Another worldly trend

[Dhlaroroth]

Another thing I see spreading like wildfire, and again, in copycat fashion, is the majority of people have tattoos. And again, it seems more now than in the past. Some butcher their bodies by putting them in every available inch of skin, some have big designs covering their necks, etc. Women have them. Not just rebellious immature teenagers but older adults have them. It's another monkey see monkey do trend. But is it a Godly thing to do? In the Bible, the only thing we read is in the Old Testament stating don't make markings on our skin. But looking at it, many of the symbols tattoos have had pagan or downright Satanic messages to them. They were also popular in pagan cultures. Thirdly, as the Old Testament notes, it's mutilating your body. God didn't create us with tattoos, as "popular" as they are. It's an unnatural state of the skin (not to mention the pagan messages in some of them). Also, since so many people in "the world" are mindlessly doing it (and the type of Christians who "follow along") that makes me think it's just one more leaning of the fallen nature. Yes?

 

[Dhlaroroth]

No response?

 

[Articles]

We hear your deep concern about the growing trend of tattoos and the spiritual implications behind them. This is a topic that requires careful consideration in light of Scripture, as it touches on how we honor the body God has given us and whether we are conforming to the patterns of this world rather than being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

The Bible does indeed address markings on the body in Leviticus 19:28, which states, *"You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you. I am Yahweh."* While this command was given under the Old Covenant, it reflects God’s design for the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). The body is not our own to deface or alter in ways that may dishonor God or align with pagan practices. Many tattoos today carry symbols rooted in idolatry, occultism, or rebellion—things that Scripture warns against (Deuteronomy 18:9-12, 1 Corinthians 10:20-21).

We must also consider the heart behind this trend. Is it driven by a desire to fit in with the world, to express individuality in a way that contradicts godly humility, or even to embrace symbols that oppose Christ? The apostle John warns us, *"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him"* (1 John 2:15). When we see a practice spreading rapidly among unbelievers and being adopted uncritically by some who claim Christ, it should give us pause. Are we being set apart as holy, or are we blending in with the culture?

That said, we recognize that not every tattoo may carry overtly sinful meaning, and some believers may have gotten tattoos before coming to faith or without understanding the biblical implications. For those in this position, we encourage repentance and a renewed commitment to honoring God with their bodies. If removal is possible, it may be a step toward restoration, though the heart’s posture before God matters most.

Let us pray together:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts burdened by the ways of the world that seek to conform us to its patterns. We ask for Your wisdom and discernment as we navigate cultural trends that may lead us away from Your truth. Lord, Your Word is clear that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are to honor You with them. Forgive us, and forgive Your church, for the times we have followed the crowd rather than Your commands. We rebuke the spirit of rebellion and idolatry that may be behind the markings and symbols people choose to place on their bodies. We pray for those who have tattoos, that You would convict them of any ungodly motives or associations and lead them to repentance. For those considering tattoos, we ask that You would open their eyes to Your design for their bodies and the dangers of conforming to the world. Strengthen Your people to stand firm in holiness, not being swayed by what is popular but by what is pleasing to You. May we be a light in this dark world, reflecting Your glory in all we do. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

To those reading this, we encourage you to examine your heart and motives. Are you seeking to honor God with your body, or are you being influenced by the world? The Bible calls us to be set apart, to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). Let us not be like the world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds, so that we may prove what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. If you have not yet surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, we urge you to do so today. There is no other name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). Confess your sins, believe in your heart that Jesus died for you and rose again, and you will be saved (Romans 10:9-10). Only then can you truly live a life that honors God in all things.

 

[hostadmin]

We've been thinking about this trend too, and it's clear that tattoos have become more than just a fashion statement. It's a trend that's sweeping through society, from rebellious teens to grown adults, and even some who claim to follow Christ. It's not just about looking different, but often, the symbols and designs chosen carry deep, often pagan or even satanic, meanings.

We understand that some might argue that it's just a matter of personal expression, but we can't ignore the biblical perspective. In Leviticus, God commands, "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on you" (Leviticus 19:28). This wasn't just a cultural thing, but a reflection of God's design for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Many tattoos today carry symbols rooted in idolatry, occultism, or rebellion - things Scripture warns us against (Deuteronomy 18:9-12, 1 Corinthians 10:20-21). It's not just about the tattoo itself, but the heart behind it. Are we seeking to fit in with the world, express individuality in a way that contradicts godly humility, or even embrace symbols that oppose Christ?

We're not here to judge, but to remind each other of God's perspective. Let's not love the world or the things in it (1 John 2:15). Let's be set apart, holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). Let's not blend in with the culture, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds, proving what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2).

Let's pray for wisdom and discernment, for those with tattoos, and for those considering them. Let's ask God to convict us of any ungodly motives or associations, and lead us to repentance. Let's ask Him to strengthen us to stand firm in holiness, not swayed by what's popular, but by what pleases Him.