In recent years, many young Christians have chosen to show their devotion to God in a more visible and permanent way. Whether it’s a Chi Ro on your wrist, the Jerusalem cross on your pecks, a Marian monogram on your ankle, or Our Lady of Guadalupe across your entire back in full color – Christian tattoos are all the rage. 

While spontaneity is one of the beautiful aspects of life, here are six things to think about before you put a needle in your skin and get that permanent Marian tattoo.

1. Morality

First things first: is it immoral to get a tattoo? In Leviticus 19:28, we read: “‘Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.” 

In the Bible, marking yourself with the tattoo would signify a tribal identity – an identity or a consecration other than that which belongs to God. In our modern times, with the added understanding and dictates of the New Testament, we know that marking our skin is not immoral in itself. But that doesn’t mean we should mark ourselves frivolously. The biggest question is: what are you saying when you permanently mark your body? 

The clothes you wear, the way you style your hair, and the tattoos you get all say something about who you are as a person – how you “identify.” What message are you trying to send? Your body in and of itself has a great dignity; do not mark it for no reason.

2. Permanence

Perhaps the most important thing to consider when getting a tattoo is just how long it will be on your body: forever. 

Even tattoos advertised as temporary can sometimes linger for a long time. This tattoo will grow as you gain weight, shrink as you lose weight, and wrinkle as you age. The lines will not remain crisp and will blur slightly. As human beings, we are constantly changing and growing. Something that was significant to you at 18 may not be representative of you at 52. While a religious tattoo is  (hopefully!) more likely to remain meaningful as you grow, your faith life will develop and change over time. 

If you do decide to tattoo, be sure to pick a timeless design with a message you will always want to send.

3. Cost

Getting a tattoo is a commitment, for your wallet no less than your skin. A small tattoo, if it is well done, can cost at least $50 and sometimes up to $250. While spending that much money on a tattoo smaller than a quarter seems egregious, you are often paying not only for the art but also for the experience and professionalism of the artist. Large tattoos can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000 dollars. 

It’s not just the initial cost. Caring for your tattoo over the years will also cost money. Most tattoos need touch-ups as they blur or fade. Each touch-up can cost at least $50. Ask yourself: is it prudent to spend that much money on a tattoo? Can that money be better spent in a different way?

4. Subject matter

Let’s say you’ve decided you want to go through with a tattoo.

Now you must decide what design you want. If you are a Christian, there are a variety of options available, such as a Jerusalem cross, a chi rao, a tao, or a crucifix. Catholics might even opt for a Marian image. There is also a wide variety of more secular symbols. 

Whatever you choose, make sure it is something you will want on your body for the rest of your life. A tattoo that is lewd or demonic will communicate something to people about who you are as a person; they may ask you about it, or make a judgment about you. Always be ready to give a reason for your ink – and make sure it’s a good one.

5. Choice of artist

Whatever you end up choosing for your tattoo, be sure that your tattoo artist has the skills to complete it. Look at reviews, peruse photos on the website, and research multiple artists and parlors. 

Larger, realistic images will require more skill. So too will smaller line-work tattoos – drawing in a straight line on a curved surface can be challenging! Some artists have specialties, like flowers or traditional-looking tattoos. It may be wise to find an artist whose work reflects your vision. Ensure the artist knows why you are getting this tattoo. Some artists offer consultations, others will personally design your tattoo. Open collaboration and communication with your artist will ensure the best quality for your tattoo.

6. Placement

Finally, it is important to decide on placement for three reasons: pain, visibility, and moral implications. You may think that getting a tattoo on your ribs would be subtle and beautiful, but it is also incredibly painful. Areas where the bones are pressing up against the skin or where there is a large concentration of nerves can be painful to tattoo. 

How visible do you want your tattoo to be? Is the area you are choosing vulnerable to weight fluctuation? Is your job comfortable with visible tattoos? Will you want your tattoo visible on your wedding day? Is the message of the tattoo public or private? Finally, will the placement of your tattoo draw attention to those areas of your body that are most sacred and should remain covered? Is your tattoo modest?

Still questioning the morality of the whole project?

Watch this video by Father Mike Schmidt on the morality of tattoos!