I have large area tattooed but would not get any more after I encounter Jesus just my personal preference probably because it’s a reminder of my rebel days and associate them with that era. I would not mind meeting someone who has some tattoos. But yes this topic also has crossed my mind as people usually get shocked when they see I have them as I don’t usually have them visible. Good topic and discussion 🙏
I appreciate you bringing this up! This is a great discussion to have. (I’m with you, I have tattoos and want more, as well as plan to start a tattoo apprenticeship in the near future.) It is important to have a solid grasp on our opinions on this and be able to back it up with scripture. Thanks! 🫶🏼
Our bodies are interconnected with our souls and our spirits. If you cut one you cut them all. As someone who has witnessed and practiced deliverance, when I engage with someone who is obviously tattooed I am more interested in the why than the what. So I will ask questions about its meaning to the person and what lead them into getting it. Then as the Holy Spirit leads, minister accordingly.
I don’t have a problem with tattoos. I allay ask the stories behind them because every tattoo has a meaning
I haven't ever gotten a tattoo I have thought about it. Truth is really the only mentioned in the Bible against tattoos is for the Levites and the fact that generally tattoos were a symbol of slavery. But I consider my body a canvas if not a pot of clay that God has molded and continues to mold has the Potter Artist. As well as being a temple for Him to dwell within, I ought not try to decorate it with something that may not be pleasing to the Lord. I don't judge others who have tattoos.
Personally I don't mind if a date has a tattoo or not. If a woman I'm dating has one, I care about what it is & it's meaning (or purpose). Because that determines whether it honors God or not.
Firstly, you have a beautiful tattoo. I don't have any myself, and have considered it many of times, but God's personal conviction with me was to not get any. However that doesn't deter me from connecting/dating (already have!) someone that does. I do consider the heart behind their tattoos and their place in their spiritual walk. My last ex had a tattoo of a woman and it sparked so much curiosity (it was done quite nicely) and I inquired, but he "didn't know, just cus".
Really enjoying reading the variety of responses here. Always interesting to hear how different people have different convictions. Hope others here with tattoos aren’t finding this discouraging. We should be open to discussing things and seeking to understand each other without judgement. I can’t imagine Jesus condemning anyone with tattoos after all, can you?
The man God has instore for you won't bat an eyelid over your tattoos. He'll see you first, and anything he may consider flaws won't be visable or seem to matter anymore. Plus, your incredible smile will help win them over, too, so I really wouldn't worry too much about your body art 🤗
@Lauren Without even going into the topic… Just for posting this and encouraging a discussion I think you deserve a medal 🥇
If gotten before salvation, no big deal, but afterwards.... I would really have doubts personally.
@Beulah you are right.
Not here to judge anyone. Since it is posted of the old testament on this topic. Here is the new testament. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20:"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. Jesus freed us from sin and bondage. I also wanted to put it until someone showed me their tattoos and he was a navy sailor in his 70, he reminded me why not to 🥴😂
@Edwina I also agree with this it’s not a judgment towards her comment , but since it was asked and His word doesn’t go back empty we are to honor Him with our body it’s His temple . Mind you the tattoos might have been done before repentance, but after it is expected for us to have a transformation, that’s whether it is with tattoos or everything else that we do and I say this with the love of God.
@Edwina and if u read the verse before He is talking about sexual immorality not tattoos
It’s okay, Tatoos are Art, Not a negative thing. God bless you.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31 ❤️
One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Romans 14:6 & Matthew 15:17-19 “Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person's mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. ❤️🔥🙏
Honestly we need to talk about this more, thanks for asking. Tattoos are freaking awesome (ideally actual artwork that expresses something). You chose your tattoos for a reason, celebrate them, be bold, and if a guy doesn’t want a second date because of a tattoo then he isn’t the one for you. Find a guy who will cherish you and how you express yourself. So… yes Christians can have tatts. And… no, not a deal breaker… but a I’d have to think twice about Post Malone tatts.
Deal breaker for me usually. Too long to fully go into here, but tattoos come from pagan worship. One friend quoted Rev 19:16, stating Jesus has a tattoo. This isn't a tattoo, as ancient warriors had a marking on usually the scabbard, etc. If you think back to tattoos it's always been about rebellion or worship of an idol. Even just thinking back 20 years, it was mostly rockers etc getting them to show how rebellious or free they are. It's a worldly expression.
@Ask I see and respect your perspective. I have made the same observations. You said ‘usually’…so not always. So you would make an exception? If so, why would you?
We have to look at everything with the love of Jesus. There is several reasons, she may have got it before being saved, she may have made a mistake and regret it. I have a friend who does,but cannot afford to have hers removed. Could have come from a culture that it was a custom. Can it be covered up at church? Of course too what is the tattoo? A lot get addicted to them. I have fallen short plenty after being saved. It depends on a lot like these things. Arm leg sleeves etc usually instant skip
@Ask curious to know when it might not be a deal breaker. Wonder how you can conclude that something is a sign of rebellion without looking at the individual’s heart and intentions? Is worldly expression wrong if it doesn’t hurt anyone? Where does grace come into it? Just interested in your thoughts.
@Lauren These are great questions! Let me see if I can answer 'some' without flooding your post. First, I love you as my sister in Jesus Christ with or without tattoos. We know the heart is deceptive and evil and so the only one that knows your heart and true intentions behind it is God. That would depend on what type of worldly expression.(Such a big subject for a tiny box.) Our worldly expression should show we are ambassadors for Christ; not of this world.
Our temple is one of our consistent expressions to this world that we are not part of it. If say we are called to be missionaries one day, would this help reach people for Christ?Hurting someone is where the issue is on tattoos, because it can cause division. I'd go with Romans 14 about that. I lean towards Mike Wingers take on it
I want to go into ministry one day, and I feel this would distract from the gospel for me. One of my biggest worries also is about younger ones in Christ getting the wrong ideas from seeing them on me or my wife. Them being able to be covered up matters a lot in what I am seeking to live my life for God. There's more but not enough room in these boxes. I hope that covered some. Feel free to message me as a brother anytime.
@Ask great explanation btw :) and I agree .
@Cindy Thank you. I have to follow what I am convicted on in following Jesus Christ in everything; it is for God's glory and not mine.
I have 4, I would have more if they were a little cheaper. I have been Lev 19:28ed many times 🤣
@Paul I hope all those people have untrimmed beards too then 🤣
I have 25 tattoos. I have had it be a deal breaker for some (who started talking to me knowing that I have them). The usual line is "your body is a temlpe" and I respond with "take me to a church that doesn't have artwork". With that being said, I think content, location and heart behind the art is important. Satanic or pagan tattoos on a man are an immediate no for me. I also live by, "If my tattoos aren't for them then they're not for me." I don't plan on stopping getting them any time soon.
@Caitlyn going to start using that line about a church without artwork- love it!
@Caitlyn I think the point some people are trying to make is not that is not that people with tattoos don’t belong in church. Is that continuing to get tattoos is not the way to go because that’s not what God wants. Your body is in fact the temple of God and it is in scripture.
FYI, it doesn’t mean I love a person less as we can see. This is a question that is being answered by many.
I have tattoos and piercings. I’ve always loved them and I’ve had them all since being a Christian (real sinner) for me it’s personal choice! If someone doesn’t like them that’s also fine. If it’s a deal breaker then I’d be glad to end the relationship, should be more to it than ink and metal!
@Charlotte yes!!!!
Nothing wrong with having tattoos and being a Christian. I like them, they’re cool. 
@Tim 👍🏼
I believe the man of God will love you for who you are and the tatoos won't be an issue. God has a beautiful plan for your life 🙏 😉 Don't worry about it.
Shouldn’t be a deal breaker, the right person should respect and accept you for you. They aren’t dating your tattoos after all
Slight tangent but I just had a glance at your profile and it’s so fun! You are also really gorgeous. Have you thought about mentioning your tatts on your profile to weed out anyone for whom it might be a “second date dealbreaker” without having to get to that point? All the best, you seem like a wonderful person! 🙏💖
@Alice I thought along the same lines at first, but actually I reckon Lauren shouldn’t change her profile. Reel them in, let them see your Christian character, who you are as a person. Then some guys who might otherwise have swiped past would think twice, and only the staunch anti-tat crew would still bail. 🤔 That and we can see Lauren has a tattoo on her profile anyway.
Hey Lauren! I also love Jesus and have a couple of tattoos :) mine also are very related to my faith, and I’ve actually been able to use them on various occasions to share parts of my testimony with people who aren’t following Jesus. I think yours are lovely, and I’m sure whoever you end up with will see the beauty in them and the heart behind it ❤️
As with all things - it depends - the tattoos contents, placement, volume and reason for getting it. Some men like them, some men REALLY love them and some don’t like them at all - the same I envisage is true to a greater or lesser degree with roles reversed.
People make idols out of anything, it's the nature of man. I would ask why Christians continue to get tattoos after becoming a believer? I've never heard a good response. The only one that would make sense is that the person likes them. Yes I think tattoos are almost a deal breaker. God made beautiful temples, and here we come along and think we can improve God's design with ink over it.
Well….. im covered and I got most of mine before I gave my life to Christ and the two I’ve got since is all faith based and personally I see nothing wrong with them. God looks at your heart not your appearance
I've got various ink myself and I've even got a cross of nails on my chest. Having tattoos doesn't make me a lesser Christian
Not a deal-breaker, but I’d suggest tattoos don’t necessarily go along with the spirit of modest adornment that the Bible speaks of in 1 Peter 3:3-4 or 1 Timothy 2:9 You don’t make a point of showing them on your profile, which is the right approach since: A) a profile is ideally meant to show who you are at a glance B) if you made a point about showing your tattoos, that would convey they’re a significant part of who you are… which they shouldn’t be imo C) that smile is alluring enough imho
Leviticus tells us not to add anything to our bodies and a big turn off for me but hey we all do things wrong and if u and them before u we’re a Christian! Then we should b praising the Lord u are saved not inked!!!
@Janice All tattoos I have were a conscious choice after being saved so I’m posting this as a Christian who has chosen to be a tattooed Christian. Also reference the text in my post, I don’t think you can accept the instruction of Leviticus 19:28 if you are going to ignore Leviticus 19:27, and I’ve not knowingly met a Christian who didn’t believe it was okay to cut their hair/ beard. I thankfully don’t live under the law, Jesus fulfilled it.
@Lauren Word 🙌
@Kati love that spelling of your name, so much I named my daughter Kati. 18 years old and still can't find a pen or mug with the right spelling 🤣
@Paul thanks! It’s Finnish, so you might find something in a Finnish shop maybe.. 😊
@Kati she'll want me to send her to Finland now 🤣
@Paul Do it! Beautiful, peaceful country & genuine folk.
@Kati if I ever sell my flat and move I'll go myself. Iceland is one possible destination, but Finland could sway me. I'd like to travel a bit for photography but with times being tough and 3 young adults it's difficult
Not a deal breaker unless obsessed with tatoos , but personally my thought is someone shouldn’t cover his/her whole body with tattoos, as gods creation is beautiful , it shouldn’t be hidden fully , minimal is best
Not a deal breaker if they've moved beyond it. But if they are still a source of vanity or pride that is a red flag.
@Mathew interesting point. Do you think tattoos always have to be a source of vanity or pride? Can’t they just be art?
@Lauren not always, but the vast majority of people I meet are proud of/defensive of them. So many are trying to show off their tattoo but when I see them I'm usually thinking "yeah but your skin was prettier more intricate supernaturally designed artwork from God." But that doesn't really bother me so much as the "look at me, look what I've got" attitude that usually goes with it.
@Mathew great point Mathew which btw I’ve already discern some comments with the same defensive proud attitude which they are being told by scripture tattoos don’t please the Lord 🥹 yet it is being argued it’s art .
I dont think there is anything inherently immoral about tattoos but they are highly inprudent. So as Paul says things are allowable but not beneficial. It will not help you get a job, its amazing art but it will not age well as people age. Again this subjective so other men might not care but most I talk to in my circles just dont think its attractive. If you can hide it, its not a deal breaker for me. Other than that, it would be. Again, other men might think differently but its up to them.
@Julio interesting points and I agree they might not be considered beneficial. Does that mean they are highly imprudent though? I gave a lot of thought to my tattoo choices and did so in the full knowledge of impact of aging and job prospects.
@Lauren with respect when we make choices esp those that are permanent we need to make sure how they are going to affect us in the future. The fact of the matter is that not one of us know what job or who will be dating 5 years from now, those facts and others seems like answers the question itself.
Revelation 19:16
@Matt It has to be a fake tattoo 🙃😂
@Jude haha
Tattoos demonstrate vanity. Never speak to someone who has tattoos
@Brandon Just have to point out, but your response is definitely not a Christ-like answer. We should be speaking to all people, regardless of their background, mindset, vanity, and vices.
@Derek Most definitely 👍
Tattoos are more socially acceptable than they used to be. Same with different piercings. I think most people will have a level they are comfortable with. I have tattoos so I understand why someone would have them. I might not be willing to date someone with a face or a visible vulgar tattoo. But I’m ok with a sleeve.
No. For me tattoos have meaning behind them and can be beautiful. However I will say I do appreciate tasteful ones and placement...because some placement isn't always the best spots for them and I know we all don't make good choices in life either so I don't judge someone based off of looks rather their character. Tasteful because some tats just don't look good on certain woman...but that's because I'm a graphic designer so I'm bias haha.
Hi @Lauren . Seeing you asked, I personally do not see tattoos on a lady as a deal breaker. I don't have any myself, but that is simply my personal preference. From what I can see from your photo, your shoulder tattoo is very tasteful. Again, just my opinion. Bless you, Loz.
Definitely not a dealbreaker for me, in fact the right tattoos are amazing and only add to someone’s natural beauty. They aren’t my thing, that’s to say I don’t have any and don’t plan to get any, but I honestly don’t see why some Christians make such a big deal. You’re a very attractive lady and I love that shoulder tattoo in the pic for this post. Would definitely want to know the meaning behind your tattoos if the opportunity ever arose. God bless you for being you.
@Rob practically speaking, even if they are great designs are you sure it will be what you want decades from now... also the cultural context of tat design might mean something different years later.
