Should Christians Get Tattoos? | The Kirk Cameron
Ink, Identity, and the Heart: A Christian Conversation About Tattoos
Is it wrong for a Christian to get a tattoo? Should believers support friends or family who decide to get one? These questions stir up more emotion and debate than many people expect. Some see tattoos as a pagan practice Christians should avoid. Others see them as meaningful artwork that honors memories, loved ones, or moments that shaped their lives.
Today, tattoos are everywhere—beautiful, intricate, and far removed from the simple “stick and poke” markings of old generations. Many Christians even appreciate the artistry. And yet for others, tattoos raise deeper questions about faith, identity, and what God desires from us.
One commonly cited verse comes from Leviticus 19:28, where Moses forbids Israel from marking their bodies. But historically, this command addressed pagan rituals—tattoos for the dead and markings tied to idol worship. The issue was spiritual allegiance, not modern decorative art. In the New Testament, Peter shifts the focus: “Let your beauty be the hidden person of the heart.” In other words—don’t let your worth come from anything external, whether clothes, jewelry, or ink.
So does this mean tattoos are sinful? Or could they simply be another form of expression?
The Heart Behind the Ink
The question often comes down to why someone wants a tattoo. If a person feels incomplete, insecure, or dependent on outward appearance to feel valuable, the issue isn’t the tattoo—it’s the heart. Our identity must be rooted in God, not in patterns on our skin.
But tattoos can also carry profound meaning. Some believers get tattoos in memory of lost children, loved ones, or defining spiritual moments. Others use them as conversation starters—ways to relate to people who might never step inside a church. Some even tattoo Bible verses or gospel messages that spark conversations about Christ.
Yet there are real cautions. Tattoos are permanent. What seems meaningful at 22 may feel out of place at 80. And in some cultures—especially places where tattoos are forbidden—ink can close doors to missionary work or ministry.
John Piper summarized several practical concerns:
• Tattoos emphasize the external rather than the internal.
• Tattoos are permanent and often regretted.
• The body is a temple—so we should treat it with care.
• Tattoos can limit ministry in certain cultures.
None of these arguments declare tattoos a sin. But they encourage careful, prayerful consideration.
The Reality of Permanence
Modern technology can now remove tattoos through laser treatment—but it’s painful, expensive, and slow. So while tattoos may not be as permanent as they once were, they still represent a long-term commitment. That alone should make any believer pause and think honestly about their motives.
Stories Behind the Ink
Many people with full sleeves or chest pieces have powerful stories hidden in their artwork. Some believers choose tattoos to share the gospel, honor a loved one, or remember a life-changing moment. Others carry ink from their past—symbols of a life before Christ that God has redeemed.
One powerful example is Brian “Head” Welch from Korn—covered in tattoos, yet transformed by Christ. Sometimes the most unexpected people end up becoming the clearest testimonies of grace.
So… Should Christians Get Tattoos?
Based on Scripture, tattoos are not inherently sinful. The ink itself isn’t dark or dangerous. But wisdom, motives, and spiritual maturity matter.
Before getting a tattoo, a Christian should ask:
• Does this honor God?
• Is my motive rooted in insecurity or identity?
• Will this affect future ministry or relationships?
• Will I still want this marking on my skin decades from now?
If the answer remains clear, and the tattoo reflects something good, meaningful, or God-honoring, then it may not be wrong at all.
In the end, God looks past the skin. He looks at the heart. Whether tattooed or not, our true identity is found in Christ, not in outward appearance.
To ink or not to ink—that decision ultimately belongs to each believer before God, guided by wisdom, humility, and a desire to honor Him above all.
