Well "objective" is always subjective -- but here is what the bible says on the topic.
Significantly the mosaic law (the law that God gave the nation of
Israel through Moses) forbade God's people to tattoo themselves.
Leviticus 19:28 says : "You must not put tattoo marking upon
yourselves."
Tattoos, at the time, were associated with pagan nations, such as the
Egyptians who tattooed names and symbols of thier false gods on thier
bodies. God's law allowed the Israelites to stand apart from
these pagan nations. Deuteronomy 14:2 identifies the Israelites as a
holy special people to God and therefore would need that distinction.
Today, thanks to Christ's sacrifice, we are no longer under compulsion
to follow the Mosiac Law. Which is why we don't slaughter bulls
and calves in the backyard everyday as an atonement sacrifice.
However, even though we are not under that law, the fact that God made
a special mention of it and forbade it, is a sobering thought.
To be sure, as a christian we would never even consider putting
markings on our bodies that smacked of false worship, or paganism.
So where does that leave us.
There are several considerations that we need to look at.
1. The health risks.
There is a ton of information online concerning this so I will not go
into too much detail, other then to say that infection, allergic
reactions, etc. etc.
If you change your mind the process of removal is expensive and and
more painful then the original process of getting the tattoo.
Due to the obvious health risks involved, would it be showing proper
respect for your body and life, to submit it to this type of
unnessecary damage.
2. How will others view your tattoo?
Many will react negativally to your tattoo. It may also affect thier conscience adversly. (1 Corinthians 14:29-33).
Would your choice in getting a tattoo enhance or detract from your
claim of being christian ? While it is true that some tattoos are
hidden from plain sight, the principle still applies.
Ultimately tattoos are way too permanent to have if you are not 100%
sure that it is what you want. Fads come and go, a tattoo that looks
cool or in style right now may not in a few years. Then
what? Imagine if you were forced to wear bell bottoms for
the rest of your life, because you thought they were cool in the 70's.
I hope this information helps you.
