Maybe it’s just the algorithm that is being fed to me, but recently I feel as though I am being bombarded by videos and posts and podcasts of Latter-day Saints sharing the stories of their tattoos and an implication that somehow tattoos are now approved by the Church.
The purpose of this article is to help support anyone who might be feeling confused on the topic and encourage people to not fall for the false philosophy that somehow tattoos are now a higher and holier form of worship. At the same time, with the growth of the church I realize that many are coming into the fold who in the past had tattoos, and I don’t want anyone feeling judged for past behavior.
On the gospel topics section of the LDS Library, there used to be more specific guidelines on tattoos and body piercings, but now it just says the following:
Our bodies are a gift from God, a blessing we received because we were righteous in the premortal life (see Abraham 3:26). The scriptures compare the body to a temple of God (see 1 Corinthians 6:19–20), and we should respect our bodies as we would a temple. President Russell M. Nelson has said:
“I stand in awe of the miracle of the human body. It is a magnificent creation, essential to our gradual ascent toward our ultimate divine potential. We cannot progress without it. In giving us the gift of a body, God has allowed us to take a vital step toward becoming more like Him. …
“Your body is your personal temple, created to house your eternal spirit. Your care of that temple is important” (“We Can Do Better and Be Better,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 68).
As you see, it’s just a general principle with no specific direction given. What I do find interesting, however, is this page still has the following video, which is very clear and leaves very little room for personal interpretation.
I uploaded the video to the Called to Share channel for easier access. Play the video below to hear President Hinckley’s counsel.
One way to view discussions like these that I find helpful is to consider asking the question a different way. Is getting a tattoo a telestial, terrestrial, or a celestial choice? I saw a recent poll on social media that asked that same question and, to be honest, I was pleasantly surprised with the results.
Getting a tattoo is a…
— Mingled with Scripture 📘 (@MingledWith) June 24, 2025
If our goal is to become more and more like our Father in Heaven each day, for me it makes reason stare to suggest that He would have a body that is tattooed. If I am wrong on this one, I guess time will tell and I will admit that.
Another way I like to phrase things in my mind whenever making decisions about what things are appropriate or not is by asking myself this question, which is often helpful: Has a prophet ever counseled you TO do the specific thing you are wondering about? Has a prophet ever counseled us TO get tattoos?
One thing I have learned over the years is that while all commandments are spiritual in nature, they also all have a physical element of protection. When we don’t follow commandments, standards, or guidelines, we end up subjecting ourselves to a higher probability of physical harm. For example, I asked AI to generate a list of possible risks and side effects from getting a tattoo. This is what the results were.
Getting a tattoo involves some risks and potential side effects, including:
- Infection: Unsterile equipment or improper aftercare can lead to bacterial infections, causing redness, swelling, or pus.
- Allergic Reactions: Tattoo ink, especially red, yellow, or green, may trigger allergic skin reactions like rashes or itching.
- Skin Reactions: Scarring, keloids (raised scars), or granulomas (small bumps around ink) can form.
- Pain and Swelling: Temporary pain, swelling, or bruising at the tattoo site is common.
- Ink Fading or Spreading: Over time, ink may fade, blur, or spread, affecting the tattoo’s appearance.
- MRI Complications: Rarely, tattoo ink can interfere with MRI scans, causing discomfort or image distortion.
- Disease Transmission: Unhygienic practices can transmit bloodborne diseases like hepatitis B or C.
- Regret or Removal Issues: Tattoos are permanent, and removal (via laser) can be costly, painful, and may leave scars or discoloration.
I hope this small article was helpful to anyone potentially considering a tattoo but also to those who might be confused as it appears that certain members are implying that tattoos are now condoned by the Church. Also, feel free to read the comment below. There are some amazing perspectives, like this one:
“As a Polynesian, 100% agree with you, Ben. When you make covenants with God, we are called to live the higher law and leave old things behind. While my ancestors were well meaning in their tattooing and I hold no ill will towards any of my brothers or sisters (Polynesian or otherwise) for having them, I know God has asked me to live a more consecrated life. My ancestors on the other side are happy to see me living with the Gospel knowledge they did not have. A prophet’s job is to teach and invite us to live a Celestial life, even if that means leaving old traditions behind. I love your compassion for other cultures and people, John. At the same time, it’s ok to teach people a Higher and Holier way.”
You might also enjoy reading this article > Tattoos in the Temple
Hey Mark, thanks for the comment. The issue is not with people who have a different level of obedience. The issue is people declaring it as a higher and holier way when it is not.
Happy to have all come as they are. Jesus was as well. But he called people to live a better way with His help and His standards.
Our youth are being bombarded with messages about “living your truth” and “it doesn’t matter what I do as long as you love Jesus” and I’m simply declaring the message that standards and words of the prophets are still relevant.
I’m sorry you can’t let go of the tattoo theme. It really seems to bother you. Your ‘Sloppier and Lower Way’ article reiterates your dislike and judgmental attitude. Have you ever thought to ask people why they have them without making them feel judged? The same with members that buy sodas on Sunday, or any other activity that doesn’t meet your level of obedience. I remember a quote by Elder Uchtdorf in essence saying our unity in our faith is not that we are all standing in the same place, but that we are facing the same direction, toward Jesus. I have too many beams in my eyes to point out the motes in other’s. You need to read the book ‘Come As You Are” by Sam Norton.
I was there at the devotional when he spoke and the lightening that pierced my heart did more for me than anything than anyone will ever say or do to try and convince me to get tattoos or piercings. I know what I felt in my heart and what the Spirit revealed.
@Mark, dead on. Thank you. I am dismayed and amazed at what women of the church are doing to their bodies and faces to appear younger , slimmer, fuller lipped, fuller breasted and enough with the punishing fasting and mile long runs after children!!! How did we get here? Would LOVE a general conference talk on plastic sugery… wait… maybe it might get awkward….
@John,
It is absolutely our place to judge what others deem sacred, so long as those things deemed sacred are against the laws of Almighty God (Moroni 7:11-18, John 7:24 JST, Matthew 7:1-5 JST, and D&C 11:12). We must not judge according to tradition (John 7:24 JST), hypocritically (Matthew 7:1-5 JST; Romans 2:1), or rashly (Mormon 8:19-20). Leviticus 19:28 says “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.” The tattoo rule has basis in the Bible. Now, I do not think any convert who got tattoos before joining the Church should ever be considered less-than. Converts are the lifeblood of the Church. I don’t care if a convert is covered in tattoos, has a split tongue, and sharpened teeth – they are a convert and what they did before is no longer relevant once they are washed clean in baptism. They ought to be treated the same as the most clean-cut member. Non-members typically do not know better when it comes to things like this, so they are entitled to mercy. Where judgement is necessary, however, is for those members who willfully rebel and break these kinds of commandments. If members don’t like the consequences that come with breaking God’s laws, then they need to stop doing so.
I appreciate your comment. I means a lot more coming from you than from me!
@Ben Arkell, as a Polynesian, 100% agree with you Ben. When you make covenants with God, we are called to live the higher law and leave old things behind. While my ancestors were well meaning in their tattooing and I hold no ill will towards any of my brothers or sisters (Polynesian or otherwise) for having them, I know God has asked me to live a more consecrated life. My ancestors on the other side are happy to see me living with the Gospel knowledge they did not have. A prophets job is to teach and invite us to live a Celestial life, even if that means leaving old traditions behind. I love your compassion for other cultures and people, John. At the same time, it’s ok to teach people a Higher and Holier way.
I’m willing to strain at that gnat in another article. :)
Love the thoughts, thanks John. With regards to this statement > “In some Polynesian cultures tattoos are sacred and it is not our place to judge what others deem as sacred.” I believe it is the job of the brethren to encourage people to follow the gospel of Jesus Christ. There have been many talks given in general conference about when culture and the teaching of Jesus Christ aren’t in alignment.
This is an issue close to my heart as I served among an indigenous tribe that had many false traditions of their fathers. One was that they had to drink their “chicha fuerte” to get to heaven. This drink made them intoxicated and led to many issues, like family abuse. Is it the prophets place to judge that tradition is wrong when they deem it sacred? Absolutely.
The updated pamphlet “For the Strength of Youth” in the section: “Your body is sacred” says the following in the Q&A at the bottom:
“What is the Lord’s standard on dress, grooming, tattoos, and piercings? The Lord’s standard is for you to honor the sacredness of your body, even when that means being different from the world. Let this truth and the Spirit be your guide as you make decisions—especially decisions that have lasting effects on your body. Be wise and faithful, and seek counsel from your parents and leaders.”
My understanding is that the change in the wording of this policy is two fold:
1. To encourage people to seek answers in a higher, holier way instead of being commanded in all things. This allows people to grow through their proper use of their agency into higher, holier beings.
2. To accommodate a world-wide religion which encompasses people who come from different cultures who see tattoos differently than the typical Western tradition. In some Polynesian cultures tattoos are sacred and it is not our place to judge what others deem as sacred.
It’s too easy to look horizontally and argue about WHO is right. This contention is not of God and motivated by pride. What matters more is looking vertically to God and ask WHAT is right. In so doing we humble ourselves and allow others to determine what kind of relationship they desire to have with God themselves.
I think the training wheels are coming off and we are being taught higher laws and God is expecting us to not be told how to live telestial laws/ terrestrial laws.
The older I get, the more I realize that commandments and standards have huge physical benefits and temporal protection.
Thanks for your comment, and it helped me realize I had a blind spot in the article. I tried to make it clear that I am not passing judgment on any who have a tattoo from limited understanding in the past, but that this is counsel for those who are considering getting one or just don’t know the church’s stance.
Interestingly we have no guidance regarding unessential cosmetic surgery, such as breast implants, facial injections and so on. These procedures carry the same (and sometimes worse) risks as tattoos. Are there also spiritual implications? Is a breast enlargement Celestial? Seems that if we strain at one gnat we should also strain at any and all other gnats. I have no tattoos or body augmentations, by the way
I sure wish a current apostle would reiterate President Hinckley’s counsel. We must be forgiving and accepting of those who join the church already tattooed, as they didn’t know better and have now been washed clean of their previous sins. But we must be clear that it is wrong for covenant people to get tattoos. It is not appropriate to stain our bodies with “art”. Art is for displaying on the walls of our homes, not our bodies.
The world of Satan is strong, so the Lord’s Kingdom must be more resolute than ever and fight back against following the ways of Babylon. We are supposed to look and act differently from the world, to be a peculiar people!
The AI left out some of the most significant issues with tattoos. The big C. Tattoo ink is not just correlated but now fully understood to be causative for cancer. It’s a know carcinogen- please don’t put it in your body. To make matters worse, when an individual gets tattoos across the spine, the ink is actually seen in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which means it can also cross the blood brain barrier into the actual brain tissue. So now there is the question being considered (no research done or funded yet) to see whether or not dementia and Alzheimer’s could also be linked with tattoo ink being deposited in the brain. Tattoo ink collects in the lymph system (yay lymph nodes doing their job) but this can be indicative of lymphedema as well.
I am a convert to the church and I had tattoos before I joined. I haven’t had any more since I became a member, I haven’t been judged for having them by anyone but I do know that some people have been judged by members. Sometimes I think new converts do struggle with the judgment and it puts them off going to church I think that’s wrong as they had them before coming to church and been baptised. I would never have another one as I know that my body is a temple given to me by God.