Body Modification A Scriptural Study Tattoos and piercing are ancient arts classified as “Body Modification”. For hundreds of years, individuals have marked or pierced their bodies for various reasons. These include, but are not limited to: • «Social Caste Systems: various piercing and markings signified ones status in society, like royalty, commoners, etc. • Spy Codes: spies used tattoos and markings to convey secret messages • Fashion: Markings and piercing represent fashion statements and self-expression for some individuals • Slavery: piercing and marking have long been used to identify slaves and chattel**. As Christians, let’s consider Body Modification from a Biblical perspective. The Nation of Israel (Hebrews, Jews, Semites) were people particularly chosen by God. The Old Testament shows a constant pattern of God delivering generations of Israelites from bondage and slavery. the periods of slavery were brought on by Israel’s persistence disobedience to God’s law and leadership. God expected Israel to be exclusively identified with Him and be separate from others, We, as New Testament believers in the Risen Christ, though saved by the grace of God, are expected to obey God’s commands, seek to glorify Him as Israel should have, be identified with Him and be separated from “the world”. Let’s see if we can look at scriptures (in context) and come up with an idea about God’s feelings about Body Modification. First, note that Israelites practiced slavery. Read Exodus 21:6. The practice of piercing denoted lifetime enslavement or “human ownsership”. Body marking and piercing was part of PAGANISM. Paganism can be described as practice of polytheistic religion or worship of multiple gods. These gods are called IDOLS and the worship is called IDOLATRY. The word “pagan” was often used synonymously with “gentiles”, “nations” and “heathen”. Christians are MONOTHEISTIC and believe in one true, living God. Like Israelites, we should seek to separate ourselves from a pagan society and it’s symbols and practices. That’s why calls to separate themselves from idolatry included commands to clean their bodies and clothing. Read Genesis 35:2. God commanded His people NOT to cut and mark themselves. Read Leviticus 19:28. This was a pagan practice to find favor with idol gods. Read Deuteronomy 14:1.
So, based on just this scriptural history, how do you imagine God feels about Body Modification? Earlier, we touched on only four reasons for tattooing and piercing. In America today, why do people do it? 1. Expression: “My tattoos represent something in which I believe.” 2. Fashion: “Piercing and tattoos are a ‘fashion statement’, like an article of clothing, a piece of jewelry or accessory.” This presents a problem. 1. What if my beliefs change? 2. Body mods aren’t as easily removed as clothes, jewelry and accessories. Notice how The Apostle Paul uses the phrase “put off”. Read Ephesians 4:22, Colossians 3:8-9. He is talking about changes, after your conversion. The Greek word is “apotithemi”, which roughly translates to “lay aside”. Things like a scarf, necklace, ring, bracelet, jacket, hat, etc. are easily taken off and “laid aside”. But how easy (and pain free) is it to remove a tattoo? When you remove a piece of metal from a piercing, what happens to the hole? Some Christians get tattoos of scriptures, religious symbols (crucifixes, crosses, fish, images of Christ, etc.). Some to which I have spoken, mention these reasons: 1. “It’s my way of honoring my Lord.” 2. “It’s a reminder of what He’s done for me.” 3. “It’s to show people what I believe.” These are all noble thoughts. But, where in scripture can we find God telling us to modify our bodies (which actually belong to Him—Read 1 Corinthians 6:19) for His sake? Might the real reason for tattoos and piercing be “Because my friends, rappers and athletes I like are doing it?” If so, consider Romans 12:1-2. Do you believe that like King David, you are “fearfully and wonderfully made”? Read Psalm 139:14. If so, do you think you can improve upon God’s design with Body Modification?