Dear Kerri:

The subject of tattoos come up periodically. The question is usually whether or not a Christian should have a tattoo in the first place (is it a sin?), and secondly, about the kind of tattoo.

Tattoos are primarily an issue of vanity rather than an objective sin in-an-of-themselves (unless the tattoo is vulgar or blasphemous, or it promotes/glorifies sin or the demonic).

The bible to my memory does not address the issue of tattoos nor does the Church. To consider it mutilation as some people suggest is a bit much. The Bible, however, does talk about vanity in general and vanity specifically in terms of bodily adornment.

Vanity is an issue that many in our society ignore as a problem and often will glorify. Vanity can lead to various sins and therefore can be very dangerous.

Another aspect to this (although somewhat off topic) is that tattoos are often things that many people eventually regret getting. There are untold millions spent every year in cosmetic surgeries to remove things that seemed like a good idea at the time.

Bottomline: unless the tattoo is vulgar, blasphemous, promotes/glorifies sin, the demonic or the occult, or encourages or promotes any other immoral or unChristian act or thought, it is not in-an-of-itself a sin.

The issue to consider is the pride and vanity. We must examine ourselves to see why we want a tattoo or, for that matter, why we want to wear decorations that come off, like rings, necklaces, ear rings, etc. Ostentatious displays and decorations are generally not consistent with Christian modesty and decorum; and as Christians we are to be modest and to avoid vanity and pride.

So, examine yourself to see why you want this and whether this is merely an expression of vanity, or whether there is a good reason for it within the bounds of modesty and humility. This goes for all jewelry and fashions we wear as well.

As to specific tattoos of demons, evil, Satan, etc., this is outright improper. St. Paul tells us that we are not to even have the appearance of evil.

I think there is a serious question about the person himself who wishes to have tattoos of that depict evil theme. Why would a person want such a thing? Evil is NOT "cool." The "benign" depiction of evil is NOT "cool."

Whatever clothing we wear, jewelry we wear, or tattoos we have is an expression of something about us. It is a message. What message does a tattoo of evil give?

No, there is no justification for a tattoo depicting an evil theme. To those people who want one thinking it is just "cool body art" I would recommend seeing a psychologist. I mean that. There is something deeply wrong when a person thinks that demons, evil, and Satan are "cool" in any context.

Having such a tattoo is certainly contrary to the Christian life.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary