Is it alright for Christians to get tattoos and body piercing?

[Jon-Marc]

I don't like pain--no matter how minor. I won't poke holes in myself or let anyone else do it--except a doctor or nurse. I've seen some attractive small tattoos, but some people go to extremes. Too many tattoos or piercings (in my opinion) are NOT attractive but quite the opposite. However, to each their own. God doesn't (as far as I know) say "Thou shalt not have tattoos or any piercings done to thy body." If it isn't sin, we have no right judging those who do it. Having an opinion about it is another matter, though.

 

[liz]

1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

We need to be careful about self righteousness. Here's my example: Some years ago I attended a church where the women wore no makeup and wore their hair down to their shoulders; they also wore no jewelry. One day the pastor spoke about wearing earrings. I thought, "Could he have noticed my pierced ears and earrings?" In my culture and many cultures, babies and young children have their ears pierced. We think nothing of it. I felt like I should approach him and say, "I'll take off my earrings if you remove your toupee and gold watch." Of course, I didn't say anything, but just left the church shortly after.