Posted: Tattoo Removal
Tattoos in our western culture have grown over recent times to where it is estimated that over 40 million Americans now have tattoos and that number is growing daily. It has also been estimated that over 50 percent of those receiving tattoos have had thoughts of tattoo removal for many different reasons. Even today tattoo removal is more difficult and can be more painful than originally getting a tattoo. Some have sought tattoo removal for religious reasons.
Religion and tattoos have had their differences over the years. Today it is certainly not uncommon to see individuals in churches throughout the world wearing a tattoo. What are the positions of the major religious organizations today?
Jewish Positions on Tattoos
Orthodox Jews, in strict application of Halakha (Jewish law) believe Leviticus 19:28 “You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead not make any tattoo marks on yourselves: for I am the Lord.” Part of that interpretation of the reading of Leviticus is to apply it only to the specific ancient practice of rubbing the ashes of the dead into the wounds; but modern tattooing is included in other religious interpretations.
Having a tattoo, in most sectors of the religious Jewish community, does not prohibit participation and even with a tattoo, full participation in all synagogue rituals is allowed. One may also be buried in a Jewish cemetery with a tattoo.
In stricter sectors of the Jewish community, however, a narrow application of the Halakha can be applied and someone with a tattoo can be forbidden from being buried in Jewish cemetery. Many communities, most notably the Modern Orthodix, accept laser tattoo removal as repentance, even when removed post-mortem.
Reform and Reconstructionist Jews neither condemn nor condone tattooing.
Christian Positions on Tattoos
Christians often have cited Leviticus 19:28 as a verse that prohibits tattoos. The New American Standard Version of the Bible states, “You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the Lord.” To many it may appear that the passage disallows any markings of the flesh, to include modern-day tattoos. However, it is likely the passage refers specifically to the form of mourning that was common in the Middle East at that time.
Muslim Positions on Tattoo
The majority of Sunni Muslims adhere to the belief that tattooing is religiously forbidden (along with most other forms of permanent physical modification). They base this belief on Sharia (or Islamic) Law and the view arises from references in the Prophetic Hadith which denounce those who attempt to change the creation of God (Allah) in what is seen as excessive attempts to beautify that which was already perfected. The human being is seen as having been ennobled by God (Allah), the human form viewed as created beautiful and the act of tattoo would be a form of self-mutilation.
Tattoo Removal
If you are considering tattoo removal there are several methods available today from surgery, laser tattoo removal, tattoo removal cream and a simple tattoo cover up. Tattoo removal costs varies tremendously between the alternatives as does the effectiveness of each method.