Are tattoos sinful, or is this an issue where Christians have freedom? In this episode, Pastor John sits down with Pastors Brock and Seth to work through the question from several different perspectives. Rather than giving a simple yes-or-no answer, they explore how Christians can think biblically about tattoos and make decisions that honor God instead of simply following culture, tradition, or personal preference. -- The PursueGOD Men's podcast helps guys apply God's Word to their lives to become full circle followers of Jesus. Join us for a new men's episode every other Thursday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/men. Learn more about "full circle" Christianity through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources with men and boys at church. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now -- Should Christians Get Tattoos?Is getting a tattoo sinful? For some Christians, the answer feels obvious. For others, tattoos seem like a clear area of personal freedom. The harder—and more helpful—question is not simply, “Can a Christian get a tattoo?” but, “How should a Christian think biblically about getting one?” That is the approach John, Brock, and Seth take in this conversation. They do not all begin in exactly the same place, but they agree that Christians should not make the decision based only on feelings, culture, friends, or even family tradition. The goal is to slow down and ask whether the decision honors God. Tattoos Are Not a Simple Yes-or-No IssueBrock takes a more open position toward tattoos, while Seth and John lean more cautious. Even so, none of them argue that every tattoo is automatically sinful. Brock points out that tattoos can become sinful depending on the heart behind them. A person can become controlled by the desire to keep getting tattoos, for example, and Scripture warns believers against allowing anything to master them. He also emphasizes that the content of the tattoo matters. Sexual imagery, satanic imagery, or symbols connected to beliefs that oppose God should be taken seriously. His own approach is intentionally slow. When he has an idea for a tattoo, he gives himself a long period of time to think about it before making a permanent decision. Many ideas never make it past that waiting period because, after more thought, they no longer seem wise or God-honoring. That raises an important principle: just because you are free to do something does not mean you should do it quickly or thoughtlessly. What About Leviticus 19:28?One of the most common verses brought into the tattoo discussion is Leviticus 19:28: “Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. I am the Lord.”At first glance, that can seem like the end of the conversation. But the group points out that the verse needs to be read in its Old Testament context. The surrounding commands were given to Israel as God set them apart from the pagan nations around them. The discussion connects the prohibition with practices involving the dead, pagan worship, divination, and other spiritual practices tied to the surrounding cultures. That does not mean the verse has nothing to say to Christians today. In fact, both Brock and Seth argue that the underlying concern still matters. Christians should be extremely cautious about imagery associated with witchcraft, divination, New Age spirituality, occult practices, or anything else connected to the kingdom of darkness. The biblical question is therefore bigger than whether modern tattoos are identical to the markings mentioned in Leviticus. Christians should ask what the tattoo represents and whether it points toward something that honors God or something that contradicts him. Your Body Belongs to GodAnother passage that often comes up is 1 Corinthians 6:19: “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?”In context, Paul is talking specifically about sexual immorality. The podcast cautions against pulling the verse out of context and using it as a simple proof text against tattoos. At the same time, the principle behind the passage still matters. Our bodies belong to God. That means believers should think carefully about what they do with them. Tattoos are permanent for the remainder of this earthly life unless they are removed, so this should not be treated like a casual decision. Seth takes the idea even further. He points to Ephesians 2:10, where believers are described as God’s workmanship. God has already intentionally created us, and our lives are meant to reflect him. That should cause Christians to approach permanent changes to their bodies with humility and caution. The question is not merely, “Do I like this design?” It is, “Am I stewarding well what God has given me?” Motivation MattersA tattoo itself may not tell the whole story. Two people could get the same tattoo for completely different reasons. One person might get a tattoo to draw attention to themselves. Another might do it out of rebellion. Another could choose imagery that glorifies something directly opposed to God. Someone else might choose a tattoo that has deep personal or biblical meaning. That is why motivation matters so much. The podcast repeatedly returns to the importance of seeking God, praying, using wisdom, and examining the heart before making the decision. The hosts are especially cautious about treating tattoos as just another cultural trend. Christians are called to live as servants of God’s kingdom. That means even personal decisions should be filtered through the question, “Does this glorify God?” Consider the People God Has Put Around YouGetting a tattoo is personal, but that does not always mean the decision affects only you. For younger adults who are still living at home or financially dependent on their parents, honoring their parents should be part of the decision. Brock shares that he wanted a tattoo when he was younger, but his mother was uncomfortable with it. Instead of ignoring her wishes, he waited. Years later, when she became comfortable with the idea, he got the tattoo—and she actually got the same one. For married Christians, Seth argues that a spouse should also have a meaningful voice in the conversation. Because marriage joins a husband and wife together as one flesh, making a permanent decision that strongly affects the other person should not be treated as an entirely individual choice. The point is not that Christians can never make their own decisions. It is that biblical wisdom includes considering the relationships and authorities God has placed in our lives. Think About StewardshipThere are practical concerns too. Tattoos can be expensive. John encourages Christians to think about whether spending that money reflects good stewardship. If someone claims they cannot afford to give generously or meet other responsibilities but can afford a costly tattoo, that is worth examining. The artist should also be considered. The group discusses how some tattoo imagery and even some tattooing environments can overlap with occult or New Age practices. That does not mean every tattoo artist is involved in those things. John specifically mentions knowing tattoo artists who genuinely follow Jesus. The point is simply to know who you are allowing to permanently mark your body and to approach the entire process prayerfully instead of casually. Could Tattoos Affect Your Witness?One of the most interesting parts of the conversation is how tattoos can affect ministry in different ways. Seth gives the example of ministering to an elderly woman who may come from a culture where extensive tattoos create distrust or discomfort. In that situation, visible tattoos could potentially become an unnecessary barrier. Brock points out the opposite possibility. In the coffee shops and younger communities he spends time around, tattoos are common. Someone may notice his tattoo and ask about its meaning, creating a natural opportunity for a spiritual conversation. Both can be true. Christians should consider the people God has called them to reach. At the same time, the group emphasizes that tattoos—or the lack of them—are never what gives the gospel its power. A Christian without tattoos should not assume he cannot reach heavily tattooed people, and a tattooed Christian should not assume he cannot minister to someone who dislikes tattoos. The power is in the gospel, not our appearance. What If You Already Have Tattoos You Regret?For some people, this conversation is not about whether to get a tattoo. It is about tattoos they already have. Maybe the tattoo represents a lifestyle you have left behind. Maybe its imagery dishonors God. Maybe you simply regret the decision. Brock encourages Christians in that situation to seek the Lord. If you genuinely feel convicted to have a tattoo covered or removed, take that conviction seriously. But the message of the conversation is not that your tattoos make you unusable to God. Seth reminds listeners that God can redeem the story behind those...
