Tattoos in a Temple?

One of the latest rages in popular culture are tattoos.  It seems as if almost everyone has at least one, with some people even being covered with them on every square inch of their skin. However, stats released a few years ago state that 22% of women have at least one tattoo, and 26% of men have at least one. 36% of people age 20-31 have a tattoo, while the number falls drastically as the age spectrum climbs with 15% of people aged 43-53 sporting at least one. 21% of Canadians have at least one tattoo. (stats from: National Post)

With these numbers climbing, but staying fairly low surprisingly, as Christians the question should be asked; do we ignore the rise of tattoos, or should we condemn tattoos, and fight to lower the stats even more?

Perhaps before we answer this question, it is of worth to mention the stats regarding religious people who have tattoos. It is reported that as of 2006, 19% of religious peoples have a tattoo. (stats from: National Post) This stat is slightly misleading as it includes all religious people, but if the Christian group was separated from other religions, the stat would only slightly drop. An even more interesting stat would be how many Christians have tattoos out of the population of just Christians, rather than the whole population.

In the past, our religion's stance has been strictly against tattoos. However, it seems we are relaxing with our previous rule, as the stats demonstrate. Historically, the argument against tattoos was that our bodies were meant to be temples, not defiled with any abnormal substances such as paint, tattoos, unique piercings, e.t.c. Two biblical verses used for this argument are "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?" (1 Corinthians 6:19, ESV) and "If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple." (1 Corinthians 3:17, ESV) On top of these New Testament verses, there are also Old Testament ones from the Pentateuch specifically stating that the use of tattoos are forbidden. However, for now we will classify the Old Testament as the Old Covenant, and concentrate on the New Covenant.

Cleansing Fire

These two verses can be tackled efficiently in view of the pro tattoo argument. First, are these verses really talking about tattoos? Many times we take verses way out of context, and try to mash them to fit our own beliefs. When we are talking about our bodies as temples, some would argue that this has nothing to do with our outward appearances. Granted, what is on the inside reflects on the outside, but judgement cannot be made every time simply on what is on the outside. Secondly, if we are going to the argument that what is on the inside is reflected on the outside, the actual historical temple of the Lord was heavily decorated with drawings and paintings, not that much different than tattoos!
In truth, I am in favor tattoos. I see nothing wrong with them up to a point. Profane language, sinful images, and tattoos along that thought process I do not condone. However, small biblical images, bible verses, song lyrics, e.t.c. are fine. In fact those tattoos can provide some excellent evangelistic opportunities. My mom who has a few tattoos also has a wealth of great stories involving non-Christians striking up gospel conversations with her because of her tattoos.

So, I believe the motive behind tattoos would prove to be a bigger cause of concern for our religion. If you are getting one to fit in, or getting one that is of profanity, than Christians have reason to condemn the practice. However, if the reason to get a tattoo is pure such as evangelistic opportunities, permanent reminders, or even just for pleasure, and if that tattoo is not of sinful nature, than Christians have no reason not to support tattoos.