery, was located between Egypt and Canaan. Recent archaeological excavations show[4] that although tattoos were practiced in Egypt, they were only applied to women. Evidence suggests that tattooing parts of a woman's body associated with fertility (breasts, thighs, and abdomen) was considered a charm for good luck during childbirth.[5] Women also often had marks of the fertility goddess Bes (Bez, Besu, Beza), which seems to support this theory.
Tattoo of a mummy from the settlement of Deir el-Medina, Egypt
Source: Novate
In Canaan, tattoos were replaced by more severe measures of scarification[6], such as branding, cutting, or scraping the skin. Archeology, supported by biblical texts, indicates that Canaanites commonly cut their bodies for ritual purposes (1 Samuel 18:28) to mourn the dead and honor the gods. Leviticus 19:28 seems to imply this when it says, “You shall not make any cuts on your body in memory of the dead, or tattoo yourself.”
It seems that in light of this information from Egypt and Canaan, God forbids scarification, not tattooing as we know it today.
Isaiah 49 and God Tattoos.
I have written your name on My hand; I think about You constantly (Isaiah 49:16).
ἰδοὺ ἐπὶ τῶν χειρῶν μου ἐζωγράφησά σου τὰ τείχη καὶ ἐνώπιόν μο υ εἶ διὰ παντός
In Isaiah 49:15-16, God assures His people that just as a nursing mother cannot forget her child, so God cannot forget his children. And the Lord decides to use an illustration that can surprise. He stretches out his hands and says: “I have written your name on My hand, I think about You incessantly.”[7] Most likely, this is a reference to a kind of tattoo - a mark made with indelible ink. Of course, God doesn't have real hands, and therefore He doesn't have real ink under His skin. But the point is clear enough. He uses a symbol that his people will understand and is essentially saying, “How can I forget you when I put your name on my hand?!” I can’t even do anything without remembering you and the promises I made to you.”
American actress Demi Lovato
Source: Unsplash
Some scholars even suggest that the Jews began to tattoo their hands to remind themselves of the temple and the Lord[8].
Signs associated with pagan theology and practice were prohibited. But tattoos, removed from their idolatrous context, are merely a cultural artifact.
Jesus thigh tattoo?
On His thigh and on His white robe was written His name: “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Rev. 19:16)[9].
ἔχει ἐπὶ τὸ ἱμάτιον καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν μηρὸν αὐτοῦ ὄνομα γεγραμμέν ον· Βασιλεὺς βασιλέων καὶ κύριος κυρίων
It is much more likely that this verse is referring to the title "King of kings and Lord of lords" written on clothing rather than on the skin of a leg. The author of the book of Revelation writes that the name was written on His robe and thigh, and most likely the lower part of the garment covering the thigh area contained the inscription of the title. I have not yet met scientists who would claim that we are talking about a tattoo.
But hardly anyone can say for sure that the inscription on the thigh is not a tattoo.
Run to get a tattoo?
Although the Bible does not contain a clear passage regarding tattoos, there is hardly any permission for rampant tattooing. It is still necessary to think before applying ink under the skin. Especially if you are a Christian. Below are questions to help you think through your decision.
Modification
Since the Bible does not specifically prohibit tattoos, are there any restrictions? We know that our body is not our own, but a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Meanwhile, temples:
Voronet Monastery, Romania
Source: search.creativecommons.org
The Bible highly values the body as the work of God, which should not be mutilated. Today it is possible to constantly modify your body to resemble more like animals or fantastic creatures than humans, who alone are created in the image and likeness of God. We must ask ourselves how much we can change our body to suit our desires without deforming the beauty of the human form as God made it.
Motive for tattoo
Why get a tattoo? If a tattoo is a protest against parents, then this is clearly unacceptable (Eph. 6:1-3). While artistic expression may be acceptable, the primary motive for everything we do should be to glorify God (1 Cor. 10:31). This means striving to honor and draw attention to the Creator, and not to oneself. Getting a tattoo for evidence may be acceptable, but it is probably worth remembering that it is not the most important or most effective form of kerygma. You don't fulfill Christ's "great commission" (Matthew 28:16-20) simply by getting a Bible verse tattoo.
Modesty
A third (33%) of adults with permanent ink under their skin say getting a tattoo made them feel sexier. It makes about a third feel more attractive (32%). A quarter of respondents (27%) say that tattoos make them feel more obstinate[10].
One of the definitions of modesty in V. Dahl’s dictionary is: “not putting one’s personality first, not dreaming about oneself”[11]. Do you want to direct people's thoughts to God or to yourself? Tattoos often focus attention on certain areas of the body and make you think about that part of the body. It's hard to believe that someone with a tramp stamp tattooed on his lower back would actually seek to direct people's thoughts toward God. The criterion of modesty can make you think about the size and location of tattoos and even avoid getting them.
Labor market
Will employers want to hire you? 76% of companies don't want your tattoo to be visible. And this may prevent you from filling a vacancy[12]. Many employers require body images to be covered because they are not socially acceptable from a business perspective.
Message
What is it about yourself that is worth telling the world about? Tattoos are a powerful message that automatically conveys what you value. They will most likely remain for life. Often, thoughtless images on the body are called “tattoo regret” [13]. As you get older, it's possible to regret your tattoos because you've outgrown them and changed your values.
Money
Are tattoos the wisest use of money? We are responsible to God for how we use our money. It is also important to remember that removal is more expensive than the cost of the tattoo.
Medical problems
Tattoos pose real health risks. The Mayo Clinic warns: "Don't take tattoos lightly." They lead to severe allergic reactions, infections, unsightly scarring, and blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis B and C. Tattoos intentionally expose the skin and expose it to unknown bacteria. Tattoo parlors are not medical clinics, although they do pierce the skin and interact with blood.
Source: Unsplash
It's worth thinking about before applying ink under your skin. Do not make this decision hastily or recklessly. You can refer to the questions to help you think through your decision. Discuss with people you trust.
I couldn't find tattoo statistics for Russia. If you know, leave links to the source in the comments.
[1] Tattoos have become something of a trademark for millennials, with nearly four in ten (38%) having at least one tattoo, according to a Pew Research Center study. Gen Xers aren't far behind, with 32% of respondents born before 1964 saying they have a tattoo. Only 15% of the baby boom generation and 6% of the 50s generation. XX centuries wear tattoos.
What's more, a tattoo isn't enough for many millennials. 31% of tattooed millennials have one tattoo, half have two to five, and 18% have six or more. Millennials without a college degree are more likely to visit a tattoo artist than their college-educated counterparts (47% vs. 30%).
Among adults age 30 and older who have tattoos, the percentage is significantly lower—nearly half (47%) have just one and only 9% have six or more tattoos. Among adult men and women, tattoos are equally common.
There is no evidence that tattoos are a form of political expression for millennials. However, political ideology is associated with having a tattoo. Among Americans surveyed who consider themselves liberals, 43% have a tattoo, while among conservatives, 32% have a permanent design on their skin.
Regardless of age, most people prefer not to show off their tattoos. When asked if their tattoos are usually visible, the vast majority of millennials and older generations (72%) said they are not. Among those with at least one tattoo, 70% of millennials and 73% of people age 30 and older say their tattoos are usually not visible. Men are more likely than women to have tattoos that are visible to everyone (23% vs. 13%). This pattern can be seen in all age groups. When asked whether their tattoos are visible, approximately one in ten tattooed women said it depends on the clothes they wear.
In addition to tattoos, many millennials are choosing to change their appearance with piercings. Nearly a quarter of millennials (23%) say they have a piercing in a place other than their earlobe. In this regard, millennials are ahead of all other generations. One in ten (9%) of those born between the 60s and 80s of the twentieth century have piercings, while only 1% of people aged 55 years and older have such piercings. Young women are much more likely than young men to have piercings: 35% of women under 30 have a piercing somewhere other than their earlobe, compared to 11% of men.
[2] Synodal: “Do not eat with blood.”
[3] Synodal: “Do not cut your head round, and do not spoil the edges of your beard.”
Of particular interest is the fact that the ban on cuts and tattoos on the body is contained in the same chapter as the ban on eating meat with blood and the regulation of cutting beards and hair.
[4] Huehnergard J., Liebowitz H. The Biblical Prohibition Against Tattooing // Vetus Testamentum, Vol. 63, Fasc. 1, 2013, pp. 59-77.
[5] Tattoos. The Ancient and Mysterious History.
[6] From lat. scarificare - to cut, scratch. Mechanical damage to the surface layers of the skin.
[7] Synodal: “Behold, I have engraved you on My hands; Your walls are always before Me.”
[8] Jamieson R., Fausset A.R., Brow, D. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
[9] Synodal: “On His robe and on His thigh was written the name: “King of kings and Lord of lords.”
[10] "Tattoo Takeover: Three in Ten Americans Have Tattoos, and Most Don't Stop at Just One"
[11] “Explanatory Dictionary of the Living Great Russian Language by Vladimir Dahl”
[12] "Tattoos Hurt Your Chances of Getting a Job"
[13] “Will I regret getting a tattoo?”
Historical and cultural aspects of tattoos
In pre-Christian and early Christian times, tattoos were part of pagan and occult rituals. They were applied either as a sign of the dead, or to enter into trance and other states that alter consciousness.
Interesting! With the advent of Christianity, tattoos were used mainly as a mark. They were used to mark, for example, criminals, women of easy virtue, and card swindlers.
The tradition of tattooed branding has been preserved throughout the world for many centuries. Many probably remember how much trouble the lily on the shoulder of Lady Winter, the heroine of A. Dumas’ novel “The Three Musketeers,” brought. To this day, in places of deprivation of liberty there is a whole complex system of prison tattoos, which imprint on a person for life the history of his crimes and serving sentences.
The civilized world learned about tattoos as decoration around the 18th century, when the traveler D. Cook discovered the native settlements of the Tahiti islands. It was there that he saw images on local residents that were purely decorative in nature and were made only for the sake of beauty.
How the Orthodox Church views tattoos
However, the fashion of decorating the body in this way did not meet with much approval from society. Not so long ago, already in the 19th century, the authoritative Italian doctor C. Lambroso considered tattooing as a disorder inherent in people prone to crime.
Only in the middle of the twentieth century did tattoos become a fashionable attribute of young people. People begin to paint themselves at their own discretion, not always putting deep meaning into the images. Massive youth subcultures are emerging that actively use tattoos.
As we see, even without taking into account the spiritual influence of tattoos, simply in the historical and semantic meaning, images on the body have not brought anything good since ancient times. The most harmless thing - a tribute to fashion - suggests that a person simply does not understand the deeper meaning and influence of tattoos on his life.
Spiritual harm of tattoos
Why is a simple picture on the body so dangerous for a Christian? First of all, desecrating oneself as a vessel of God is a sin. There are already many sinful acts in a person’s life, which often cannot be avoided. So why spoil your soul even more with something you can easily do without?
About sins:
- Sin of love of money
- Sin of vanity
- Sin of covetousness
Man is a spiritual-physical being. It is impossible to consider physical life separately from the life of the soul, and vice versa. Therefore, any changes on the physical level will certainly affect spiritual life, and vice versa. And drawing images is no exception.
Priests who deal with human destinies every day and listen to confessions often note that people repent of having gotten tattoos. For many of them, when they started wearing the “simple picture,” difficulties and problems began in their lives, a feeling of abandonment by God, and despondency appeared. This is the action of sin, which a person himself allows into his life.
Important! Signs and symbols applied to the body carry with them a certain spiritual load, which a person may not even know about.
Thus, neo-pagans and occultists often use runes, hidden pentagrams and other satanic symbols for tattoos. To an outwardly uninitiated person, such a tattoo may seem like just a beautiful graphic design that does not carry any information. But in fact, by applying it to himself, a person allows those forces that are indicated in symbolism to enter his life. Of course, for an Orthodox Christian this is unacceptable.
Even if you don’t inject any mystical or magical signs, a tattoo “for beauty” is incompatible with the faith of Christ. The pursuit of fashion, excessive decoration of the body (not only with images, but also with overly pretentious clothing, bright makeup, etc.) - all this distracts a person from Christ and occupies his thoughts with earthly things. The Lord should always come first in the life of a Christian, and concern for the physical and external should remain within reasonable limits.
The attitude of the church towards tattoos
How can I get a religious tattoo?
If you are a Christian and have decided to get a tattoo, you may be wondering how to get a tattoo that can accurately reflect your morals and beliefs. There may not be a clear passage that prohibits tattoos if you are a Christian, but it is still a good idea to keep the Bible in mind when choosing a tattoo as well as its placement on your body. It is clear that the body is highly valued because it is the creation of God. You should take this into consideration when choosing which tattoo you will get as it will stay with you for the rest of your life. You should also ask yourself why you are getting a tattoo. If it is an act against your parents, then it will obviously go against the Bible, but if it is more of an artistic expression, then it is more acceptable. Some Christians choose to get a tattoo of their favorite Bible verse or religious symbol to show their faith. On the other hand, getting a tattoo of something that symbolically goes against your religion is obviously a bad idea. Corinthians 6:20 says
''For you were bought at a price. So give glory to God with your bodies! ''
and in Corinthians 10:31
''Therefore, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God."
. Showing love and respect for God through your tattoo actually does exactly what these verses preach. It is not at all necessary to get a religious tattoo, but it is an option for those who like to express their faith in this way. It's all about how you personally interpret the Word of God because no two people are exactly alike.
What tattoos do Christians usually get?
Christian tattoos come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you want to express your love for God with a full back tattoo or an easily hidden symbol on your ankle, we have some good ideas for you. Many Christians love getting tattoos of their favorite Bible verses because they help remind them of their values and the importance of God's word. There are also many symbols that represent Christ, such as doves, a cross, an angel, praying hands, or even a picture of Jesus himself. All of these tattoos can be just as meaningful to you as a piece of jewelry with one of these symbols. If you want to get a large Christian tattoo, you can depict one of the important scenes from the Bible, such as the Last Supper or Jesus' death on the cross. You can also combine your passions with the Bible.
What should you remember when getting a tattoo as a Christian?
At the end of the day, the decision to get a tattoo should be yours and yours alone. If you find that this tattoo is objectionable or goes against your beliefs, then by all means do not get it. There is no need to make a hasty decision about getting a tattoo as you may change your mind as you explore. If you're still unsure, it's always a good idea to discuss it with other people who share similar values. Also, and perhaps more importantly, talk to God. The most important thing is that you are confident in your choice whether to get a tattoo or not!
