I was raised Christian and never once was the scripture in Leviticus used to caution against getting tattoos. Using an Old Testament passage as a proof text to regulate activities in the New Testament Christian Age requires caution. The Law of Moses, which no longer applies today, was nailed to the cross and is not the current standard.
It's worth noting that the same chapter that forbids marking one's body also includes instructions about animal sacrifices, leaving portions of crops unharvested, avoiding mixed seeds in fields, and wearing garments made of different fabrics. If we only enforce one of these restrictions, are we being fair? The context of Leviticus 19:27-28 is about avoiding heathen practices and things associated with idolatry, where "cutting the flesh" is mentioned. For example, in 1 Kings 18:28, the prophets of Baal cut themselves in an attempt to get a response from their god. Archeological evidence shows that some Canaanites tattooed themselves with names or symbols of their favorite gods. God is likely prohibiting idolatry, not the modern practice of tattoos, in His injunction against cutting the flesh. Please consider the entire context of the scriptures instead of drawing conclusions based on one verse.
The Bible of course is open to translation. As someone already pointed out here, it is NOT for individuals to judge, Only God is able to justly do this. And let’s be serious for a minute, tattoos are the least of our worries at this point.
I was raised Christian and never once was the scripture in Leviticus used to caution against getting tattoos. Using an Old Testament passage as a proof text to regulate activities in the New Testament Christian Age requires caution. The Law of Moses, which no longer applies today, was nailed to the cross and is not the current standard.
It's worth noting that the same chapter that forbids marking one's body also includes instructions about animal sacrifices, leaving portions of crops unharvested, avoiding mixed seeds in fields, and wearing garments made of different fabrics. If we only enforce one of these restrictions, are we being fair? The context of Leviticus 19:27-28 is about avoiding heathen practices and things associated with idolatry, where "cutting the flesh" is mentioned. For example, in 1 Kings 18:28, the prophets of Baal cut themselves in an attempt to get a response from their god. Archeological evidence shows that some Canaanites tattooed themselves with names or symbols of their favorite gods. God is likely prohibiting idolatry, not the modern practice of tattoos, in His injunction against cutting the flesh. Please consider the entire context of the scriptures instead of drawing conclusions based on one verse.
The Bible of course is open to translation. As someone already pointed out here, it is NOT for individuals to judge, Only God is able to justly do this. And let’s be serious for a minute, tattoos are the least of our worries at this point.