There are many things that people wonder about Mormonism and one of these Questions is if Mormons can get tattoos.
I think this is a valid question since most religious groups tend to see their bodies creations or temples of God and have certain prejudice about people with tattoos.
This is what the official Mormon church website of the church has to say about tattoos
In teaching about how to care for our bodies, prophets have warned against tattooing or excessive piercing (see Leviticus 19:28; Gordon B. Hinckley, “Great Shall Be the Peace of Thy Children,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 52).
Tattooing and Body Piercing
So as you can read Mormons discourage people from getting tattoos and body piercings.
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What Did Gordon B. Hinckley say?
In case that you don’t know, Mormons believe in Prophets, Joseph Smith was the first prophet of what Mormons called the restoration of the Gospel of Christ.
After the murder of Joseph Smith, other faithful members of the church have been called to occupy the position as prophets of the church.
One of those men was Gordon B Hinckley, He said a few things concerning tattoos.
An Article published in the official Brigham Young university website says the following:
President Hinckley read the church’s official statement on tattoos and body piercings, which states that “the church discourages tattoos. It also discourages the piercing of the body for other than medical reasons.”
President Hinckley: Avoid tattoos and excessive body piercings
This is the video in which he encourages people not to get a tattoo
Famous Tattooed Mormon
This is probably the most famous testimony of a tattooed mormon ever.
Watch it, it will give you the right point of view on this matter
You can check her channel and explore more about what a tattooed mormon life is like.
I had a look at her Youtube Channel and it seems that she is an active member of the LDS church.
What happens if Mormon gets a Tattoo?
In the case that a person joins the church and he or she has a tattoo, there is not much that the church can do about it .
I was reading about some members of the church having or getting a tattoo and these are some of the best comments that I could get from a Reddit Thread.
I got my first tattoo at 18, no significant meaning. I went on to get married in the temple. I got my second tattoo a week ago, a blue balloon to remember the baby boy Ijust lost. The only thing i feel bad about is that this new tattoo didn’t turn out how i wanted but that can be fixed.
AberJean
My tattoo is a heart depicting Ezekiel 36:26. I had a deeply spiritual experience which is depicted in my tattoo I got the tattoo after joining, after my mission, my wife went with me to get the tattoo It’s helped me with my testimony as it’s placed over my heart and reminds me to take away this stony heart and replace it with one of flesh. I believe tattoos are deeply personal and tell a story. I plan on getting more
Jake_the_Mormon
I feel like tattoos are something that were originally frowned upon because of culture (like it was only rebellious teens or gang members who had them), and then it somehow morphed into almost-doctrine status.
I’m a life-long member. I don’t have any, but I would love a tattoo. Not sure if I’ll ever get one though, partly because I hate needles and partly because I think my mom would be horrified. Maybe one day if I find one that has significant meaning to me, not just because I think it looks cool.
User Deleted
I got my tattoo last October. It is my cat’s paw print. My brother has a matching one for his cat. I’m a lifelong member and I have been serving with the Young Women for five years. I love my tattoo and it was not a decision I made quickly or lightly. It has not affected my testimony or calling in any way and no one has commented on it yet (though I admit there could be conversations happening behind my back). I think a tattoo is a very personal thing and it is difficult to judge someone else’s decision to get one. There are plenty of tattoos that make other people happy that I would never consider for myself. I suppose we could check back in five years to see how I feel about my decision, but right now I’m happy with it.
doctor_spengler
Conclusion
Tattoos are generally frowned upon and discouraged, but they are not forbidden by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Mormons who get a tattoo are still members in good standing and can have callings and participate in ordinances as other members without tattoos would.
