Should Christians Get Tattoos? Absolutely.

Student: What do you think about Christians getting tattoos?

Gibbs: On their faces?

Student: No, not on their faces.

Gibbs: Why not?

Student: Because that’s just really extreme.

Gibbs: Oh. So, where should Christians get tattoos?

Student: I don’t know. On their arms, maybe. Or their legs. Or their backs.

Gibbs: What sort of tattoos?

Student: Not just random stuff. Stuff that really means something.

Gibbs: Don’t legs really mean something?

Student: What?

Gibbs: Don’t legs and arms and backs have meaning already?

Student: Not really. We all have backs. As it is, your body is meaningless.

Gibbs: So the more common a thing is, the less meaningful it is.

Student: Yes.

Gibbs: So, what do you want to get tattooed on your arm?

Student: Something meaningful.

Gibbs: Like what?

Student: Like a cross.

Gibbs: Seems pretty common. Tons of people have cross tattoos.

Student: Yes, but more people have backs than cross tattoos.

Gibbs: But if you get a cross tattoo, you’ll be contributing to the meaninglessness of cross tattoos, right?

Student: Maybe I won’t get a cross tattoo. I didn’t actually want one of those, anyway.

Gibbs: Sure. Then what do you want to get tattooed on your meaningless arms or meaningless legs?

Student: Maybe a lion.

Gibbs: Why?

Student: To remind me of Christ, who is “the lion of Judah.”

Gibbs: Why do you want to be reminded of “the lion of Judah”?

Student: I think people would see it and ask about it, and it would give me an opportunity to share my Christian faith.

Gibbs: I’m not convinced.

Student: Every time I looked down at the lion tattooed on my arm, I would remember that Jesus is my Lord and savior. I think that would prompt me to be more spiritual.

Gibbs: I don’t think it would make much difference.

Student: Why not?

Gibbs: A lion is a really generic symbol. It might be a symbol of strength, a symbol you’ve been to Kenya, or that you follow Detroit football.

Student: You think it needs to be more obviously Christian?

Gibbs: Yes.

Student: Maybe a Bible verse?

Gibbs: Again, tattooed where?

Student: On my arm.

Gibbs: Seems non-committal.

Student: A tattoo seems non-committal?

Gibbs: On your arm? Of course. Too easy to cover up.

Student: I thought you weren’t a fan of tattoos.

Gibbs: Did I say that? I never said that.

Student: But I can tell.

Gibbs: Are you a fan of Jesus?

Student: Look, I’m thinking of getting a Christian tattoo. Why do you ask that?

Gibbs: And you want your Christian tattoo to be a symbol of your commitment to Christ?

Student: Yes.

Gibbs: And you want the tattoo to tell the world that you’re committed to Christ?

Student: Yes.

Gibbs: Then get it on your face. Be bold, man. Send a message to the world. You’re unembarrassed of the Lord. Put that tattoo in the most visible place possible.

Student: So you’re okay with me getting a tattoo?

Gibbs: A tattoo of the words, “I love Jesus Christ,” on your forehead? Sure. Otherwise, what’s the point? Show some commitment.