Can Mormons Get Tattoos?

Isn’t it a blessing to seek understanding and draw closer to one another? Today, we’re going to explore a question that many wonderful people, including our dear Christian brothers and sisters, have on their hearts: Can members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day a faith community many know as the Mormon get tattoos? We want to walk through this together, sharing clear, uplifting, and respectful information. We’ll look at the Church’s loving guidance, the beautiful scriptures that light their path, the interesting ways culture can play a role, and the personal feelings of its members. You see, when we understand this aspect of Latter-day Saint life, it’s like opening a window to a brighter view of their deep beliefs about these amazing bodies God gave us, how He continues to speak to His children, and what it means to walk in faith each day.

What is the Official Stance of the Mormon Church on Tattoos?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day with a spirit of love and care, encourages its members to choose not to get tattoos. This isn’t just a casual suggestion, friends; it’s guidance that comes from the Church’s most respected leaders, and it’s rooted in some truly beautiful beliefs about these incredible bodies we live in.

Core Teaching: A Loving Invitation to Refrain

Church leaders, full of wisdom, advise members to keep their bodies free from tattoos.¹ This is shared as “counsel,” which is like strong, heartfelt advice that members are invited to think about and pray about. Official Church resources put it this way: “Mormons, more properly referred to as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are counseled by Church leaders not to tattoo their bodies”.¹ This loving counsel has been shared by many Church leaders over the years, like a steady, guiding light.

Reasoning: Your Body, A Magnificent Temple!

Why this counsel? It’s because of a powerful, uplifting belief: your physical body is a sacred temple, a divine gift from our Heavenly Father, created to be the home for your eternal spirit.¹ President Russell M. Nelson, the Church’s current president, has shared this beautiful truth: “Your body is your personal temple, created to house your eternal spirit. Your care of that temple is important”.¹ Imagine that! A former Church President, Gordon B. Hinckley, once described a tattoo as “graffiti on the temple of the body”.³ That’s a strong picture, isn’t it? It helps us see how tattoos might be viewed as something that doesn’t honor the sacredness of this gift. This idea of your body being a temple is so important in the Latter-day Saint faith; it reminds them how precious these bodies are and why they should be treated with such respect.

Guidance from Leaders Who Care

The First Presidency, which is the highest leadership group in the along with the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who are also key leaders, have lovingly shared their thoughts on this. They “discourage tattoos and also ‘the piercing of the body for other than medical purposes’,” but they make a little exception for “the minimal piercing of the ears by women for one pair of earrings”.³ For members of the when these leaders give counsel, it’s a big deal. They see it as guidance inspired by God, meant to help them live happier, more blessed lives.

It’s interesting to see how this guidance is shared. They use words like “counseled” 1 and “discourage”.³ Some members and those who study the Church notice that this is a bit different from a strict “commandment,” like the Ten Commandments.⁵ One member explained it by saying that while Church leaders have advised against tattoos, “such counsel was only that: counsel. Members are still free to do whatever they want,” but they also suggest that people might look back one day and wish they’d made a different choice.⁵ This helps us understand why getting a tattoo doesn’t usually lead to formal Church discipline. It’s more about a personal choice to follow inspired guidance and think about the spiritual blessings that come from that.

Why Does the Mormon Church Advise Against Tattoos? What Are the Main Reasons?

The loving advice from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to avoid tattoos comes from a place of deep respect for God, for these amazing bodies He’s given us, and for the guidance of His chosen leaders. It’s all connected, friends!

Reiteration: Your Body is a Sacred Temple of God – A Precious Gift!

The biggest reason, the one you’ll hear most often, is that powerful teaching: your body is a sacred temple of God. This beautiful idea comes right from the New Testament, especially from 1 Corinthians 6:19−20, which asks, “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”.¹ Latter-day Saints believe these bodies are magnificent creations, so important for our journey and growth.¹ So, putting permanent tattoos on them is seen as something that doesn’t quite fit with how sacred they are. Like President Hinckley’s idea of “graffiti on the temple of the body,” some leaders see tattoos as something that could mar this holy place.⁶

That “graffiti” idea is pretty powerful, isn’t it? It’s simple, and most of us think of graffiti as something that damages property. When you apply that to your body, which they see as a holy “temple,” it creates a strong image of disrespect. This has probably been a very clear way to share the Church’s feelings, especially with young people. But, times change, and how people see tattoos is changing too. Some members are starting to think about it in new ways. One person, thinking about their own tattoos, said, “…temples are filled with art. And that’s what my tattoos are”.⁷ This shows that even as the main idea of the body being sacred stays strong, some people are finding their own ways to understand what that means for them when it comes to how they adorn their bodies.

Respect for God’s Wonderful Creation

Right alongside the “body as a temple” idea is the thought that tattoos could be seen as disfiguring God’s divine handiwork. President Hinckley once asked, “You are a child of God. Your body is His creation. Would you disfigure that creation with portrayals of people, animals, and words painted into your skin?”.⁶ This really highlights that we’re like caretakers of these amazing bodies God has blessed us with.

Permanence and Thinking About the Future

Church leaders also often talk about how permanent tattoos are, and they share a loving concern that people who get them might one day wish they hadn’t.³ President Hinckley said, “With tattoos, the process is permanent, unless there’s another painful and costly undertaking to remove it… I promise you that the time will come, if you have tattoos, that you will regret your actions”.³ This is a practical piece of advice they often share, especially with young folks who are making choices that will last a lifetime.

Choosing to Be a “Peculiar People” / Standing for Something Good

There’s also a feeling of wanting to be a little different from some worldly trends. The Church encourages its members to be “a peculiar people,” meaning they stand apart from trends that might not line up with their gospel principles.⁴ A long time ago, tattoos were sometimes linked with groups or practices that the Church wanted its members to be separate from. For example, way back in the early 1900s, one missionary called tattooing a “heathenish custom”.⁴ By choosing not to get tattoos, members can show an identity that’s in line with their faith.

Trusting in Prophetic Guidance

For Latter-day listening to the counsel of living prophets is a really important part of their faith. Following the advice against tattoos is often seen as an act of obedience and trust in the guidance that comes from God’s chosen leaders.⁴ This shows their belief that prophets give guidance to help protect Church members and lead them to greater joy.

Is Getting a Tattoo Considered a Sin in the Mormon Church? What Are the Consequences?

Although the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strongly and lovingly advises against tattoos, getting one isn’t usually called a “sin” that would lead to something like excommunication. The “consequences” are usually talked about in terms of your spiritual well-being, personal feelings down the road, and maybe some limits in certain ways you can serve in the Church.

Not Usually a Sin Leading to Formal Discipline

Official Church information and what members share tell us that getting a tattoo doesn’t automatically mean formal Church discipline for someone who is an active member.⁵ Members who had tattoos before they joined the or those who get them Although they are members, can still “regularly participate in the ordinances of the Church” and “receive all of God’s blessings”.¹ The main thing is a person’s overall goodness and their commitment to living the gospel.

Consequences Framed as Spiritual and Personal – It’s About Your Heart!

The main outcomes Church leaders talk about are more spiritual and personal:

• Spiritual Impact: Some teachings suggest that choosing to get a tattoo, when you know there’s prophetic counsel against it, could cause some spiritual harm.⁶ This isn’t about a punishment from outside more about the inner spiritual effect of not following guidance that’s believed to be inspired.
• Predicted Regret: Like we talked about leaders have often lovingly warned that people with tattoos will probably regret them later in life.³ One Church publication said, “If you have a tattoo, you wear a constant reminder of a mistake you have made”.⁴
• Impact on Missionary Service: This is one of the biggest practical things to consider. Having a tattoo can affect a young person’s chance to serve a full-time mission, or it might limit where they can go.⁶ All young people who want to be missionaries and have tattoos have their situations reviewed by General Authorities, who are the senior leaders of the Church. These leaders decide if they can serve.⁶
• Temple Worthiness: having a tattoo itself doesn’t automatically stop someone from going to the temple.⁷ But that important principle of respecting your body as a temple is something to think about and pray about when considering if you’re ready for the temple. The “For the Strength of Youth” guide even has “Temple recommend questions for youth,” linking lifestyle choices to being ready for the temple.⁹

Social Consequences within the Community – People are People!

Beyond what the Church officially does, sometimes people with tattoos might feel some social awkwardness in their local Latter-day Saint groups. Tattoos have often been “viewed as taboo” 10, and some members with tattoos have said they worried about “disapproval” and “judgement from other members”.⁷

But, there are signs that things might be changing for the better! The 2022 update to the “For the Strength of Youth” guide, which focuses more on making decisions based on principles instead of just strict rules 7, might be helping with this. Some members now get tattoos for reasons that are very deep and meaningful to them, and sometimes they share these openly.⁷ One couple with tattoos said they’ve gotten positive comments and questions about what their tattoos mean, even at church.¹⁰ Online chats also show people supporting those with tattoos, especially when the tattoos represent overcoming hard times or have special meaning.⁸ This suggests that even though the official counsel is still there, how people experience having a tattoo in the Church day-to-day might be becoming more varied and less negative, especially if the tattoo itself isn’t offensive. The main institutional consequence, especially for missionary service, is still there the general social feeling might be slowly becoming more understanding. It’s all about love and growth!

Are There Specific Scriptures Mormons Use to Support Their View on Tattoos?

Yes, friends! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints looks to several wonderful scriptures and principles to support its loving counsel against tattoos. There’s a special focus on New Testament teachings about how sacred our bodies are.¹ Corinthians 6:19−20 (“Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost”) – A Cornerstone Belief!

This is the scripture you’ll hear quoted most often when talking about tattoos.¹ It says: “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” Isn’t that beautiful? This is understood to mean that our physical bodies are holy, a place for the Spirit to dwell, and we should treat them with great reverence. So, marking them with tattoos is seen as something that might not honor this sacred temple.⁴

1 Corinthians 3:16−17 (“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God… If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy”) – A Call to Cherish His Gift!

This passage is also used a lot by Church leaders.⁴ It reads: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” some Bible scholars say Paul might have been talking about the Church as a whole group here Latter-day Saint leaders have often applied these powerful principles to our individual physical bodies when discussing tattoos.⁴ That warning about defiling God’s temple is taken very seriously, with a desire to protect what is holy.

Leviticus 19:28 (“Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you”) – A Look at Ancient Wisdom!

This verse from the Old Testament is sometimes mentioned because it directly talks about not putting “any marks” (which many see as tattoos) on the body.⁴ But, it’s important to understand it in its historical setting. This rule was part of the Law of Moses, and many scholars believe it was meant to stop the Israelites from copying pagan rituals for mourning or religious branding that were common in other cultures around them.⁴ The goal was to help God’s people be distinct and separate. Our Christian friends will know that many parts of the Law of Moses aren’t seen as binding on Christians today in the same way they were for ancient Israel. In Latter-day Saint teachings, this verse seems to be more of a supportive or historical reference, not the main scriptural reason for the counsel against tattoos. That reason really comes from the “body as a temple” idea in the New Testament.

Other Uplifting Principles and Scriptures!

Beyond these specific verses, other scriptural ideas are sometimes brought into the conversation 4:

• Becoming a “Peculiar People”: Scriptures like Deuteronomy 14:2 and 1 Peter 2:9 encourage believers to be special and separate from worldly practices that don’t lift us up.
• Obeying Prophetic Counsel: Passages like Doctrine and Covenants 21:4−5 highlight how important it is to listen to the words of prophets “as if from mine own mouth.”
• Being “Anxiously Engaged” in Good Causes: Doctrine and Covenants 58:27−29 encourages members to willingly follow righteous principles without needing a direct command for every single thing.

So, the main scriptural foundation Latter-day Saints use regarding tattoos is Paul’s wonderful teaching in 1 Corinthians about our bodies being temples of God. For our Christian understanding this New Testament basis—a beautiful concept shared in principle by many Christian traditions, even if they apply it differently—can help make the Latter-day Saint position more understandable, whether you personally agree on the tattoo issue or not. It’s all about seeking to honor God!

How Has the Mormon Church’s Teaching on Tattoos Evolved, Especially for Youth?

Although the core, loving counsel from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to discourage tattoos has stayed steady like a rock, the way this guidance is shared, especially with our wonderful young people, has seen some inspiring changes.

A History of Loving Discouragement

The Church’s stance against tattoos isn’t something new. Way back in 1899, a Church missionary described tattooing as a “heathenish custom, contrary to the laws of God, and of good society”.⁴ For a long time in the 20th century, the Church’s view often matched what society in general thought, when tattoos were frequently linked with rebellion or groups on the fringes.¹²

“For the Strength of Youth” (FSOY) Pamphlet – A Journey of Growth!

The “For the Strength of Youth” pamphlet, which is like a friendly guide for young Church members, really shows how the way lifestyle standards, including tattoos, are talked about has grown and evolved.

• 2001 and 2011 Editions – Clear, Direct Guidance: These versions had very clear, rule-based instructions. The 2001 edition said that youth should “not disfigure themselves with tattoos or body piercings”.⁴ The 2011 edition said the same thing very clearly.⁴ This approach gave young people straightforward rules to follow, like a clear map.
• 2022 Edition (“A Guide for Making Choices”) – Empowering Wise Choices!: The newest edition, which came out in 2022, takes a wonderfully different approach. It puts the focus on principles and making your own prayerful decisions. 

      <p> Instead of a direct &quot;don&#39;t get tattoos,&quot; the 2022 guide asks a thoughtful question: &quot;What is the Lord’s standard on dress, grooming, tattoos, and piercings?&quot; And it answers with beautiful wisdom: &quot;The Lord’s standard is for you to honor the sacredness of your body, even when that means being different from the world. Let this truth and the Spirit be your guide as you make decisions—especially decisions that have lasting effects on your body. Be wise and faithful, and seek counsel from your parents and leaders&quot;.⁴ You’ll notice, tattoos aren&#39;t explicitly forbidden in this newer guidance.¹³ One young adult member shared, &quot;With the new For the Strength of Youth&#39;s lack of mentioning tattoos, possibilities open for members to make the choice to get one if they want&quot;.⁷</p></li>

This change is a big deal, friends! It’s a shift from giving direct, specific rules to focusing on understanding foundational principles—like how sacred our bodies are and how important it is to seek spiritual guidance—and then using those principles to make personal choices. It’s about growing in wisdom!

Guidance on Tattoos in “For the Strength of Youth” Editions

This wonderful evolution in the “For the Strength of Youth” guide shows a broader way of teaching in the Church. It’s about teaching correct principles and encouraging members to govern themselves by making inspired choices, rather than just relying on a long list of rules for every situation. This lines up perfectly with the core Latter-day Saint belief in agency—that amazing, God-given ability to choose and act for ourselves. It’s about fostering deep understanding and personal conviction, not just outward rule-following. This shift doesn’t mean the Church is now encouraging tattoos for young people it does put more responsibility on them and their families to prayerfully apply eternal principles to their own lives. And, as some members are discussing, it also opens up space for more varied interpretations and personal approaches.⁷ It’s all about growing closer to God and making choices that bring lasting joy!

What if Someone Has Tattoos Before Joining the Mormon Church?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opens its arms wide to everyone, including those who have tattoos they got before becoming members. Having pre-existing tattoos doesn’t stop anyone from joining the Church or being a full, joyful part of its community and blessings.

Full Acceptance and Joyful Participation!

So many Church resources and personal stories from members confirm that people with tattoos they had before their baptism are completely accepted and loved.¹ Official Church statements make it beautifully clear: “There are many Latter-day Saints who acquired tattoos prior to becoming members of the yet they are able to regularly participate in the ordinances of the Church”.¹ And listen to this wonderful promise: “Previously existing tattoos will not prevent one from serving in the Church and receiving all of God’s blessings”.¹ Often, if you see members with tattoos, it’s just assumed they got them before joining the or maybe during a time of youthful searching before they fully embraced their faith.⁵

No Stigma, Only Love from Official Doctrine!

The Church teaches that God’s love is for everyone, no matter what. It’s unconditional and reaches out to all His children, regardless of how they look on the outside.¹ For new members, the focus is all on their current desire to live by the gospel’s teachings and their wonderful spiritual journey ahead. Baptism into the Church is seen as a beautiful new beginning, a special promise where past choices made before understanding or accepting Church teachings don’t stop a person from full fellowship and amazing spiritual growth.

This approach shows a truly fundamental belief in the Church: the incredible, life-changing power of turning to Jesus Christ and His Atonement. What matters most is your discipleship today and your commitment to live by Church standards, much more than things from your past. So, tattoos you got before you made a commitment to the Church are seen as part of that past, not something that holds you back from spiritual progress now or from being fully part of the Church family. Isn’t that a wonderful, inclusive way to look at things? It’s all about pastoral care, prioritizing a person’s spiritual growth, and welcoming them with open arms. It also gently reminds us that the counsel against getting tattoos is mainly for members as they make ongoing choices about these precious bodies God has given them. It’s all about love and new beginnings!

Does the Mormon Church Make Exceptions for Cultural or Medical Tattoos?

The loving counsel from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints about tattoos is generally for everyone there’s always room for understanding when it comes to tattoos for medical reasons or those that are a deep part of someone’s culture.

Medical Tattoos – When It’s for Health and Safety!

Tattoos that are needed for medical reasons or for identification are generally seen as perfectly okay. For example, the Church has, in the past, been fine with “the placing of a blood type or an identification number in an obscure place”.⁴ The Church also advises against body piercing “other than for medical purposes,” but makes an exception for one pair of earrings for women.³ This way of thinking suggests that if a tattoo has a clear, practical, health-related, or even life-saving purpose—like letting doctors know about a medical condition—it would likely be viewed differently than tattoos that are just for decoration. That just makes good sense, doesn’t it?

Cultural Tattoos (e.g., Polynesian) – A More Nuanced and Understanding Approach!

When we talk about cultural tattoos, especially in Polynesian communities where tattooing has such deep historical and social meaning, it’s a bit more complex, and the Church approaches it with great sensitivity.

• A Feeling of Allowance by Some Members: Some members, especially those who know Polynesian cultures well, have had the feeling that the Church makes an allowance or is more tolerant of traditional cultural tattoos.¹¹ Historically, it was noted that Although the Church advised against tattoos in Western countries, it “generally had no comment on Polynesian tattoos due to the completely different connotations tattoos carried there”.¹²
• Official Clarification (Polynesian Cultural Center – PCC) – Seeking a Higher Path: More recently, leaders connected with the Church-owned Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii have shared some clarification. They’ve said that Although the Church is very sensitive to how important these tattoos are culturally, it still lovingly discourages new cultural tattoos for its members, and that includes employees at the PCC. The focus is placed on what they call a “higher law”—that beautiful principle of our bodies being temples. The director of the PCC said in 2016 that they “discourage our employees to use cultural tattoos… Because Although there’s a good cause for it, a good reason, we also feel that there is a higher law, which is to recognize our bodies as temples”.⁴ He also made it clear that the PCC doesn’t encourage employees to go out and get new cultural tattoos; rather, “if they come with those kind of markings, we accept it as part of their culture”.¹⁴

This approach shows a very careful and thoughtful balance. The Church truly recognizes the deep cultural, spiritual, and family meanings that tattoos can have in certain societies.¹⁴ But the counsel against tattoos, which comes from that core belief about our bodies being sacred temples, is presented as a universal principle that generally guides active members, even above cultural practices. So, it seems the practical way this works out is a loving acceptance of people who join the Church already having cultural tattoos not an encouragement for active members to get new ones, even if it’s for deeply held cultural reasons. Some members have noticed that there isn’t a clear, top-level statement from the First Presidency that makes specific exceptions for cultural tattoos. This suggests that the official policy remains consistent in its general discouragement, even if local understanding or hopes for exceptions might vary.¹⁴ This really shows how the Church navigates being a worldwide faith with diverse local customs, holding onto certain universal standards it believes are from God, while always striving to be culturally sensitive. It’s about wisdom and love in action!

How Do Tattoos Affect a Mormon’s Church Participation, Like Temple Attendance or Missionary Service?

Having a tattoo can have different effects on how members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participate in Church life, depending on the specific activity. Let’s look at this with an understanding heart.

Temple Attendance – A Matter of Personal Worthiness!

Generally, having a tattoo does not, by itself, stop a member from going to the temple. The temple is a very sacred place of worship and learning for Latter-day and the doors are open to those who are living righteously.

• Official Church information tells us that people with tattoos they had before joining can “regularly participate in the ordinances of the Church,” and that includes the sacred ordinances of the temple.¹
• Members have shared their experiences where Church leaders have confirmed that tattoos wouldn’t keep them out of the temple if they were otherwise living according to Church standards.⁷ An older source also notes, “Persons who are tattooed are not denied the ordinances and blessings of the temples”.⁴
• You see, being ready for the temple is determined through a series of interview questions that look at a person’s testimony, if they’re keeping core commandments, and their overall commitment to living a Christ-like life. While respecting your body is a principle that’s discussed, having a tattoo isn’t a specific thing that disqualifies someone in the temple recommend interview. It’s about the heart!

Missionary Service – Representing with Reverence!

This is an area where tattoos can have a more direct and major impact, and it’s important to understand why.

• Case-by-Case Review with Loving Care: Young members who want to serve full-time missions and have tattoos go through a review process with General Authorities, who are senior Church leaders. These leaders look at each situation individually and decide if the young person will be able to serve.⁶ Some may not be approved, and that decision is made with prayer and consideration.
• Potential Limitations for the Greater Good: If they are approved, a missionary with a tattoo might have some limitations on where they can be assigned. For example, they might be sent to a colder place where long sleeves can cover the tattoo, or to an area where tattoos are more culturally accepted.⁶ The goal here is to make sure the missionary’s appearance doesn’t get in the way of their ability to share the wonderful message of the gospel.
• Content and Nature of Tattoo Matters – Wisdom in All Things!: The type of tattoo, how big it is, and how visible it is are all things that are considered. Tattoos that are “gang-related, offensive, or profane” are a particular concern, especially for individuals who will be officially representing Jesus Christ and His Church.¹⁴

Other Church Callings and Service – Serving with a Willing Heart!

For most other ways of participating in the like having leadership roles (called callings) in a local congregation, or taking part in regular worship services and activities, having a tattoo (especially one you got before becoming a member) generally doesn’t stop a member from serving. The focus is always on their overall worthiness, their willingness to serve, and their commitment to Church teachings. It’s about what’s in your heart and your desire to do good!

The different impact of tattoos on temple attendance versus missionary service shows an important distinction. Going to the temple is mainly about your personal spiritual standing and your relationship with God. A tattoo, while counseled against, doesn’t automatically cancel out this personal worthiness if the individual is otherwise living Church standards.¹ Missionary service, on the other hand, is a very visible, public role. Missionaries are official representatives of the Church. Because of this, the Church is more careful about their appearance to make sure they are received positively and that their message isn’t overshadowed or compromised by things, like certain tattoos, that could be misunderstood or viewed negatively in different cultures.⁶ This shows a practical and thoughtful approach to public representation, alongside the loving theological counsel about tattoos. It’s all about wisdom and effectiveness in sharing God’s love!

How Do Individual Mormons View and Approach the Subject of Tattoos Today?

Within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day you’ll find a beautiful variety of views and approaches when it comes to tattoos. This is especially true as cultural norms keep evolving and with the recent loving shifts in how the Church guides its youth.

Honoring Traditional Counsel with Joyful Hearts

Many, many members continue to joyfully follow the long-standing counsel from Church leaders to avoid tattoos. They see this as important prophetic guidance that helps them live a more blessed life and as a wonderful way to honor the sacred gift of their bodies. This perspective often comes from a deep love and respect for the teachings of prophets and those beautiful scriptural reminders about our bodies being temples.

Growing Personal Interpretation and Choosing with Faith

Especially with that wonderful 2022 update to the “For the Strength of Youth” guide, which encourages making decisions based on principles rather than just strict rules 4, some members feel more empowered to make personal, prayerful choices about tattoos.

• One member shared her inspiring story of a long personal journey of prayer, study, and fasting before she decided to get a tattoo. She ultimately felt it was her own decision to make, in harmony with her own spiritual feelings.⁷ What a testament to seeking personal guidance!
• If you look at online forums and discussions among members, you’ll see a whole range of opinions. Some strongly feel that the choice to get a tattoo is a personal one between an individual and God.⁸ You’ll hear things like, “It’s your body… Your choice entirely” 8 or that the decision is “between them and the Lord”.¹⁴ This shows a deep desire to connect with God personally.
• That shift in the youth guide has led some to feel that “Piercings and Tattoos are no longer taboo and considered to be between the person and the Lord”.¹¹ this is a personal feeling, not an official Church announcement it shows how people are thinking and praying about these things.

Tattoos for Deeply Personal and Meaningful Reasons – Art from the Heart!

Some Latter-day Saints who choose to get tattoos do so for reasons that are incredibly personal, symbolic, and sometimes even spiritual.

• You might hear of tattoos that honor loved ones who have passed on 7, or that represent cherished life values like “home” 7, or even serve as powerful reminders of overcoming personal struggles, like covering old scars with symbols of survival and strength.⁸ Isn’t that inspiring?
• And remember that “graffiti on the temple” idea? Some members offer a different, beautiful thought. They say that just as temples are adorned with beautiful art, their tattoos can be seen as meaningful adornments on their own “temples”.⁷ One couple with tattoos explained that their body art has “strong and personal meanings” and they are happy to share those meanings with others who are curious.¹⁰

Awareness of Potential Judgment – Walking in Love and Understanding

Even when members feel personally good about their decision to get a tattoo, they are often aware that they might encounter some judgment or disapproval from others in the Church community.⁷ This is just a reality that even when official policies are nuanced and personal interpretations are growing, long-held cultural feelings within a community can sometimes be a bit slower to change. But love and understanding can bridge any gap!

Generational Perspectives – Learning from Each Other!

There might also be some differences in how different generations feel about tattoos. Younger members, who have grown up in a world where tattoos are much more common and widely accepted, might see them more liberally than older generations who remember a time when tattoos often had stronger negative associations.¹¹

This wonderful variety of responses shows the dynamic, living relationship between official Church teachings and the “lived religion” of individual members – how they live their faith every day. The increased emphasis in recent Church messages on personal revelation and using your agency to apply gospel principles, especially for things that aren’t at the very core of doctrine (as one member beautifully put it, “Tattoos are not discussed in the ‘Doctrine of Christ’, which is how we are ‘saved'” 8), seems to be creating a space for more individualized approaches. Members are engaging with prophetic counsel some are doing it in a deeply personal way, wrestling with the principles and seeking their own spiritual confirmation for decisions that feel right for them and their relationship with God. This doesn’t mean they’re rejecting prophetic authority at all! Instead, it’s a thoughtful, prayerful engagement with it, seeking to understand the spirit of the counsel in their own lives. This could lead to even greater diversity in practice over time, all while staying rooted in faith and love. It’s a beautiful journey of growth!

How Does the Mormon Perspective on Tattoos Compare to Views in Other Christian Traditions?

The perspective of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on tattoos has some wonderful similarities and also some distinct differences when we look at the diverse views held across our other Christian brothers and sisters. It’s all about learning and appreciating each other!

A Beautiful story of Beliefs within Christianity

it’s so important to remember that there isn’t just one single “Christian view” on tattoos. Our Christian friends have a wide array of opinions, and that’s okay!

• Many Christian denominations don’t have an official stance at all, leaving the decision entirely up to what each person feels is right in their heart.
• Some groups or individuals might gently discourage tattoos. They might refer to interpretations of Leviticus 19:28 (“nor print any marks upon you”) or talk about broader Christian principles like modesty, being good stewards of our bodies, or avoiding worldly trends that don’t feel wholesome.
• Others see no spiritual problem with tattoos at all! It’s not uncommon for Christians to get tattoos with religious symbols or messages as a beautiful expression of their faith.

What Makes the Latter-day Saint Approach Distinct and Special?

Several things make the Latter-day Saint approach unique and noteworthy:

• Emphasis on Modern Prophets and God’s Continuing Revelation – A Living Connection!: A key difference is the foundational Latter-day Saint belief that God continues to speak to us today through living prophets and apostles.⁴ When these inspired leaders give counsel, like discouraging tattoos, it carries a lot of weight for faithful members. This counsel is often seen as more direct, current, and specific guidance for our times than in traditions that rely only on interpreting the Bible without a modern prophetic voice to address today’s issues.⁵ It’s like having a direct line to heaven’s wisdom!
• Specific “Body as a Temple” Doctrine – A Divine Blueprint!: While many Christians embrace that wonderful biblical concept that our body is a temple (from 1 Corinthians), the Latter-day Saint understanding is particularly emphasized. It’s woven into a broader, beautiful theology about the eternal nature of our bodies, their role in God’s amazing plan for us to grow and become more like Him, and the truth that our bodies are literally created in God’s image.¹ What a glorious thought!
• “For the Strength of Youth” as Specific, Loving Guidance: Having a detailed guide like “For the Strength of Youth,” which talks about lifestyle choices such as tattoos for young members, is a relatively unique and loving feature of the Church’s way of caring for its flock.⁹

Shared Principles with Our Christian Family – United in Goodness!

Despite these distinct points, there are also so many wonderful principles that are shared:

• Stewardship of the Body – A Precious Gift to Cherish: The idea that our body is a gift from God and we should take good care of it is a widely held Christian principle. We can all agree on that!
• Avoiding Negative Worldly Influences – Shining a Light!: Many Christian traditions encourage believers to be “in the world but not of the world.” This can include being thoughtful about our appearance or practices that might link us with values that aren’t in line with our faith.
• Focus on Inner Qualities over Outward Adornment – Beauty from Within!: That scriptural emphasis on cultivating inner spiritual qualities rather than focusing too much on how we look on the outside (like in 1 Peter 3:3−4, “let it be the hidden person of the heart”) is a beautiful sentiment shared across many Christian denominations, and it’s definitely present in Latter-day Saint thought too.⁵ True beauty shines from a good heart!

Biblical Interpretation – Seeking Wisdom Together!

Like some other Christians who discourage tattoos, Latter-day Saints often point to 1 Corinthians 3:16−17 and 6:19−20 about our bodies being temples.¹ How Leviticus 19:28 is understood and applied varies a lot across all Christian groups, with many not seeing it as a binding rule for today. Latter-day Saints tend to use this Old Testament passage more as a secondary or historical reference. The main scriptural emphasis for them really rests on those powerful New Testament teachings about the sacredness of the body.

The most major thing that makes the Latter-day Saint approach different from many other Christian views on tattoos is the role and importance given to the counsel of living prophets. While other traditions base their views mainly on interpreting the Bible and historical church tradition, Latter-day Saints add a layer of authoritative, current counsel from leaders they believe are called by God to speak for Him today.³ So, when a Church President like Gordon B. Hinckley or Russell M. Nelson speaks against tattoos 1, this counsel is received by faithful members with a seriousness that might be different from how members of other faiths would receive guidance from their leaders on a lifestyle issue that isn’t core doctrine. For our Christian friends to fully understand the Latter-day Saint stance, it’s so helpful to appreciate this belief in ongoing, authoritative prophetic guidance. The counsel on tattoos is seen by many members not just as what the organization prefers as divinely guided advice for their well-being, both now and in eternity, even if it’s not framed as an absolute, salvation-defining commandment. It’s all about seeking God’s best for us!

Conclusion: Living a Life of Joy and Purpose!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day with a heart full of love, counsels its members to choose not to get tattoos. This beautiful guidance comes primarily from the uplifting theological principle that our physical bodies are sacred temples, precious gifts from God that we should treat with reverence and care. This counsel has been consistently and lovingly taught by Church leaders for many, many years. But the way it’s presented, especially to our wonderful youth, has beautifully evolved from very direct prohibitions to a more principle-based approach. This empowers young people to make their own prayerful decisions, guided by the Spirit and with counsel from their parents and leaders – isn’t that wonderful?

Individuals who join the Church with tattoos they already have are welcomed with open arms and can joyfully participate in all aspects of Church life, including the sacred ordinances of the temple. The focus is always on their current commitment and their amazing spiritual journey ahead! While medical tattoos are generally seen as perfectly acceptable, and there’s a deep sensitivity towards cultural tattoos, the overarching, loving counsel to avoid new tattoos applies broadly to members. Generally, having a tattoo doesn’t prevent a worthy member from attending the temple it can affect their eligibility and where they might be assigned for full-time missionary service, because that’s such a special role of representing the Church.

Among individual Latter-day Saints today, you’ll find a beautiful spectrum of views. Many joyfully and strictly follow the counsel, while others, especially with the recent positive shifts in youth guidance, are engaging in more personal interpretation and decision-making. Some even choose to get tattoos for reasons that are deeply meaningful to them. This shows a dynamic and living relationship between official Church teachings and the personal experiences and convictions of its members.

To truly understand the Latter-day Saint perspective on tattoos, it’s so helpful to recognize how much they value their belief in living prophets whose counsel they take very seriously. It’s also key to see the powerful doctrinal importance they place on the sanctity of these amazing physical bodies, and to appreciate the evolving, loving ways these principles are taught and applied in our ever-changing world. The discussion around tattoos within the Church offers us a wonderful glimpse into how faith, tradition, personal agency, and cultural context all come together in the lives of its members, as they strive to live lives full of joy, purpose, and closeness to God. May we all seek to understand each other with love and respect!

Bibliography:

1. FAQ—Can Mormons have tattoos?—The Church of Jesus Christ of …, accessed May 24, 2025, https://faq.churchofjesuschrist.org/can-mormons-have-tattoos
2. faq.churchofjesuschrist.org, accessed May 24, 2025, https://faq.churchofjesuschrist.org/can-mormons-have-tattoos#:~:text=Mormons%2C%20more%20properly%20referred%20to,6%3A19%E2%80%9320)..)
3. Tattoos – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, accessed May 24, 2025, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2012-08-1990-tattoos?lang=ase&alang=eng&collectionId=e57ca73c9c9e4ea9b9b5843528f9cc84
4. Question: Why does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints …, accessed May 24, 2025, https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/answers/Question:_Why_does_The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints_strongly_discourage_their_members_from_getting_tattoos%3F
5. Do Mormons believe that it is a sin to get tattoos? If so, why do they do it anyway? – Quora, accessed May 24, 2025, https://www.quora.com/Do-Mormons-believe-that-it-is-a-sin-to-get-tattoos-If-so-why-do-they-do-it-anyway
6. Tattoos and Your Mission – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, accessed May 24, 2025, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2006/03/tattoos-and-your-mission?lang=eng
7. Guest Post: My Tattoo and For the Strength of Youth – Exponent II, accessed May 24, 2025, https://exponentii.org/blog/guest-post-my-tattoo-and-for-the-strength-of-youth/
8. Question about tattoos : r/latterdaysaints – Reddit, accessed May 24, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/latterdaysaints/comments/1cft8rj/question_about_tattoos/
9. For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices, accessed May 24, 2025, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/for-the-strength-of-youth?lang=eng
10. Latter-day Saints speak about their tattoos, taboos in the faith – The Globe, accessed May 24, 2025, https://www.globeslcc.com/2023/03/31/latter-day-saints-tattoos-faith-culture/
11. Are Mormons allowed to have tattoos now? : r/exmormon – Reddit, accessed May 24, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/exmormon/comments/1jmrdp0/are_mormons_allowed_to_have_tattoos_now/
12. Why are tattoos so frowned upon? : r/latterdaysaints – Reddit, accessed May 24, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/latterdaysaints/comments/1jfvh0t/why_are_tattoos_so_frowned_upon/
13. Your body is sacred – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, accessed May 24, 2025, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/for-the-strength-of-youth/06-body?lang=eng
14. Is anyone else conflicted on the churches stance on tattoos for cultural reason vs no cultural. I thought we are all one in the sight of the lord. : r/latterdaysaints – Reddit, accessed May 24, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/latterdaysaints/comments/1e2sjnw/is_anyone_else_conflicted_on_the_churches_stance/