The History and Divine Prohibition of Tattoos

Tattoos and bodily markings have been practiced by various cultures throughout history, but they are fundamentally contrary to the original design of the human body and are explicitly forbidden by divine law. 🌿

Historical and Cultural Practices

• In various parts of the world, such as South America and the South Sea Islands, individuals have historically engaged in elaborate tattooing and bodily distortionsARSH August 20, 1861, page 90.10+1.

• Natives in places like Samoa and New Zealand often covered their faces, limbs, and bodies with black stains or furrows, adding new marks every year until they were almost covered from head to footBEcho January 1, 1892, par. 11+2.

• These practices were often accompanied by other physical alterations, such as boring large holes in the ears, flattening the noses of infants, or piercing the nostrils and lips to insert bones or stonesARSH August 20, 1861, page 90.10+1.

• Travelers in the nineteenth century observed native nurses from India whose hands were completely tattooed11MR 69.5.

• In Egypt, low-bending field workers were observed with tattooed faces and painted blue lipsPROLI 58.3.

The Nature of the Practice

• The process of tattooing is often attended by excruciating pain, such as when an instrument with twenty teeth is used to produce black streaks that cause blood and serum to flow at every strokeARSH August 20, 1861, page 91.3.

• Such voluntary distortions and "filthy and abominable practices" are attributed to the perversion and degradation of the human mindARSH August 20, 1861, page 91.3.

• These harsh features and ferocious aspects are not part of the natural human frame but are the result of human choiceARSH August 20, 1861, page 91.3.

The Divine Prohibition and Original Design

• Divine law strictly prohibits the practice of printing marks upon the body or making cuttings in the fleshKJV — Leviticus 19:28.

• The Levitical law specifically forbids the use of tattooed faces and painted lips Leviticus 19:28PROLI 58.3.

• God designed the human body to be perfect and healthy, as it is a temple formed from the dust of the ground and given the breath of life Genesis 2:7HR May 1, 1873, par. 2.

• Every organ and function was intended to operate in perfect harmony as God designed in the beginning Genesis 1:31HR May 1, 1873, par. 2.

• It is considered sinful to impair or weaken any of the powers God has given us, as we are called to render our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to HimHR May 1, 1873, par. 2.

• The Lord's design for His people is to bring them back to His original purpose, which includes physical and spiritual purityCG 383.3.

Spiritual Implications

• The true "mark" or "seal" that God desires for His people is not a physical tattoo, but the writing of His Law into the heart by the Holy Spirit Hebrews 10:16BDOC 69.122.

• This sealing represents a work of sanctification and a clear development of Christian character in the lifeBDOC 69.122+1.

• In contrast, those who receive the "mark of the beast" do so by choosing to honor human authority and conventional wisdom over the commandments of God Revelation 14:9BDOC 69.122+1.

• We are encouraged to conform our tastes and habits to the great moral standard of righteousness, starting with a pure heartCE 50.2.