Today, roughly 10% of adult Americans have a religious tattoo. These can range from simple crosses, rosaries, depictions of Arch Angels (Michael, especially), and most prominently bible verses. For many, though, they don’t leave the church because they are kicked out for their tattoos; they leave because they are shunned and judged.

While it is no secret in the Christian doctrine, tattooing is becoming more and more prevalent, even amongst those who are religious. While traditional denominations such as Baptists, Lutherans, Catholics, Orthodox(y), and Pentecostals draw a line in the sand regarding it as a sin; the younger generations of Christians aren’t convinced.

Leviticus 19:28 says You shall not make any cuts on your body [in mourning] for the dead, nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves; I am the Lord. (AMPC).

Specifically, the Montanist sect of priests would tattoo “Slaves of God” on their foreheads. After Christ’s crucifixion, it was common for early Christians to get a cross in remembrance of his sacrifice, which still aligns with today’s trends. The book of Leviticus was also talking about the worshippers of Baal, who would ritualistically cut & tattoo themselves in worship of their god. While this was a common practice amongst ancient Mesopotamian cultures, it was strictly forbidden in the Abrahamic law.

“When my grandma found out I had a tattoo, she was both worried and disappointed,” says Katelynn Harrison. “She was a devout Southern Fundamentalist Baptist, tattoos weren’t something that you did without spiritual consequence.”

While the traditional mindset is still firmly ingrained in the church, many are moving both past & away from these ideals. For many, being tattooed isn’t just a design, it’s a permanent reminder of what they believe. Katelynn had this to say: “Even though I’m not religious anymore, I still look back at those times and wonder if her reaction had been different, would I have stayed in church? It doesn’t really matter now, but I’ll always wonder.”