A History Of Tattoos And Religious Prohibitions On These Markings

By Hillary Perla


Through the history of tattoos these markings have been taboo in some religions, but are considered an acceptable practice in other beliefs. Several religions do not take a stand on the matter, but those which forbid tattoos as a type of expression or for any purpose at all do so because of the spiritual teachings of the religion. The bible, Jewish law, and Sharia law all especially have passages that talk about marking, defiling, or mutilating the body. Under Sharia law that Muslims follow all tattoos are forbidden because these markings alter the body and are considered a permanent mutilation.

The Catholic religion doesn't forbid tattoos as long as the tattoo received does not consist of anything that would be sacrilegious or considered in opposition of the teachings of the Catholic cathedral. In centuries past a lot of Catholic soldiers for god received tattoos and this was regarded a reason for praise because of the devotion to god that the tattoo signified.

The Jewish law has stayed the same through the history of tattoos. Most Jewish rabbis prohibit tattoos based on biblical lessons and Jewish law. These religious laws do make exclusions in some cases, such as when the person tattooed was compelled to go through this treatment solution and the tattoo is applied by someone else. Some less orthodox Jews may think about a tattoo acceptable in a few instances. According to Jewish law victims of the Holocaust who were intentionally tattooed were not responsible for the sin.

The Christian religious beliefs will take different views on tattoos, with a few sects allowing these markings and others prohibiting them. There are a number of biblical passages that can be used to show that getting tattoos is sinful but the exact meaning of these verses can vary from one religious leader to another. In hundreds of years past many Christian believers wore tattoos with pride, but at other times these markings can be regarded a cause for shame.

The region of the world will also play a role in regardless of whether tattoos are viewed acceptable. In India and certain other states tattoos have invariably been markings of beauty and spirituality within the beliefs practiced in the area.




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