Why do so many non believers and believers think tattoos are sacrilegious?

Having many tattoos on my body, I figured it would be a good idea to share my thoughts on being a christian/pastor and having tattoos. Before you read this I would ask that you pray that the Holy Spirit gives you wisdom and understanding...

Why do so many non believers and believers think that tattoos are against the bible? And that is says to not get any tattoos?

I have personally been asked literally 30-40 times why I have tattoos and why I continue to get tattoos as a Youth Pastor or Christian...and without fail, just about everytime the same scripture that gets brought up is Leviticus 19:28 (half the time the folks who bring it up don't even know what this scripture is, but seem to know what it means!)

"You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh on account of the dead or tattoo any marks on your body; I am the LORD". (RSV)

Does this verse really condemn tattoos? Let's take a look.

First things first, as christians who should be reading and studying our bibles, we must understand that most of the time one scripture does not stand alone. We must be able to read and take the entire context and seek God for understanding on the subject. I also need to state that our faith is based on more than just tattoos; it is supported by good works as well. And we must pray as often as possible that issues (such as body art) are cast aside in favor of more pressing problems: christian unity, the onslaught of relativism, difficulties in evangelization, conformation to society and culture around us, lack of living a sanctified and pure life...etc

Now Leviticus 19:26-31 deals with pagan practices and God's prohibitions against adopting those practices. In verse 28, God is warning the Jewish people about a pagan practice at funerals, where pagans would mutilate/mark themselves to appease their false gods. The pagans hoped that by cutting themselves and marking images/symbols of idols on their bodies, that they would obtain favour in the afterlife from their false gods, both for themselves and for those who just died(this was taken out of a Matthew Henry Commentary.)As no one with a Christian tattoo is trying to practice a pagan deity, it is safe to say this verse is not relevant to us. Still, many who read the Bible will not take into account historical considerations or the full context of Leviticus 19:28.

Yet, there is a very real problem with using this verse in an anti-tattoo argument. One cannot believe that Jesus is Lord and He came to save the world through grace and love and still accept this verse as applicable to us today. It sounds harsh, but it is true. Why? The answer is simple. Christ gave us a New Law, one that supersedes the Old Testament Law, which includes Leviticus 19:28.

In my next blog, I will answer questions on the Old Law and New Law...until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus, seek Him with everything you have and never let Him go...  Pastor Travis