For many, the idea of a tattoo shop nestled in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City might seem paradoxical. Growing up in communities where tattoos were often frowned upon within Christian circles, the notion of faith and ink intertwining can be surprising. Yet, for 28 generations, the Razzouk family has been inking Christian pilgrims, marking their spiritual journeys with indelible symbols of faith. This rich history prompts a deeper question: can tattoos, especially a deeply personal “1 Of 1 Tattoo” that reflects individual belief, find acceptance within Christianity?
Many Christians have grappled with the biblical stance on tattoos, particularly Leviticus 19:28, which commands, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.” For some, this verse is definitive. However, as times evolve and personal expression takes new forms, including the rise of unique “1 of 1 tattoo” designs, it’s crucial to explore the complexities surrounding this issue. Are tattoos inherently contradictory to Christian faith, or is there room for interpretation and understanding in the modern context?
To navigate this complex issue, we need to consider several key aspects: the relevance of Old Testament law for Christians today, the original purpose of the Levitical prohibition against tattoos, and the contemporary meaning and communication conveyed by tattoos, especially those intended as a “1 of 1 tattoo” expression of personal faith.
The Old Testament Law: Still Relevant?
Christian perspectives on Old Testament law vary widely. Some believe all Old Testament laws are obsolete under the New Covenant, while others advocate for strict adherence to all. The majority of Christians find themselves in a nuanced middle ground, recognizing the enduring value of some laws while acknowledging that not all are directly applicable today. Discerning which laws still hold and how they apply is the crucial challenge.
Jesus himself, in Matthew 5:17-20, stated that he did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them. He emphasized the lasting nature of the Torah, declaring that “not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Torah until everything is accomplished.” This passage is often cited by those who emphasize the ongoing importance of Old Testament law.
However, the context is key. Many Old Testament laws, particularly those concerning the Temple, sacrifices, and ritual purity, are understood differently in light of Jesus’s sacrifice and the establishment of the Church. The Temple in Jerusalem, central to many Old Testament laws, was destroyed in 70 A.D. Jesus himself spoke of replacing the Temple with his own body (John 2:19-22), and the apostles described believers as being incorporated into a new spiritual temple (1 Peter 2:4-8, 2 Corinthians 6:16). This shift indicates a transformation in how we understand and apply laws related to temple purity and ritualistic practices. While the literal temple rituals may no longer be practiced, the underlying principles of holiness and honoring God remain.
Similarly, certain Old Testament laws served to differentiate the Israelites as God’s chosen people from other nations. Dietary laws (kosher) and practices like circumcision were markers of this covenant identity. The early church addressed this directly in Acts 15, deciding that Gentile converts to Christianity did not need to adopt Jewish customs like circumcision and kosher laws. The emphasis shifted to faith in Jesus Christ as the unifying factor, transcending cultural and ritualistic boundaries. This pivotal decision acknowledged that God’s covenant was expanding to include people of all nations, not just through adherence to specific ethnic or ritual laws, but through faith.
The book of 1 Peter 2:9-10 further reinforces this concept, applying covenant titles originally given to Israel at Sinai – “royal priesthood,” “holy nation,” “treasured possession” – to a diverse community of Jewish and Gentile Christians. This demonstrates that Christians are indeed part of God’s covenant, “grafted in” as Paul describes in Romans 9-11. Therefore, while we cannot simply disregard the Old Testament law, its application and interpretation must be understood through the lens of the New Covenant established by Jesus. This understanding is crucial when considering specific laws like the one against tattoos in Leviticus, and how it might relate to modern expressions of faith like a “1 of 1 tattoo”.
The laws of the Old Testament, including Leviticus 19:28, remain valuable for instruction, correction, and training in righteousness, as Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16. To delve deeper into the ongoing relevance of Old Testament law in a Christian context, Richard Averbeck’s book, The Old Testament Law for the Life of the Church, offers a comprehensive and insightful perspective.
The question remains: what was the original purpose of the specific prohibition against tattoos in Leviticus? Exploring this historical and cultural context is essential to understanding its relevance, or lack thereof, to contemporary Christians considering body art as a personal statement of faith, perhaps even through a meaningful “1 of 1 tattoo”. This exploration will be crucial in the continuing discussion.
