Some Christians have extreme views on this topic but there is a middle ground point of view that's worth considering.
Talking Points:
- The idea of tattoos wasn’t even a thing until the 1700’s so the translation from Leviticus isn’t talking about tattoos the way we view them today. Leviticus 19:28 KJV
- Context matters when we seek meaning to biblical texts. Moses wrote Leviticus not long after the Israelites were rescued from Egypt. He was instructing them to not live according to the pagan customs of the Egyptians.
- Think before you ink:
- Why do you want to get a tattoo? Check your motives.
- What message am I communicating with my tattoo?
- Am I enticing someone to lust with my tattoo?
- Will I want this tattoo many years from now?
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- How did your family train you to view the issue of tattoos?
- If you have a tattoo, what prompted you to get that first one?
- Read Leviticus 19:28. Why does context matter when reading the Bible? How have you seen people misuse scripture to justify a viewpoint?
- How has your tattoo or someone else’s been a conversation starter?
- In your opinion, what would be some tattoos that Christians shouldn’t have on their bodies?
- Read Mark 7:1-8,15. What is Jesus’ point in these verses? How does this apply to the issue of tattoos?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
