Tattoos

[maximus]

I have been curious about this myself. In my heart, my conscience tells me it is a sin to tattoo or pierce my body.

I have asked others about this. My priest apparently told my fiancée (who is being tempted into getting tattoos) that there is no canonical restrictions on laymen. Only clergy. Likewise, my godfather explained to me that there was no canonical or official stance from the Church as a whole, thus making it an issue of one's conscience.

It does not seem right to me. As I have explained to my fiancée, it is like spray-painting graffiti on a temple. And while the cleanliness of the inside of the "cup" should be prioritized first, it does not seem a light thing to disregard the outside as well.

Any thoughts?

[Maria]

I have been curious about this myself. In my heart, my conscience tells me it is a sin to tattoo or pierce my body.

I have asked others about this. My priest apparently told my fiancée (who is being tempted into getting tattoos) that there is no canonical restrictions on laymen. Only clergy. Likewise, my godfather explained to me that there was no canonical or official stance from the Church as a whole, thus making it an issue of one's conscience.

It does not seem right to me. As I have explained to my fiancée, it is like spray-painting graffiti on a temple. And while the cleanliness of the inside of the "cup" should be prioritized first, it does not seem a light thing to disregard the outside as well.

Any thoughts?

Welcome to the forum, Maximus!

I hope your fiancée will listen to you.

[maximus]

Good morning Maria. I used to post here as "stephendaniel". I took the name of Maximus a year ago, at my baptism.

It is wonderful to see your many posts.

[Maria]

Good morning Maria. I used to post here as "stephendaniel". I took the name of Maximus a year ago, at my baptism.

It is wonderful to see your many posts.

Many years, Maximus!

[NadirGP]

I have been curious about this myself. In my heart, my conscience tells me it is a sin to tattoo or pierce my body.

I have asked others about this. My priest apparently told my fiancée (who is being tempted into getting tattoos) that there is no canonical restrictions on laymen. Only clergy. Likewise, my godfather explained to me that there was no canonical or official stance from the Church as a whole, thus making it an issue of one's conscience.

It does not seem right to me. As I have explained to my fiancée, it is like spray-painting graffiti on a temple. And while the cleanliness of the inside of the "cup" should be prioritized first, it does not seem a light thing to disregard the outside as well.

Any thoughts?

Anyone, who is in doubt about to have or not to have a tattoo on his/her body, the following questions I would ask:

Why do you what a tattoo? Is it because you want to imitate what other people do, or because you have seen them doing it on the TV?
In my opinion, most people who have tattoos on themselves have a personality and identity problem.

Here it is: Leviticus 19:28
You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh, for the dead, neither shall you make in yourselves any figures or marks: I am the Lord.

[joasia]

I have been curious about this myself. In my heart, my conscience tells me it is a sin to tattoo or pierce my body.

I have asked others about this. My priest apparently told my fiancée (who is being tempted into getting tattoos) that there is no canonical restrictions on laymen. Only clergy. Likewise, my godfather explained to me that there was no canonical or official stance from the Church as a whole, thus making it an issue of one's conscience.

It does not seem right to me. As I have explained to my fiancée, it is like spray-painting graffiti on a temple. And while the cleanliness of the inside of the "cup" should be prioritized first, it does not seem a light thing to disregard the outside as well.

Any thoughts?

Hi Maximus,

From what I've read, and I don't have the sources now, tattooing is a pagan tradition. So Christians should not imitate pagans. I don't think this priest is being honest or he's an ecumenist. Tattooing is definitely forbidden in the Christian faith. I wouldn't trust this priest if he approves of this. And I'm sure there is a canon against tattooing for laymen. It's pagan.

[maximus]

Does anyone have a link relating to canons regarding this?