So is it?  There's a bunch of these type of questions floating around, but I'll start with this one.  Would love to read your thoughts on this.

This topic has been a source of controversy within my church.  Generally, the counsel given has been "don't get a tattoo".  But there are some cultures in which getting a tattoo is a symbolic and very meaningful thing.  Some questions I feel should be asked:  Are you getting at tattoo to show off?  Or is it a meaningful thing that you won't regret later?  I believe many people get tattoos only to regret getting them later in life when the appeal has worn off.

I think its fine, I would never get one myself but if there's going to be a debate about what people can do, this would be low on the list because there's more serious stuff while something like this should be up to the person.

I think supernerd hit the nail on the head. If we're getting tattoos for prideful reasons (i.e. showing off, to impress others), then I think it's wrong. However, if it's for more meaningful reasons, such as a scripture reference you find meaningful or something symbolic for you/you and a significant other, then I think it's fine. Our bodies are temples, we should treat each mark we place on our skin as a mark on a place God resides.

So, it comes down to this - is your tattoo glorifying to God in some way? That can be through a Bible verse, a way God has revealed Himself to you, or through how God has been glorified with a relationship/vessel He's placed in your life (not to make a closed list, but these are a few examples).

I don't think they should but I also don't think we should shun those that choose to. I know people who have gotten tattoos before they were Christians and then became Christians and can't spend the money to get them removed (or don't want to).

I'm also partially on board with mrfe. If the tattoo is personal and glorifying God in some way then I wouldn't think it was a big deal. But those sorts of things are likely small and not things that are easy to see. That's just me though. I've never wanted to get one so I don't see the appeal.

SoL@R :

I would first see what the Church's official stance is on tattoos. I would assume if the tattoo is small,tasteful and can be concealed,it should not be an issue. But most get tattoos to be different,loud,or because they were drunk. Just remember a tattoo is forever and your skin will not stay taut forever. I would say just wear a small cross around your neck as a symbol of your faith.

I have no idea what the real biblical answer is but my step-mom is a very religious Born Again Christian and she has multiple tattoos. I know one of them is a matching tattoo with my dad that has 3 circles on it that represent me, my brother, and my step-brother. If it was something that was shunned I don't think she would do it.

tgags123 :   Well the Bible is silent about tattoos, that's why I posted the question, just to see what other Christians think about the subject.  To be honest, I have actually thought about getting a tattoo more than once in my life, especially when I was younger, but it was totally for the wrong reasons.  I honestly see no problem with a tattoo, as long as it is not placed on obscure body parts and it is done tastefully and above all, glorifying God as Txgangsta and mrfe already mentioned.  I know plenty of really solid Christians (even Pastors) that have tattoos, mostly from their "former" life, if you know what I mean.  Some has even added to their collection, but with awesome scripture or a Cross.  I would not get a tattoo now, especially now that I'm older and especially when you hit the grandpa stage (if you are blessed to live to that age).  Wrinkly skin and ink just does not mix.

SoL@R, can I ask your opinion on the verse Leviticus 19:28?

"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD."

Or anyone else for that matter?  I'm guessing that the standard for not paying it mind is that it's a part of the old testament?  Or do you read the second part of the verse as also being 'for the dead'?

Singelli :  Ah thank you for pointing that out.  Yes, believers today are not under the Old Testament law BUT because there was a command against tattoos it should make you think at least.  So my comment that the Bible is silent  about tattoos are not 100% accurate.  I probably should've been more specific by saying that the New Testament does not say anything about whether a believer should get a tattoo.  There is a command in 1 Peter 3:3-4 that's mainly directed at Christian women but the principle applies to all namely that a person's external appearance should not be the focus of our attention.  So, my opinion does not really matter.  What does matter is where do you stand with God on the matter or any other "issue" that may cross your path.  There is an important scriptural principle on the issues the Bible does not specifically address - If there is room for doubt whether it pleases God, then it is best not to engage in that activity.  In relation to tattoos, a good test is to determine whether we can honestly, in good conscience, ask God to bless and use that particular activity for His own good purposes.  Although 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 does not apply directly to tattoos, it gives us this truth that as God's children, our bodies belong to Him and we should make sure we have His clear "permission" before we put marks on it with tattoos (or piercings).

Well I know there is at LEAST one other mention in the Old Testament (also in Leviticus) about not making cuttings in the skin, though there is no mention of it specifically being for the dead.

I understand that believers today are not under the laws and traditions of the Old Testament, but as you've mentioned, there's a reason the command was in place.  I think there are many commandments in the Old Testament that we would be wise to follow, and this is one of them.  I used to be on the fence about piercings, but in the end... I decided it wasn't worth the risk of disrespecting God's wishes.  Since I did not know how I felt about it, I decided to let my ears heal and I haven't worn earrings since.  I can't say it added anything to my life or that it's missed, so it's not as though harm has been done. Instead, I can rest safe and assured that -just in case- it would displease God, I am not taking part.

There are many places within the Bible that mention the body being a temple to God.  We are asked to take care of our bodies as we would the temple, and I'd be surprised if anyone thought vandalizing a church was acceptable.  I view tattoos as the same way. God gave me this skin and this body for a reason, and if He wanted artwork to be on it... well, surely people could be born with the artwork already in place?    Okay, so I'm totally teasing on the last point, but I do believe that... as believers, we are to avoid getting tattoos.

I found it shocking that nearly everyone here thinks it is okay 'as long as it honors God'.  To me, that's like saying "It's okay to rob a store, as long as you do it in God's name and use the incident to witness to others."  I know the examples don't align quite on the dot, but I'm not sure how to express my feelings on the issue.  I don't think we can make exceptions for / justify everything by saying "Does it uplift God's name?"

Singelli :  "I don't think we can make exceptions for / justify everything by saying "Does it uplift God's name?"

Forget about tattoos for the moment - How would you suggest a Christian should go about in making choices about basically anything if you can't measure it against, "Does this glorify God?"  Not trying to trip you up.  Just trying to follow your thinking.

Here's an article about a lady in my church who has been judged many times because of her tattoos, by people of the same religion even: http://alfoxshead.blogspot.com/2013/04/tattooed-mormon.html

The article may use some confusing terms to those who aren't members of our church, but the gist of it is, she doesn't let people's judgments of her bring her down, whether or not she regrets getting the tattoos.  I think some people in my church think "If I get a tattoo, people will judge me".  And many people will.  They might think "Oh, he or she's a Mormon, they shouldn't be doing that." or "How could she have those tattoos and be temple worthy?  Something must be off."  Temple worthiness is a big deal in our church.  Being worthy to go to the Temple is held upon a standard of conduct.  However, nowhere in the Temple worthiness interview is the question: "Do you have a tattoo?" or "Do you want to get a tattoo?".  The main gist of the interview is to establish that the person has a testimony of Jesus Christ and supports the leaders of the Church, believing that they have been called to their positions by God, and lives in harmony with their testimony.  Also nowhere is the question "Do you believe the leaders of the Church always get it right?".  It has been proven that many Church leaders have been flat-out wrong when it comes to certain things, despite that they've been called by God.  Even Moses, for example, made mistakes.  He doubted God's Word even in front of the Burning Bush, and even disobeyed Him on one occasion (splitting the rock instead of speaking to it).  I believe that getting a tattoo is between an individual and God.  If God approves, then who can disapprove without being called unworthy before God?

SoL@R :  To me, it's not so much that people -can't- ask themselves that question...moreso that they should exercise extreme caution when doing so. I can tell myself all day long that something glorifies God, but that doesn't mean it DOES glorify Him.  As humans with limited understanding of God, there's much we can misunderstand and misinterpret. Just like there are many people who call themselves saved (And are not), I'm sure many actions have been taken and choices made in which people told themselves they were glorifying God (without actually doing so).

The Bible calls us to separate ourselves from the world and not to look like the world.  There is reason many non-believers find it hypocritical for Christians to get tattoos; a certain stigma is associated with it.  Forget the Old Testament for a moment... this should be reason enough to avoid tattoos. How can we expect to be the most effective witnesses possible when partaking in something that makes those of no faith shake their heads?  A tattoo is a tattoo, whether it depicts a cat or a Bible verse.  Just as I wouldn't go graffiti a church wall, I would never mark up my own, personal temple.

Singelli : No wonder you're a teacher.  Clear and concise.  Ever considered getting into apologetics perhaps?

SoL@R :  Oh gosh... I'm always reading my posts and going "There's no way they are going to understand what I am trying to say." I am terrible at defending my views. I know what I believe and feel, but expressing it clearly is another matter altogether!

I don't even know what qualifies as apologetics, quite, nor am I sure my foundation and knowledge are strong enough to justify any such endeavor.  I've grown a great deal by listening, discussing, and reading things YOU and others post. play4fun and yourself have made a tremendous impact on my relationship with Christ, and I admire you both for it. I don't know if I'll ever be as intelligent as you two are.

But thanks for the compliment! It's always nice to have a reason to smile in the morning.  

I actually had a longer response in mind, which is why I took so long to answer your question. In the end, I wasn't confident in the longer response, and hence stuck with the shorter version above.

Singelli : Sorry for going off topic, but I don't think intelligence has got anything to do with it.  If it had then I would never have made a single post   There are so many wonderful, credible resources out there which answers almost any conceivable question that one might have of especially the Christian faith and everything surrounding it, Biblically.  All the work and research has already been done, I am really just echoing the insights and "findings".  For the rest of the stuff I just use life experiences and what the Lord has spoken into my own life and apply it.  I sometimes wish I could give shorter, to the point answers, but it is not always possible, especially if you're "young in the faith" or a non-believer, then more expansive explanations are needed.  It also gets difficult when English is not your first language.  Many times I know what I want to say, but I do not know how to pen it down properly in clear English, that's where the resources are also invaluable, since most of the time they say exactly what I want to convey, but in a more simple and "eloquent" fashion, if you know what I mean.
You are right.  This topic does not really qualify as apologetics since we're not "defending the faith", but you have answered my question in such a way that your way of thinking made sense and was perfectly clear to me.  Why? Because it contained truth and to my mind all of these qualities are prerequisites for defending the faith.