Are Tattoos a Sin? A Real Tattoo Artist Answers With 10+ Years of Truth, Experience & Real Stories

By Marlon Blake — Iron Palm Tattoos & Body Piercings, Atlanta, GA

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People ask me this question more than you’d think:

“Are tattoos a sin?”

I’ve been tattooing for over a decade, and the truth is this:

To me, tattoos are not a sin. Not even close. In fact, for many people, tattoos are healing, inspiring, and deeply personal.

And after tattooing hundreds of clients from every background—religious, spiritual, unsure, nervous, excited, grieving, celebrating—I’ve learned something important:

Tattooing isn’t about rebellion. It’s about resilience, identity, story, healing, and human expression.

Let me explain.

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Why Some People Think Tattoos Are a Sin (And What They Tell Me) 

Here are the most common arguments I’ve heard over the years:

• “Your body is a temple.”

• “The Bible says don’t mark your body.”

• “Tattoos are distasteful.”

• “You’ll never be looked at the same.”

• “Only get tattoos if they have meaning.”

• “You should never get a tattoo at all.”

I’ve heard all of it.

Robert Powell as Jesus Christ in 'Jesus of Nazareth' Photo Realism portrait tattoo interpreted and inked by tattoo artist Terrance Sawyer at Iron Palm Tattoos in south downtown Atlanta, GA. Call 404-973-7828 or stop by for a free consultation.

From people raised in the church…

From people who were taught tattoos equal “hellfire”…

Even from people who had tattoos but felt guilty because of how they were brought up.

And then they sit in my chair, nervous as hell, expecting lightning to strike the shop.

But you know what usually happens?

They walk out feeling relief. Confidence. Closure. Or healing.

And not once has God smited anyone on my table. (I’m 10+ years in. I think we’re safe.)

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Let’s Talk About the Famous Verse: Leviticus 19:28

Yes — everybody brings this one up.

“Do not mark your body…”

But here’s the thing:

That verse was about ancient ritual scarification in mourning practices — not modern tattoos.

And here’s the other thing:

God gave you free will.

If God didn’t want people to have the ability to create tattoos, why give humans creativity, steady hands, artistic minds, and the ability to make tattoo machines?

That’s like saying God made artists by accident.

And here’s what I tell people all the time:

Free will and fear don’t go together.

If God trusts you with free will, why would a tattoo suddenly be too dangerous for you to decide for yourself?

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The Pain Argument: “But tattoos hurt, isn’t hurting yourself a sin?”

Look — let’s be real.

Tattoos hurt.

Sometimes a little. Sometimes a LOT.

Your body absolutely does ask your brain:

“Bro… why are we doing this right now?”

But here’s the part people don’t understand:

Tattoo pain teaches you what you’re capable of. 

If you can sit through an hour…

or three…

or eight…

You learn something about yourself.

You learn resilience.

You learn endurance.

You learn patience.

You learn that you can go through pain and still come out stronger with something beautiful to show for it.

Most people avoid pain at all costs.

Tattoo clients face it head-on to create something meaningful.

That’s not sin. That’s strength.

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Have I Tattooed People Who Thought Tattoos Were a Sin? Yes.

Madonna Blessing Hearts Black & Gray Photo Realism Portrait Tattoo By Rene Cristobal, A Guest Artist At Iron Palm Tattoos. The Madonna is a representation of Mary praying. The word "Madonna" comes from the Italian "ma donna," which means "my lady". Call 404-973-7828 or stop by for a free consultation. Walk Ins are welcome.

And I’ve watched many of them change their minds in my chair.

The biggest reasons?

1. Their upbringing taught them fear, not understanding.

Once they grew up, they questioned things for themselves.

2. They saw great artwork and realized tattoos could be beautiful, not “rebellious.”

3. They finally wanted something meaningful — not sinful.

A memorial piece.

A prayer.

A scripture.

A cross.

A reminder of who they lost.

A reminder of who they’ve become.

Often they say:

“My whole life I was told tattoos were sinful… but this piece feels like peace.”

And that’s when they realize:

Tattoos aren’t the sin — the judgment is.

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Do I Think God Cares More About Intentions Than Ink? Absolutely.

You think God is up there looking at the shape of your skin more than the shape of your heart?

No.

God cares about:

• Are you kind?

• Do you help people?

• Do you try?

• Do you learn?

• Do you love?

• Do you grow?

Not:

• “Oh no, this man has a sleeve. He’s DONE.”

Just because someone has tattoos doesn’t make them:

• evil

• rebellious

• broken

• immoral

• sinful

I’ve met heavily tattooed people with the purest souls you could imagine.

I’ve also met clean-skinned people who were demons in disguise.

Tattoos don’t decide your character.

Your actions do.

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Spiritual Tattoos I’ve Done (That Would Surprise Religious Folks)

I’ve tattooed:

• crosses

• rosaries

• doves

• scriptures

• portraits of lost family

• “R.I.P.” memorials

• prayer hands

• angels

• spiritual quotes

• symbols of rebirth and healing

Just recently, I tattooed someone’s passed loved one on their neck.

They felt guilty for wanting it — because of that “tattoos are sinful” upbringing.

But when we finished?

They looked in the mirror and said:

“I feel like I got a piece of them back.”

Now tell me…

Where is the sin in that?

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Tattooing Isn’t Black & White — It’s Human

Humans contradict themselves.

We say:

“Don’t mark your body.”

…then get memorial tattoos.

“Your body is a temple.”

…then pierce ears, dye hair, shave beards, or put on makeup.

“Don’t do it unless it has meaning.”

…but most things we do in life don’t start with meaning — we give them meaning.

People are layered. Emotional. Spiritual. Flawed. Beautiful.

Tattoos are just another way humans tell their story.

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So… Are Tattoos a Sin?

No. Tattoos are not a sin.

They’re part of human expression.

They’re art.

They’re therapy.

They’re storytelling.

They’re resilience.

They’re identity.

They’re reminders.

They’re healing.

They’re life.

You’re not sinful for expressing yourself.

You’re not evil for choosing art.

You’re not broken because you want something meaningful on your skin.

If anything?

Tattooing has made people braver, more honest, more reflective, and more grounded than they were before.

And that sounds a lot like growth — not sin.

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Thinking About Getting a Tattoo?

If you’re in Atlanta — or anywhere near it — you’re welcome to stop by:

Iron Palm Tattoos & Body Piercings

Downtown Atlanta

I’ve tattooed people with religious questions, spiritual fears, first-time nerves, and everything in between.

You can ask me anything.

You can talk through your doubts.

You can take your time.

And you’ll walk away with something meaningful — not sinful.

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