The issue of whether a Christian should get a henna tattoo is one that does not have a definitive “yes” or “no” answer in the Bible. There are good arguments on both sides of this issue that Christians have debated for many years. This article will walk through the key considerations from a biblical perspective to help Christians think through this issue.
What is a henna tattoo?
First, it is important to clarify what exactly a henna tattoo is. Henna tattoos, also known as mehndi, are a form of temporary body art that originated in ancient cultures in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. The henna plant is dried, ground into a paste, and applied to the skin in intricate patterns and designs. As the paste dries and flakes off over time, it leaves behind a stain on the skin that resembles a tattoo. However, unlike permanent tattoos, henna tattoo designs fade away over the course of a few weeks as skin cells naturally exfoliate.
Henna has been used for centuries by women in many cultures for ceremonial purposes and rites of passage. The intricate designs are often applied for special events like weddings and religious festivals. In modern times, henna tattoos have become popular in the West as a fashion accessory. They allow people to decorate their bodies with elaborate designs without the permanence of a real tattoo. Henna parties have also become trendy events where groups of people get together to get temporary henna tattoos applied.
Biblical considerations around permanent tattoos
To understand the implications for Christians around henna tattoos, it is helpful to first consider what the Bible teaches about permanent tattoos. There are no direct verses in the Bible that explicitly prohibit getting a tattoo. However, there are some verses that reveal principles that can apply to the tattoo discussion:
- Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) – This implies we should be careful about what we do with our bodies and not intentionally defile or dishonor them.
- Our outward appearance should reflect modesty and humility (1 Timothy 2:9, 1 Peter 3:3-4) – Tattoos could be viewed by some as ostentatious and draw attention to oneself in a prideful way.
- Old Testament law prohibited cutting or marking one’s body (Leviticus 19:28) – This law was likely intended to distinguish God’s people from pagan rituals involving marking the body.
Based on these verses, some Christians believe getting a permanent tattoo would be sinful because it could dishonor your body, promote pride, or associate you with pagan rituals. However, others point out that just because something is not explicitly permitted does not mean it is forbidden. They argue believers have freedom in cultural issues not addressed in the Bible as long as they are done in moderation and with pure motives.
Applying biblical principles to henna tattoos
When it comes to the issue of henna tattoos, many of the concerns around permanent tattoos do not seem to directly apply given the temporary and culturally celebrated nature of henna body art. Here are some factors to consider:
- Henna does not permanently alter the body – It decorates the skin temporarily without doing any permanent damage or change to the body God created.
- Henna designs naturally fade over time – This prevents them from becoming a permanent statement of values or identity that could be prideful.
- Henna has cultural significance – Applying henna continues cultural traditions that date back centuries and have ceremonial meaning.
- Henna is considered fashionable adornment – Much like jewelry or makeup, henna offers a way to decorate oneself that is culturally admired as beautiful.
Considering these factors, many Christians do not see an issue with using henna tattoos in moderation. The Bible upholds celebrating cultures, beauty, artistry, and important ceremonies. However, other Christians still avoid henna tattoos to honor the principles against permanent tattoos or body markings.
Questions to ask about specific henna tattoo designs
Given the temporary nature of henna tattoos, most biblical considerations center around the specific design being applied rather than the act of getting a henna tattoo itself. Here are some questions Christians could ask themselves when considering a henna tattoo:
- Does the design honor God or align with biblical values?
- Is the design modest and tasteful or does it draw inappropriate attention?
- Does this particular design have any pagan, occult, or unbiblical meaning?
- Will this bring joy and celebration or vanity and division?
- Does my motive for getting this honor God and show Christ’s love?
Asking these kinds of questions can help believers evaluate if a specific henna tattoo design is wise and aligns with biblical principles. A design meant to honor marriage or celebrate a cultural tradition may be looked upon differently than one with a skull design, for example.
Differing views among Christians
Given the complexity of interpreting principles versus specific commands around body decoration, faithful Christians come to differing conclusions about the appropriateness of henna tattoos. Some avoid henna, feeling it could begin a slippery slope towards permanent tattoos or body markings. Others participate in henna ceremonies to honor cultural traditions in ways that don’t permanently modify the body. Still others avoid any unecessary debate and focus on more clear aspects of biblical living.
Romans 14 speaks to these kinds of disputable matters, advising that each person should be fully convinced in their own mind. The chapter urges acceptance between believers with different views on issues like these. Christians seeking wisdom around henna tattoos should study biblical principles and listen to perspectives on every side while being led by the Spirit in applying God’s Word.
Alternative perspectives to consider
When making a decision about henna tattoos, Christians may want to consider these alternative perspectives:
- Focus on inner transformation over outward appearance – The New Testament emphasizes spiritual growth in Christ over debates about external appearance and activities (1 Peter 3:3-4, Romans 14:17).
- Be sensitive to weaker brothers – Some fellow believers may be offended or confused by henna tattoos, so getting one could violate principles of causing a weaker brother to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:9-13).
- Act based on personal conviction – Each believer must follow their conscience on debatable matters, so someone may feel peace getting a henna while another may feel conviction to avoid it (Romans 14:5).
- Glorify God in all things – Even activities like getting henna tattoos can glorify God when done with care for biblical principles and eagerness to honor Christ (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Thinking through perspectives like these can provide balance and wisdom for Christians seeking to make God-honoring decisions about henna tattoos.
Questions to further consider
To come to a well-reasoned conclusion about henna tattoos, Christians should reflect on questions like:
- Do I have freedom in Christ to participate in this, or would it violate my conscience?
- Am I making this decision based on my own cultural preferences and desires or on biblical priorities?
- Do I have a clear understanding of what Scripture prohibits and permits regarding practices like this?
- Have I sought wisdom from mature believers who know me well and can provide biblical guidance?
- Am I acting with sensitivity to brothers and sisters from other cultures or convictions on this issue?
- Is my conscience completely clear and assured that this decision honors the Lord?
Asking questions like these, along with prayerful study of God’s Word, can clarify if getting a henna tattoo is a decision that shows love, cultural appreciation, wisdom, and honor to Christ.
Guidance for parents of Christian children
Christian parents making decisions about allowing their children to get henna tattoos should consider factors like:
- The child’s level of maturity and whether they can understand the cultural significance versus “just wanting a tattoo.”
- Whether the design is appropriate and tasteful for a child.
- What other children or families at their church or school might think if they saw the child’s henna tattoo.
- Whether the child is getting a henna tattoo purely out of peer pressure or fashion trends.
- At what age/stage would it be appropriate to allow the child to celebrate a tradition like this if it holds meaning in your family background.
Parents have an opportunity to teach biblical perspectives on cultural traditions, wise decision-making, and honoring God with our bodies when navigating their children’s interest in henna tattoos. With open discussion of biblical principles, parents can guide their children toward God-honoring decisions now and in the future.
Conclusion
There are good arguments on both sides of whether Christians should get henna tattoos or allow their children to get them. Seeking biblical wisdom allows believers to thoughtfully reflect on issues like cultural celebration, respect for traditions, proper motives, sensitivity to others, the potential for offense, and most importantly, bringing glory to Christ in all things. Christians aiming to please the Lord may reach different conclusions as they strive to apply biblical principles about appearance and the use of their bodies. This is an issue where discussion, grace, sensitivity to culture, consideration of conscience, and submission to the guidance of the Holy Spirit are especially important as believers make God-honoring decisions for themselves and their families.