Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 5/28/2011

Question
Hi. I've always liked the idea of having a small tattoo on my wrist, but I never seriously considered it for so many reasons. Parents wouldn't approve, I think God wouldn't approve, the skin damage, the pain, etc. But I was thinking of getting a temporary henna tattoo, which is totally safe. But there was a part in the bible that said you can't get tattoos, and I assumed it was because it damages the body, but would henna body art be okay? I'm not sure, because I don't wanna disobey Him. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Carmen,

Thanks for this great question.  I am sorry for my late response.  There are several things to consider here.

1.  If you are living in your parent's house, you are still under their rule.  If they object, then we are done.  You are bound to follow their leadership.

Ephesians 6:1–2 (AV)
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)


2.  If they are not absolute, now we need to visit the one and only passage in the Bible that might be talking about tatoos.

Leviticus 19:28 (AV)
28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.

The way I read that is that we are not to make any marks or cuttings on our bodies that would be a part of pagan worship of our anscestors.  This is the only verse in the Bible directly refering to making marks on your body.  Henna is a possible option because it only lasts 1-3 weeks.  I have had henna before, but would not get a tattoo, not because I believe it is Biblically wrong, but because I believe it would hurt my ability to reach some with the Gospel.  They would see what I did as wrong therefore hurting my influence over them.  

In the end you must consider these passages and come to a decision on your own.  It may be wise to get your parent's and pastor's advice.  This will help you.

I hope that this helps you some.

In Christ
Pastor Don