Religious Cross Tattoos

Are Christian Tattoos Allowed?

Crosses are a highly recognized symbol of Christianity, and many people choose religious cross tattoos instead of choosing symbols which do not necessarily have the same personal significance. For some people, cross tattoos are the only tattoos they will ever get because they only want to proclaim their faith through ink.

Some Christians worry that tattoos might be contrary to the teachings of the Bible. Although there is a verse within the Bible which urges people to avoid tattoos and any other marks on the body, this verse falls within the Old Testament and therefore is disregarded by some Christians.

Another assumption of many denominations is that tattoos oppose the Christian ideal of the body being a temple for the Lord, whether or not the tattoo is a tribute to faith. Christians should explore their own faith and beliefs prior to obtaining a permanent tattoo, because while some denominations highly discourage tattoos there are other denominations that have no problem with tattoos whatsoever.

Designs for Religious Cross Tattoos

If you are searching for designs for cross tattoos you will soon discover that it’s a highly popular symbol for tattoos and the only problem you may have is choosing your favorite design among the vast selection offered by your tattoo artist or through other sources. You have a few options when choosing a tattoo cross design:

• Find a cross design you like in a magazine, book, or online.
• Search for an appropriate cross design at the tattoo studio.
• Draw the design yourself.

The important thing is to make sure you spend some time researching cross designs before you walk into the tattoo studio. You might be able to find the design you want right at the studio, but going in with a good idea of what you want is preferable to waltzing in with no idea whatsoever.

Cross Design Variations

The word “cross” means different things to different people, and for this reason you need to be as specific as possible when requesting a cross tattoo. Perhaps you’re Catholic and you’re envisioning a crucifix tattoo, but the tattoo artist has done so many Celtic cross that it’s the first image that comes to his or her mind. If you want a simple cross, specify it. If you want a crucifix, say so. If a Celtic cross is what you’re looking for, be sure to share this with the tattoo artist.

You can avoid many potential problems by arriving at the tattoo studio with a printed image of the cross you want.

Think Color

A cross tattoo does not necessarily have to be a simple or bland tattoo. Although simple cross tattoos are sufficient for many people, you may want to consider adding some color or additional flare to the tattoo. Don’t think that just because you want a tattoo with a simple design that it excludes you from making the design your own. A cross tattoo can be religious while also demonstrating your own style.

Buyer’s Remorse

Since a religious cross tattoo is usually meant as an acknowledgment of faith, many people choose a specific design after a great deal of thought and research. When you arrive at the tattoo studio you should be sure to explain to the artist that you have already chosen a design and you do not want to deviate from your selection. Remember that many tattoo artists want to do work that showcases their talent and while a simple cross tattoo is nice, some artists would much rather draw something a little more ornate and complicated. Be on guard to not allow yourself to get talked into a larger or more complicated cross tattoo than you originally hoped to get. You don’t want to walk out of the tattoo studio with a permanent tattoo that isn’t what you wanted.