{"id":10786,"date":"2024-01-03T09:08:02","date_gmt":"2024-01-03T08:08:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theholyscript.com\/?p=10786"},"modified":"2024-01-03T09:08:02","modified_gmt":"2024-01-03T08:08:02","slug":"is-the-bible-against-tattoos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theholyscript.com\/is-the-bible-against-tattoos\/","title":{"rendered":"Is The Bible Against Tattoos"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Bible has been used to oppose the practice of tattoos and a select few books in the Bible are commonly cited as the basis for allegedly objecting tattoos. Leviticus 19:28, for instance, reads “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord,” while Leviticus 21:5 reads “They must not make bald patches on their heads, shave off the edges of their beards or cut their bodies.” So, does the Bible really oppose and frown upon tattoos?<\/p>\n

While some people interpret these passages as evidence that biblical figures objected to tattoos, scholars have argued that the ancient practice of tattooing and meaning behind it have been misinterpreted. Contemporary scholars suggest the passage in Leviticus 19:28, does not prohibit modern tattoos at all, but it is instead prohibiting an ancient form of scarification now commonly known as cuttings. This was a form of mourning, common in cultures neighboring the Hebrew people, and still practiced in some parts of the world today. This form of mourning appears to be the subject of objection in this passage, not tattoos.<\/p>\n

Moreover, scholars point out that the Bible only mentions tattoos twice—both times in Leviticus 19:28 and Leviticus 21:5. Beyond these two passages, there is no other mention in scripture that addresses tattoos. It is also important to note that the two passages refer to a specific period in history, situated in the ancient past. Therefore, it is difficult to draw any contemporary conclusions about tattoos or modern practices regarding self-expression. <\/p>\n

Christian theologians agree that the Bible does not directly condemn tattoos. Therefore, the practice is not something that is universally forbidden by the Bible. Ultimately, the decision to get a tattoo falls on each individual. Tattooing is something that is strictly up to each person to decide and it is not something that would need to be justified on religious grounds. That said, it is important to keep in mind that tattoos, like various other practices, can be used for destructive or noble purposes. Hence the decision to go for a tattoo or not should be a well thought out one.<\/p>\n