ANSWER by John-Paul Ignatius, OLSM on July 4, 2003

Dear Yvylyn: This has been a popular topic recently. On the various forums we have here, this question has come up about 4 times I think. Being the old geezer that I am, out of touch with the modern fads these days, is the tattoo something that is becoming popular again? Anyway, 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. To consider it mutilation is a bit much. The Bible, however, does talk about vanity. 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. God Bless, Bro. Ignatius Mary