Tish’s Corner: Do You Consider Tattoos, Piercing & Wearing Of Anklet Of Anklet A Sin? 

This topic is complex and unfathomable considering the teachings of the bible. Some christians frown and condemn others with tattoos, body piercing and other body disfigurements.

They argue that, our body is the temple of God and therefore, should not be destroyed with all these body mutilations. Although we no longer live under some of the laws of the old testament, “leviticus 19:28 is always on the lips of christians who view tattoos and piercing as a sin. It says ” Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you, I am the Lord”. 

If we take a critical look at this verse, then women should avoid wearing earrings or having their ear pierced. In corinthians 10:31, “therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”. So my question is; If I tattoo’d or inked the image of christ, the bible or rosary on my body as a representation of my faith and believe in Christ, is that considered a sin or transgression that’s unheard of?

When we revisit leviticus 19, verse 19, it goes ” Ye shall keep my statutes. Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind: Thou shalt not sow thy field with mingled seed: neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woollen come upon thee” 

As a friend said, if tattooing is sinful, then we should burn our polyester/cotton clothings, since that is a garment of mixed linen and wool. I cogitated deeply about this subject, especially, when I read from another website that a certain gentleman was sent out of a church because of his tattoos. 

Matthew 7:1 saids: “judge not, that ye be not judged”. Are these churches not being judgemental  and harsh on these “non-christians” as they prefer to call them? 

Very recently, one of our Ghanaian actress was making headlines because of her comment about actors with tattoos. According to Martha Ankomah, it is a sin and even buttressed her point with “leviticus 19:28. 

They say, never judge a book by it cover and appearance can be very deceptive, yet our outward appearance is most often a manifestation of what’s inside us. 

Due to that, people with tattoos, piercings and anklet are automatically indicated as non-christians or sinners. They are ostracised and society looked down on them since it’s against societal norms and it’s a maladaptive behaviour.

I quiet remember, a friend walked into this church one sunday and the pastor summoned her and kept ranting on the nose ring she had….the minister added “you have a beautiful face, but the nose ring makes you ugly”.

My friend was forced to change her church. Are these really necessary? Does tattoos, anklets and body piearcing depict or define who you are? Must we entertain and accomodate such behavior in our churches? Is it really a sin? What have you got to say?