I would like to ask about tattoos. Leviticus 19:28 seems to argue against them. I realize this passage is in the context of Old Testament law, to which we are not accountable. Are tattoos a matter of right and wrong? What does the Bible say about it? -- Rick (Atlanta)
Tattoos, which are associated with idolatry, were apparently common among Canaanites and other peoples. It was for religious reasons, therefore, that the Jews were forbidden to put marks on their bodies. As tattoos these days (usually) have no religious significance, I can see no reason to disallow them, at least on biblical grounds. You are right, The New Testament says nothing about them, and so we must consider this an area of freedom. (Don't be too quick, though, to run out and get yourself tattooed! There may be a number of practical reasons for which this would not be wise.)
I have told my children: "Once you are living on your own (outside our home), you may do as you wish. This is not a biblical issue, but a personal one. But remember that after five or ten years, when you want to have the tattoo removed--and eventually I imagine you will feel this way--it's going to hurt!"
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