Some people don't like the idea of a Christian tattoo because in the book of Leviticus, God forbids getting "cuttings in the flesh". However, some scholars believe that this passage was only intended for God's chosen to not participate in pagan practices of tattooing at that time. In those days, pagans in other cultures would tattoo images of their idols at funerals.
Some people believe it is okay for modern Christians to get tattoos, just as long as they are not doing so to gain favour from an idol. Also, Jesus makes no mention of tattooing in the New Testament. These days, both young women and men choose to get a Christian tattoo to make a statement about their beliefs. They like to display images of iconic Christian images, such as the cross, Jesus himself, praying hands, angels, the Holy Grail, and the Jesus fish symbol.
The cross is obviously the most popular of these images, since it is the universal sign of Christianity. Tattoo artists have created many amazing designs that include the cross. Some are of the cross itself, some are of Jesus on the cross, and some consist of the cross and other symbols.
While some intricate tattoos depict an image of Christ, many of them show the cross by itself. Good, talented tattoo artists can bring the crucifix to life on the skin. They can add details to make it look like realistic wood. Sometimes it is drawn with a crown of thorns, or with a scripture passage written underneath it. Sometimes a Christian tattoo will even incorporate a background of flames or with nails and spikes.
Another popular symbol is the butterfly. Butterflies are believed to represent the Resurrection. They are often added to tattoos with a Christian theme. Some people are also patriotic and choose to combine a Christian symbol with the flag or colors of the flag.
Some of the designs have roots dating back to many centuries. For instance, some early Christians who didn't want to be noticed by the Romans would disguise their cross tattoos as anchors. And then there is the Celtic cross. According to legend, when St. Patrick went to Ireland, he bisected the sign of the moon goddess, which laid the groundwork for the cross. Some people don't consider a Celtic cross to be a real Christian tattoo, but there are many who do. It is a beautiful symbol, after all.
The Celtic cross consists of a lot of knots that symbolize threads. Many of the ancient Druids believed that the human soul was simply a thread of a network of divine fabric, and that the soul would return to that network after death. As such, there is plenty of room for incorporating elements, such as spirals, keys, and ribbons into the Celtic cross.
Whatever symbol you choose to get, make sure it's something you will be proud to wear! Not only because it represents your faith, but because it is beautiful art. You will be glad to spread the word with a Christian tattoo if it is truly beautiful. Make sure you get a good artist to draw it on you.
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