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If you are saying that we as roman catholics can not get a tattoo then why is it stated in Revelations that Jesus had a tattoo saying "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF THE LORDS" and you can find that quote in Revelations 19:16
i am just wondering because i am really thinking of getting a tattoo of a cross or a rosery on my ankle if you would like to answer me please do i am interested in hearing what you have to say thank you
Hi, Missy:
Did I anywhere state absolutely that a Roman Catholic can not ever under any circumstance get a tattoo? I looked back and found an old answer in which I stated that getting one could have some bad implications, and that I personally would not get one and would not recommend anybody to ever get one.
I came across other comments on the matter in other forums, and in general there were basic principles laid out that ought to be considered:
1. The body of the Christian is a Temple of the Holy Spirit; so we certainly would not want to do anything that would defile it by any kind of bad or inappropriate image; nor anything that would mutilate it in an overdone, excessive manner.
2. Tattoos can point to a subculture contrary to Christian culture.
3. One could harm his/her chances in regular society in terms of work options.
4. One might spend too much money on getting tattoos in excess that could hurt him/her financially.
Lastly, to respond to the quote from Rev 19:16, no version of the Scriptures I looked at used the word "tattoo" to describe the image or markings upon Jesus in the vision described. Bear in mind that this was a mystical vision, and the imagery is pointing at something about Christ's status in the Universe. I certainly would not see it as a command or approval for a person to get a tattoo.
Those are my thoughts. If one of my past answers stated absolutely and categorically that anybody is forbidden to get a tattoo, please copy and paste it in a response to this answer. I would be interested to see it. I am certain that I did not carefully check every last one of hundreds of past answers; but I certainly do not believe that I ever said all tattoos of every kind and number were absolutely forbidden.
Fr. Timothy Johnson
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Fr. Timothy Johnson
Expertise
A Traditional Catholic Priest, validly and licitly ordained, incardinated legally and canonically in the Diocese of Fargo, and in good-standing with my Local Ordinary (Bishop) on active assignment at a rural Tri-Parish. I can provide honest and balanced answers to questions on topics pertaining to Traditional Roman Catholicism of the Latin Church (Councils of Trent and Vatican II)and a lot about the Eastern Catholic Churches, including the Sacred Liturgy, Sacred Scripture, Church History, the use of the Latin language, the tradition of Sacred Music, and current events in the Catholic Church from a traditional, historical and balanced perspective.
Experience
I have been ordained a Roman Catholic Priest since June 2001.
Organizations
Knights of Columbus; Church Music Association of America (CMAA)
Education/Credentials
Ordained Priest, 02 JUN 2001; Ordained Deacon, 27 JAN 2001; MA - Dogmatic/Systematic Theology;
MDiv - Professional Degree from Seminary;
2-Years formation with Canons Regular of Premontre including studies and experience in Sacred Liturgy, Chant, Latin, Sacraments, Spirituality.
BA - Scholastic/Thomistic Philosophy;
BA - Liberal Arts;
AA - General Studies.
Past/Present Clients
I serve 3-small, rural Parish Communities in Easter North Dakota
I converted to the Roman Catholic Church in 1981, at the age of 15.
Over the years I have done work as an organist, cantor, and choir director for the Latin Rite (English & Latin) Mass (Liturgy of the Eucharist), and even for the Hours of the Divine Office.
I have worked as a cantor for a Melkite Byzantine Catholic Church.
Presently my pastoral and administrative duties as a Catholic Priest do not allow me as much time as I used to have to devote to Sacred Music; but for my weekend Masses and Solemnities within my Tri-Parish, I offer High Sung Mass in English. Weekday Mass is typically Low Mass (recited Mass) in English, though on occasion I will offer the "Tridentine Mass" in Latin, which I usually offer on my "Day Off", as well. And now, in light of the "Motu Proprio" by his Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI placing the extraordinary usage of the Roman Rite back into the mainstream of the Catholic Church, I have been offering a regularly scheduled SUN, 2:00 PM Tridentine Latin Mass with a community of the faithful that has a stable existence.
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