Yes, the act of getting a tattoo is considered a sin by some Christians, because it goes against God’s instructions. Especially if the image of the tattoo contains anti-Christian depictions. In Leviticus 19:28 God’s people were instructed not to mark themselves as the pagans did in their mourning rituals. God also tells believers to take care of their body, because it was purchased and redeemed by the blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), now God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:17).
Personal conviction plays a role in determining if someone feels it is or isn’t a sin.
Most Christians who do feel convicted agree, once you have a tattoo (any many people do without fully realizing it is a sin) it is NOT a sin to continue to have it. Meaning you do NOT have to have it removed to stop sinning or to not “live in perpetual sin”. However, the Bible is clear you should ask for forgiveness for your sins (the act of getting the tattoo) and repent (turn away from the sin by not getting any more tattoos).
Where in the Bible does it talk about tattoos being a sin?
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com. A male biker, shirtless, showing off his full back and arm tattoos.
Leviticus 19:28 (KJV) reads:
“Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.”
Wait the Bible didn’t specifically say tattoos! Isn’t this all just a cultural thing that doesn’t apply now?
Yes, it is important to understand the historical and cultural context of the Bible’s passages on tattoos. Context helps provide a deeper understanding of the original meaning and intent of these verses.
Is the word tattoo in the Bible?
It is correct that the word “tattoo” is not in the original Hebrew, Greek, or Aramaic versions of the Bible. “Tattoo” did not enter the English language until the late 1700s. The word translated tattoo in our English Bibles is the Hebrew word “qa aqa”, this word appears only one time in the Bible in Leviticus. The word “qa aqa” means literally “to cut” but taken with the surrounding words indicates a cutting that left a mark imprinted into the skin. While some ancient tattoos were only made by cutting to make scars, they also had the tools to insert ink and dyes into the skin. Greek written records of tattooing date back to at least the 5th century BC.
What pagan practice of tattoos does the Bible talk about?
Photo from Pexels by Meruyert Gonullu. A woman stands at a grave in mourning for the dead.
What the Bible is referencing was a pagan cultural practice to mark oneself as part of mourning the dead. Which God did not want His people to do. God wanted them to separate themselves from the pagan practices, returning back to His ways. But there were other kinds of tattooing in ancient times, just like today there are many reasons why someone might get a tattoo.
So even though the word for tattoo did not exist yet, God did specifically tell His people not to do this specific practice for a specific reason. It was a pagan practice, influencing them in a negative way. It didn’t have to just do with respecting the dead, but also worshipping other gods and in a way the dead, and in some ways a type of idol. The motive behind getting the tattoo was against the love one should show for God in the first four of the ten commandments.
The Israelites coming out of Egypt were having a hard time remembering and understanding how to be Godly people and to avoid Satan’s snares. This can be seen by the very specific and voluminous amount of laws that had to be given in Leviticus. But all of them go back to the spirit of the law in the Ten Commandments. So then getting a tattoo could be a snare, or be done in the wrong spirit.
Why is getting a tattoo considered a sin?
To understand why getting a tattoo can be considered a sin, you have to consider what the Bible says is a sin, and what it means to sin. Sin is the transgression of God’s law (1 John 3:4). And it isn’t just specific hard rules, but having the right spirit, right motivations, and right love for God and others. God gave us the laws to help communicate how to do this. How to be a holy and righteous people like God, returning to being made in His spirit.
A key part of understanding this is how God views our bodies. Why does God say it is a sin? 1 Corinthians 3:17 (KJV) reads: “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” also 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV) reads:
19 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
God gave you a wonderful body to live in, and Jesus paid the price for saving it. God is saying to use this second chance and repent, and glorify God in your body. Turn away from worldly things that separate you from God. Consider, does getting a tattoo glorify God? What message does marking your body that Jesus paid for with a price send?
So it is these general principles given in the Bible that convict some Christians to consider getting a tattoo a sin. Not a specific rule or mention.
But what if I want to get a Christian tattoo to celebrate or honor God?
Image from Pexels by Velroy Fernandes. A tattoo of a cross on the neck of a woman.
If you have ever had a child or had to babysit a kid, you probably have at some point dealt with them trying to “toe the line”. How much and how far can they get what they want before they break the rules and buck authority? Pushing to test the boundaries of what is acceptable.
I’d propose that this is the wrong attitude to take with God. We need to have faith and trust in what God says is in our best interests. God DOES have our best interests at heart. And God wants a loving relationship with us, not one of conflict where we are constantly trying to test Him.
How does it celebrate or honor God to do something He may not want you to do?
Here are some reasons to consider why God might not want us to tattoo ourselves at all:
Tattooing came from pagan practices, even if they may not seem to be associated with them today
God gave us our bodies and they are not meant to be tattooed
It is a dishonor to God to get a tattoo
Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, disregarding this can affect our relationship with God
Jesus paid a price for our bodies
Removing a tattoo is expensive and possibly could cause skin damage
Why do some people say getting a tattoo is not a sin?
There are some Christians who do not feel convicted that it is a sin. They base their reasoning on these concepts:
What Leviticus 19:28 does say is only talking about a specific cultural practice and not tattoos in general. So as long as you are not doing it in a mourning ritual for the dead, it is OK.
That the Leviticus laws do not apply to Christians today, and we are no longer under the law.
That the scenario in Leviticus does not apply to Christians today, due to differences in the cultures then compared to today’s cultures and practices. It just isn’t applicable. Apples to oranges.
Some tattoos are bad, based on what someone gets tattooed on them. So then tattoos with a good message and with good intentions are OK.
Be careful to not let examining the different interpretations and viewpoints turn into cherry-picking the answer you want. Consider the concepts not subjectively. If you honestly are open to God’s answer, pray for the Holy Spirit to help you find it. No one but God and yourself can convict you of what you believe the answer is.
As Christians, we should strive to live a life that is pleasing to God and in line with His will. With the rise of video and online gaming in recent years, many Christians have asked the question, “Is it OK for Christians to play video games?” Some might even ask themselves the popular question, “What would Jesus do?” would he play them?
While there is no clear-cut answer, because you won’t find mention of video games in the Bible, of course, there are several factors that we can consider to help us make an informed decision.
Photo from Pexels by RODNAE Productions. A woman playing an online video game.
The Bible is a Christian’s compass for their life. Helping them make good choices. But there is also other information and evidence we can use to determine what is a healthy relationship with video gaming.
So, let’s discover together what insight the Bible and scientists have about the impact of online gaming.
What does the Bible say about being distracted?
Firstly, we need to acknowledge that Satan is always trying to distract people away from God’s plan for their lives. The devil wants us to be entertained by things that can lead us astray from God. Therefore, Christians need to be mindful of the things that can distract them from following God’s will. This is not to say that all forms of entertainment are inherently evil, but rather that we need to be discerning about what we consume.
The Bible warns us about the dangers of being distracted and tempted by worldly things. In 1 John 2:15-17, we are told not to love the world or the things in it, as they can lead us away from God. Similarly, in James 1:14-15, we are warned that our own desires can lead us into sin. As Christians, we should strive to avoid things that can negatively influence our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
What does the Bible say about avoiding temptation?
The Bible teaches that Satan, also known as the devil, is a spiritual being who opposes God and seeks to lead people away from Him. In John 10:10, Jesus warns us that “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” This verse is a clear indication that Satan is an adversary who is seeking to harm us, and one of the ways he does this is by tempting us and leading us astray.
In the Bible, Satan is often referred to as the tempter. For example, in Matthew 4:1, we read that “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” Here, we see that Satan actively sought to tempt Jesus, trying to distract him from his mission and lead him astray. Similarly, in 1 Thessalonians 3:5, Paul says that he was concerned that “…lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.” This shows that Satan is actively seeking to tempt and distract believers from following God.
So, why does Satan want to distract and tempt us? The Bible tells us that Satan’s ultimate goal is to separate us from God and to keep us from experiencing the abundant life that God has for us. In 1 Peter 5:8, Peter warns us to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” Satan wants to lead us away from God’s truth and into a life of sin and destruction.
As Christians, it’s important that we are aware of this reality and that we stay focused on God’s truth, seeking to resist the devil’s temptations and stay true to our faith.
How can online games tempt a Christian?
There are several ways in which video games could potentially tempt a Christian to sin, breaking any and all of God’s Ten Commandments:
Elevating other gods and magic: Many video games include religious aspects, pagan god mythology, including the rituals, practices, and other religious involvement. Having players role play or be involved in non-Christian religious acts. Such as fighting or doing quests for some mythological god to help them. Acting out pagan rituals to talk to dead spirits, curses, spells, magic, or types of occult and witchcraft.
Idol worship: Some gamers can turn gaming into an idol itself, being more important than God.
Taking the Lord’s name in vain: Many video games feature characters who swear or use blasphemous language, which could potentially tempt a Christian to do the same.
Sabbath-breaking: Excessive video gaming could potentially interfere with a Christian’s ability to observe the Sabbath and spend time in worship and rest.
Dishonoring parents: Some video games may encourage disrespect or rebellion towards authority figures, including parents.
Murder: Many violent video games involve killing or other violent acts, which could potentially desensitize a Christian to the value of human life and make them more likely to engage in violent behavior.
Giving false witness: Games may encourge the players to lie, teach or reinforce the idea that it is OK to give false witness, or even role play giving false witness to others.
Adultery: Some video games feature sexually explicit content or encourage promiscuity, which could potentially tempt a Christian to engage in sin.
Stealing: Some video games may involve stealing or other forms of dishonesty, which could potentially tempt a Christian to engage in unethical behavior.
Coveting: Video games may encourage materialism or a desire for possessions, which could potentially lead a Christian to covet what belongs to others.
Image from Pexels by Cottonbro Studio. Women fully emersed in an online game wearing a virtual headset.
It’s important to note that not all video games will necessarily encourage these types of behaviors, and that each individual Christian will need to prayerfully consider how different games may impact them.
However, make sure you do not let Satan fool you. Whispering in your ear, “Hey it’s ok! Just because you see, hear, or think about something, doesn’t mean you would ever do something bad or sinful”. Or that “You’re just playing a game, the acts are not real”. Don’t forget what Jesus said in Matthew 5:28, that “…whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart”
Meaning the intent to sin is as bad and as dangerous as the act of sinning. Satan knows the more he can get someone thinking about something sinful, the more likely they are to actually do it. Whether in their heart or in actuality, because out of the heart flows our actions (Matthew 12:34).
Do Christians need to be careful with their senses?
Secondly, the Bible teaches us to be careful about what we see and hear. In Matthew 6:22-23, Jesus says,
22 “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!”
The things we expose ourselves to can have a powerful impact on our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
What does the Bible say about separating from worldly things?
Image from Pexels by Tima Miroshnichenko. A couple places a console game together while sitting on a couch.
Finally, as Christians, we are called to separate ourselves from worldly things that can lead us away from God. In 2 Corinthians 6:17, Paul says, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” This doesn’t mean that we should completely isolate ourselves from the world, but rather that we need to be mindful of the influences around us. To be discerning in what we expose ourselves to.
As followers of Christ, we are called to live differently. To be a peculiar people (1 Peter 2:9). This means avoiding practices, behaviors, and attitudes that go against God’s values and seeking to live a life that honors Him.
Here are a few examples of what the Bible says about this:
Romans 12:2: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” This verse emphasizes that as Christians, we should not be shaped by the values and practices of the world, but rather, we should be transformed by God’s truth and seek to live according to His will.
James 4:4: “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” This verse emphasizes that we cannot be both friends with the world and friends with God. We must choose to separate ourselves from ungodly influences and seek to live a life that honors Him.
2 Corinthians 6:14-17: “14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” This passage emphasizes the importance of separating ourselves from ungodly influences and practices, and seeking to live a life that is set apart for God.
So, we are called to live differently from the world and to separate ourselves from ungodly influences. By doing so, we can honor God, grow in our faith, and become more like Christ.
But what does the world say about gaming? Such as secular scientists?
What do scientific studies say about gaming?
Scientific studies have shown that certain video games can have negative effects on our mental health. For example, studies have linked excessive gaming to addiction, increased aggression, and decreased empathy. These effects can be particularly harmful to children and adolescents, whose brains are still developing. The effects of gaming can vary depending on the individual and the type of game being played.
There have been numerous scientific studies conducted over the years examining the effects of online gaming and video games on players.
Here are a few examples of studies, their findings, and the researchers who conducted them:
“The Benefits of Playing Video Games” (2014) by Isabela Granic, Adam Lobel, and Rutger C. M. E. Engels – This study, published in the American Psychologist, reviewed the existing research on the benefits of playing video games. The authors found that video games can improve cognitive function, enhance creativity, reduce stress, and promote social connections.
“Video Game Playing and Academic Performance in College Students” (2010) by Mark Griffiths, Daniel King, and Paul Delfabbro – This study, published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, examined the relationship between video game playing and academic performance in college students. The researchers found no significant relationship between the two variables.
“Online Gaming Addiction? Motives Predict Excessive Play Behavior in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games” (2012) by Thorsten Quandt, Jens C. Wettstein, and Andreas Böcking – This study, published in the Journal of Media Psychology, investigated the relationship between motives for playing online games and excessive play behavior. The researchers found that players who reported playing for escapism or social interaction were more likely to engage in excessive play behavior.
“The Effects of Video Game Violence on Physiological Desensitization to Real-life Violence” (2013) by Jodi L. Whitaker and Brad J. Bushman – This study, published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, examined the relationship between exposure to violent video games and physiological desensitization to real-life violence. The researchers found that exposure to violent video games can lead to decreased physiological reactivity to violent stimuli.
Here are some common negative effects that have emerged from the research:
Addiction-like Symptoms: Some individuals may develop symptoms of addiction, such as loss of control over gaming behavior, preoccupation with gaming, and withdrawal symptoms when unable to play.
Decreased Academic Performance: Excessive gaming has been linked to decreased academic performance, such as lower grades and lower graduation rates.
Increased Aggression: Some studies have found a correlation between violent video games and increased aggression in players.
Physical Health Issues: Prolonged gaming sessions can lead to physical health issues such as eye strain, back and neck pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Social Isolation: While some studies have found that gaming can promote social connections, excessive gaming can also lead to social isolation and a decrease in face-to-face social interactions.
There have also been many psychological studies that have used brain imaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) to examine the effects of gaming on the brain and neurological activity while individuals are playing.
Here are some common findings from the types of studies on human brains:
Increased Activity in Reward Pathways: Playing video games can activate the brain’s reward pathways, which are associated with feelings of pleasure and motivation. This can lead to increased dopamine release and a sense of enjoyment and engagement.
Improved Attention and Executive Functioning: Some studies have found that playing video games can improve attention and executive functioning, such as cognitive flexibility and decision-making.
Changes in Brain Structure: Some studies have found that playing video games can lead to changes in brain structure, such as increases in grey matter volume in areas associated with visuospatial skills and memory.
Increased Emotional Arousal: Some studies have found that playing violent video games can lead to increased emotional arousal, such as increased heart rate and skin conductance.
Some studies have been conducted on how gaming can influence a person’s self-control and ability to discern right from wrong.
One example is a study titled “Gaming as a Source of Intrinsic Motivation: An Exploratory Study of Self-Determination Theory in the Context of Gaming” by Scott Rigby, et al. (2010), which found that gamers who had a higher level of intrinsic motivation, or the internal desire to play for enjoyment and personal satisfaction, were more likely to exhibit self-control and restraint when it came to their gaming habits.
Another study, titled “Effects of Playing Violent Video Games on Chinese Adolescents’ Prosocial and Aggressive Behavior” by Zhen Tang, et al. (2015), found that playing violent video games was associated with decreased prosocial behavior and increased aggressive behavior in Chinese adolescents. A limited study looking at a specific population and type of game.
Overall, while some studies suggest that gaming can have an impact on a person’s self-control and moral decision-making, the research in this area is still relatively limited, and more studies are needed to fully understand the potential effects.
It’s worth noting that not all studies have found these effects, and individual experiences with gaming can vary widely. Additionally, the type of game being played, the frequency and duration of play, and the individual’s personality and life circumstances can all impact the potential effects of gaming on the brain and neurological activity.
It’s important to note that while scientific studies can provide valuable insights into the effects of online gaming and video games, they are not definitive and should be interpreted with caution. Additionally, some studies have limitations or may have flaws in their methodology.
So there is no clear-cut answer yet based on scientific studies alone.
How can we discern which games are OK and which are not?
Image from Pexels by Tima Miroshnichenko. A person playing a violent and graphic first-person shooter online game.
As Christians, we should strive to fill our minds and hearts with things that are pleasing to God and that help us grow in our faith. When it comes to video and online games, it can be challenging to know which ones are safe and which ones are not a good choice. Here are a few tips that can help Christians discern which games are a bad influence:
Consider the game’s content: Pay attention to the content of the game, such as its themes, language, and violence. As Christians, we are called to be mindful of the things that we expose ourselves to, and if a game contains content that goes against our values or is inappropriate, then it’s probably not a good choice.
Consider the game’s impact: Think about the impact the game may have on your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. If playing a particular game causes you to become more angry or aggressive, or if it leads you to engage in behavior that goes against your values, then it may not be a good choice for you.
Consider the time spent: Think about how much time you’re spending playing video games. If you’re spending too much time gaming and neglecting other important areas of your life, such as your relationships, work, or spiritual growth, then it’s probably not a good choice.
Consider peer influence: Take into account the influence of your peers. If the people you’re playing games with are encouraging you to engage in behavior that goes against your values or is inappropriate, then it may be time to consider finding a new group to play with.
Pray for guidance: Seek God’s guidance in prayer. Ask Him to help you discern which games are a bad influence and which are a good choice for you.
Ask yourself these questions as you evaluate a game and how you react to playing it:
Content: What is the game about? Does it contain themes or content that go against biblical values, such as violence, content, or occultism?
Personal reaction: How do you feel when you play the game? Does it promote negative attitudes or behaviors in you?
Time: How much time are you spending on gaming? Is it taking away from other important aspects of your life, such as family, work, or spiritual growth?
Addiction: Do you find yourself constantly thinking and planning about the next time you can play? Do you find other things bothersome or less enjoyable than before? Do you have a hard time “logging off” from gaming, wanting to do just one more thing, just one more minute? Do you get annoyed and angry when someone says you need to stop playing?
Community: Does the game tend to make you isolated or antisocial? Is the gaming community anti-Christian or push anti-Christian values? Or is the game’s community toxic in any other ways?
Content rating: What rating is the game? Video games are rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) based on their content. Christians should carefully consider the content of the games they play and whether it is appropriate for their age and maturity level.
Be mindful of the things you expose yourselves to, and use your discernment to make wise choices that help you grow in your faith and become more like Christ. By taking the time to consider the content and impact of the games you play, you can make informed decisions about which games are a good choice and which are not.
Prayerfully consider whether or not video games are a healthy and beneficial activity for you personally. Seek guidance from God about whether or not to include video games in your life.
How to make your own choice about gaming as a Christian
In conclusion, while there is no clear-cut answer to the question of whether Christians should be gamers at all, playing no video games, we should be discerning in what we choose to expose ourselves to. The Bible warns us about the dangers of being distracted and tempted by worldly things, and scientific studies have shown that certain video games can have negative effects on our mental health. As Christians, we should strive to honor God in all aspects of our lives, including our leisure activities.
However, it is clear Christians should avoid games that may be violent or contain themes that go against Christian values. Additionally, avoid spending too much time gaming. It can take away from the time that could be spent growing in our relationship with God and serving others.
If you do play video games, do it in a way that gives glory to God.
