Bulletin Articles
TATOOING AND BODY PIERCING – PART 2
TATOOING AND BODY PIERCING – PART 2
Last week, we discussed how the tattoos or lacerations which were condemned in the OT were linked to paganism. This week, we try to make some modern application of what we learned. So, let’s get started...
First of all, some women pierce their ears today – but this is not usually done to honor the dead, or some pagan deity! Instead, it is done for beauty. Peter spoke of women who over-emphasized the “wearing of gold, or of putting on apparel” (1Pt.3:3). This was NOT a prohibition of jewelry or pierced earrings, per-se. Rather it warns against stressing such to the exclusion of “the hidden person of the heart” (v.4). Simply put, if this verse forbids jewelry, then it also forbids clothing (apparel)! Hence, it should be clear that not all cuttings or piercings are evil.
Likewise, I would have a hard time saying that a man is Hell-bound because he has tattooed the words, “I love mother,” or his wife’s name, into his arm! This is clearly NOT in the same league as those tattoos and cuttings forbidden in the OT. Would I do it? No. But I cannot say that it is wrong, either. Like it or not, we must allow for some personal judgment in this matter (Rm.14). In fact, even though I hate to admit it, even some MEN customarily wore earrings in OT times (cf. Ex.32:2-3).
But we would not do our subject justice if we did not notice some times when it would be SINFUL to have a tattoo or some kind of body piercing! For example, some tattoos are of obscene pictures or words. It should be obvious that such would be sinful. The Christian does not use nor condone foul language and pornographic images – even if “It’s just a tattoo!” (cf. Col.3:5-8) Another example would be tattoos which are obtained just to be rebellious. Many people have gotten a tattoo just to “show the world” that they “live on the wild side,” and they “don’t answer to anyone” (parent, spouse, etc.). This is sinful, because of the MOTIVE behind it. The Christian is NOT a rebel! Instead, he (or she) is submissive to all those under whom God puts him (Ep.5:21-6:9; Col.3:17-4:1).
In addition, SOME body piercings are nothing more than “advertisements” of sexual promiscuity. I once heard of a young lady who got her tongue pierced. Her brother severely rebuked her, saying that she was advertising promiscuity. Of course, she denied it vehemently – until she started getting all kinds of propositions! She lost the desire to wear such things ever again! Listen to me when I tell you that piercing your tongue, nipples, and “private parts” is NOT something that Christians should do! It serves no worthwhile purpose! In fact, it could be classified as “the attire of a harlot” (Pr.7:10). Christian, think long and hard before you go down this road!
I might also add that, sometimes, tattoos and piercings are done to excess. Such people will often have several piercings on their face and body; or a body which is literally covered with tattoos. This MAY indicate a serious lack of self-control (cf. 1Cor.9:25, 27), or an inordinate desire for attention (cf. Mt.23:5-7). IF this is true of you, it reveals that “your heart is not right in the sight of God” (cf. Ac.8:21). I say again, think long and hard about this before you go down this road!
Brethren, these are serious matters, and should not be “brushed off” as insignificant! Such things are indicators of what lies within our hearts (cf. Mt.7:20). The “bottom line” about tattooing and body piercing is the MOTIVE behind them. And rest assured, brethren, that while you may fool others, God knows your true motive (Hb.4:13)! While I DO see some room for judgment in this matter (cf. Rm.14), MY judgment is that Christians wouldn't want to be associated with the bad image projected by such things (cf. Hb.5:14).
However, it is also true that some may have been so “enamored” by such things that they did them without realizing the image they were creating and projecting. If that is your situation, then you can still repent! You may not be able to remove a sinful tattoo, but you can remove the guilt by bringing your sin to Christ (Ac.2:38; 8:22).
I hope this study has helped put this issue in perspective for the Christian. I have really tried NOT to be extreme in my approach. It serves no purpose to oppose tattoos and body piercings just because some people don’t like them. Nor does it serve any purpose to blindly defend such practices. We are better served when we step back, take a breath, and give it a sober thought. That is what I’ve tried to do.
--Lanny Smith
