Religion and Tattoos
Monday June 29, 2009
An interesting piece popped up in the Evansville Courier Press this weekend, discussing the different ways that religious groups look at body art, such as tattoos. Reporter Karen Owen-Phelps interviews people from a variety of Christian backgrounds to see how they view tattoos, and the responses vary from "I'm really proud of it" to "I'm so ashamed that I did it." One pastor from a Seventh-Day Adventist church says, "The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and we shouldn't defile it."
Although Owen-Phelps briefly touches on Judaism and Islam, there's no mention at all made of any other religious groups. It would have been a nice contrast if she had taken the time to interview people from non-mainstream religions, because for many of us, our body may be a temple, but it's also an art gallery. Go to any Pagan event, and you'll see a lot of tattoos, not so much because tattoos are part of our spirituality, but because we believe everyone is free to make their own choices.
By the way, if you want to see some of the tattoo art that our readers have submitted, be sure to check out the recently updated Pagan Tattoo Gallery.
Follow Pagan/Wiccan on Twitter or Join Me On Facebook!
Although Owen-Phelps briefly touches on Judaism and Islam, there's no mention at all made of any other religious groups. It would have been a nice contrast if she had taken the time to interview people from non-mainstream religions, because for many of us, our body may be a temple, but it's also an art gallery. Go to any Pagan event, and you'll see a lot of tattoos, not so much because tattoos are part of our spirituality, but because we believe everyone is free to make their own choices.
By the way, if you want to see some of the tattoo art that our readers have submitted, be sure to check out the recently updated Pagan Tattoo Gallery.
Follow Pagan/Wiccan on Twitter or Join Me On Facebook!
Comments
Why Does Judaism Forbid Tattoos?
By Baruch S. Davidson
The source of this prohibition is Leviticus 19:28: “You shall not etch a tattoo on yourselves.” This prohibition applies to all tattoos besides those made for medical purposes such as to guide a surgeon making an incision.
Although some of the commentaries1 seems to believe that this is one of the Torah’s chukim–the commandments whose rationales transcend the ken of human intellect–other commentators do offer several explanations for this prohibition:
1) The human body is G‑d’s creation, and it is therefore unbefitting to mutilate G‑d’s handiwork. It is especially unbefitting for members of G‑d’s chosen nation to mutilate their bodies. One must believe that G‑d, the greatest artisan of all, formed him or her in the most fitting way, and one must not change this form. Changing one’s body (unless it is for the health reasons) is tantamount to insulting G‑d’s handiwork.
2) In ancient times it was customary for idol worshippers to tattoo themselves as a sign of commitment to their deity—much like an animal that is branded by its owner. On many occasions the Torah forbids practices that emulate pagan customs—considering that following their traditions is the first step towards ascribing to their idolatrous beliefs and services.
3) The covenant of circumcision is unique in its being a sign in our bodies of our relationship with G‑d. Making other signs in one’s body would weaken and cheapen this special sign.
and
Recently there has been an upsurge in the popularity of tattoos. Some people like tattoos. Others find them utterly repulsive. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
If you are a Jew, and are considering getting tattooed, stop!
Our Torah expressly prohibits tattoos: You shall not scrape your flesh for a (dead) soul, and tattoos do not put upon you, I am the L-rd (Leviticus 19:28).
This prohibition applies equally to men and women.
Why are tattoos forbidden?
There are those who say that this is a divine decree whose reason is unknown to us (Rashi on Tractate Makoth 21A). Maimonides writes that “…this was the custom of the gentiles that they inscribe themselves for idol worship that is to say that he is a slave sold and enlisted for its worship…”(Laws of Idol Worship 12:11).
Tattoos: An Abomination
Our sages looked upon tattoos as an abomination, as can be seen from the following Midrash (Tanchuma Lech Lecha 20): “…Yehoyakim stretched his foreskin as it is said (II Chronicles 36:8) And the rest of Yehoyakim’s matters and his abominations that he did and that was found upon him…. What was found upon him? That he stretched his foreskin. And there are those that say that he tattooed himself.”
Fashions Change
Now tattoos are “in”. However, fashions do change and your fashionable tattoo will one day be very “out”. When your shoes go out of style you just buy a new pair. Getting rid of a tattoo is not so easy.
People Change
Now you want a tattoo. In a few more years you may not want one. Your tattoo may cause you embarrassment or discomfort in the future.
Tattoos May Be Hazardous To Your Health
According to the AST Sports Science web site, recent research indicates that tattoos may damage muscle tissue. Tattoos can also interfere with MRI Scans. Finally, read what The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has to say about tattoos.
Tattoos May Be Addictive
It’s Just Not Jewish
The rank and file Jew, even those who were not devout in other matters, also considered tattoos as taboo. Just like Jews kept the positive precept of Brith Milah happily and sometimes with great sacrifice, so they kept the negative precept of “and tattoos do not put upon you.”
I believe that tattoos contain power. When getting a tattoo you are building energy. First you choose a tattoo. That builds power with the energy you use to decide what the tattoo should represent. Then while getting the tattoo you build energy with each needle point. The pain helps to focus the energy into the tattoo. Yes you need to pick a tattoo that you will never be ashamed of or dislike. And if you wish you can have it put where it can be covered up.
I have a tattoo of a butterfly on my back. It is my spirit guide and my protector. I always was nervous if I was not wearing a butterfly and now I never am without one. I focus on that feeling when I feel I need my guide. My guide always has my back, lol. I get nothing but compliments when someone sees my tattoo.
And no I am not a young person doing this to flaunt authority! I am almost 50 and spent years considering this and designing the tattoo.
I think that to engrave it in your skin, it has to have a deep, lifetime meaning. Then it is art and it is magic. If not, it’s just plain silly. Tatoos are an agression to our bodies, so it should be worth it.