Is it ok to get a “Christian” Tattoo? | GotQuestions.org

Christian Tattoos and Evangelism

Is it okay to get a Christian tattoo? We're going to answer that question. You can also discover more on GotQuestions .org. As a background, please read our article on What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos and Body Piercings?

Beyond the general theme of that article, there is the question of Christian tattoos. Do the same principles apply to the tattoos that are of a Christian nature, such as a cross or a Christian slogan or even a Bible verse?

Some Christians have found that having tattoos gives them more credibility and thereby more possibilities of evangelism with some groups of people. So what about Christian tattoos? Obviously, a tattoo of a cross is better than a tattoo of a flaming skull, naked woman, or demon.

Having a tattoo saying, Jesus saves, could indeed be a conversation starter with some people who would never approach a preacher wearing a suit and tie. Some refer to the possibilities of Jesus having a tattoo on his thigh.

Whether Tattoos Are Beneficial and Constructive

The question is not necessarily, is getting a tattoo a sin? The question is more, is getting a tattoo a good and necessary thing to do? Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible, but not everything is constructive.

Christian tattoos may be permissible, but are they beneficial and constructive? Paul exclaims, I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel.

Becoming all things to save some is perhaps the only good reason for getting a Christian tattoo. If having a tattoo genuinely opens doors for evangelism that would otherwise be closed, getting Christian tattoos would likely qualify under Paul's becoming all things qualification.

At the same time, if a person will not listen to you due to a lack of a tattoo, it is highly unlikely that such a person would genuinely listen due to the presence of a tattoo. With that said, the biblically based conclusion would seem to be that Christian tattoos are permissible, but it is highly questionable whether they can be considered beneficial and constructive.

Wisdom, Motives, and the Final Conclusion

A Christian considering getting a tattoo should pray for wisdom and ask the Lord to provide pure motives and discernment. That answers the question, is it okay to get a Christian tattoo? On our website, GotQuestions .org, you will find a deeper discussion and recommended resources.

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