Tattoos - Allowed for Catholics?

mehfesto

When in America many years ago I got a tattoo from a deeply Christian guy. He was a cool bloke and was layered in religious tattoos. I recently wa telling a friend about my first tattoo and he said that tattoos were not only against Cathooic teachings, but Chrsitiam teachings.

Is his true? Are tattoos frowned upon in a religious sense here? Of so, why?

Thanks

Coriolanus

“Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:28)

My understanding of it is that it hinges on whether you believe Christians are subject to commands that are found in the Old Testament.
Some think so, others do not. (An interesting point here I find is that if you do think the Old Testament should be adhered to, I hope a lot of Christians have a sharp knife and a steady hand!)

Mental Mickey

:rolleyes:

mehfesto

Nevore wrote: »

“Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:28)

My understanding of it is that it hinges on whether you believe Christians are subject to commands that are found in the Old Testament.
Some think so, others do not. (An interesting point here I find is that if you do think the Old Testament should be adhered to, I hope a lot of Christians have a sharp knife and a steady hand!)

So it boils down to whether or not you take the O.T. at face value? So this artist could be okay here - there's no hard and fast rule then?

Coriolanus

No hard and fast rule for it, no. I swear they make it up as they go along.

I think the consensus on here (actually I think it was the tattoos and piercings forum that the thread was on, not christianity) was that tattoos are a-ok.

amacachi

mehfesto wrote: »

So it boils down to whether or not you take the O.T. at face value? So this artist could be okay here - there's no hard and fast rule then?

If you take the OT at face value you're already screwed tbh.

iUseVi

Some allow them and some don't, OP, depends on denomination etc.

Stephentlig

The following links from Catholic apologist Michelle arnold should answer your Question on whether or not it is sinful to get a tattoo.


"Other than a general injunction that there is an obligation to be mindful of bodily health and to avoid spending on luxuries money that one cannot afford, the Church does not take a position on body enhancements such as tattoos. So long as you take the proper precautions to safeguard your health and so long as the money it would cost is not needed for personal obligations, you are free to get a tattoo."

http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=142290
http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=39833


with the above said, I personally would never consider getting a tattoo, just not my thing.

Pax Christi
Stephen<3

philologos

Nevore: Indeed, that passage used to be a motivation as to my position on tattoos, but one has to take into account the context of the time in which it was written.

Tattoos and gashing were associated with Baal worship. This is the reason why God forbade the Israelites do it, as it implied an allegiance to another god.

It depends by and large on whether or not you think that getting a tattoo signifies entering into allegiance with another god or not.

Coriolanus

Jakkass wrote: »

Nevore: Indeed, that passage used to be a motivation as to my position on tattoos, but one has to take into account the context of the time in which it was written.

Tattoos and gashing were associated with Baal worship. This is the reason why God forbade the Israelites do it, as it implied an allegiance to another god.

It depends by and large on whether or not you think that getting a tattoo signifies entering into allegiance with another god or not.

Ahh, I hadn't heard that interpretation of it before.

Splendour

Jakkass wrote: »

Nevore: Indeed, that passage used to be a motivation as to my position on tattoos, but one has to take into account the context of the time in which it was written.

Tattoos and gashing were associated with Baal worship. This is the reason why God forbade the Israelites do it, as it implied an allegiance to another god.

It depends by and large on whether or not you think that getting a tattoo signifies entering into allegiance with another god or not.

I agree with you on this Jakkass and it brings to mind the practice of Yoga. Some Christians believe this is a no no area because of it's origins but yet most people who practice it have no idea to it's links with Yogi philosophy and do it purely for the emotional and physical benefits. (Bit off topic, sorry...)

mehfesto

Cheers lads/lasses.
I was just wondering really if Christian tattoos were esentially a way of proclaiming how little you actually know about your religion so thanks for the clear up!

I'm a fair but ignorant of both the religious and atheist here and u don't want to to appear trolling. I'm genuinely interested in the two forums and what you all have to say!

Cheers,

Fanny Cradock

I'm a Christian and I don't see any problems with tats.

homer911

As a Christian, I would say it depends on the subject matter of the Tattoo.

Personally, I don't like them and don't see the point (no pun intended)