Tattoos have long been a subject of debate within Christian circles, with perspectives ranging from total condemnation to cautious acceptance. In a recent episode of the Demon Slayer podcast, featuring Christian leaders Mike Signorelli, Vlad Savchuk, Isaiah Saldivar and Alexander Pagani, the hosts tackled the divisive topic with an eye toward Scripture, personal conviction and pastoral responsibility.
Diverse Views on Tattoos
The podcast opens with Signorelli sharing his personal journey with tattoos, emphasizing that while he doesn’t see tattoos as inherently sinful, their implications require discernment.
“I have a sleeve of tattoos,” Signorelli admitted. “It was another season of my life when I got them, and…it comes down to a wisdom issue.” He explained that tattoos could have cultural or spiritual baggage, such as connections to pagan practices or even grief rituals that “trap you in a cycle of grief.”
Similarly, Saldivar reflected on his personal conviction against tattoos, which he attributes to a direct prompting from God. “The Lord told me if you get tattoos and one person won’t listen to you because of your tattoos, I don’t want you to get them,” he says, stressing that while tattoos aren’t explicitly condemned in the New Testament, they can hinder ministry.
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For Pagani, the issue lies in pastoral responsibility. “I think we might be held to a higher level of discipline,” he said. “So even if I could get a tattoo, I won’t get a tattoo simply because of it could give the wrong message to those who are following me,” noting that a leader’s choices often influence those they shepherd. Signorelli agreed with Pagani’s warning to leaders using tattoos as a way to appear relatable, calling it “peacocking” and emphasizing the importance of authenticity over outward appearances.
Vlad Savchuk’s Six Questions on Tattoos
Savchuk took a pragmatic approach, offering six questions for anyone considering a tattoo:
- Motive: “Are you doing it to rebel against your parents or follow a trend?”
- Modesty: “Are we directing people’s thoughts toward God or drawing attention to ourselves?”
- Marketability: “Some places won’t hire you if you have a tattoo you can’t hide.”
- Message: “What kind of message are we sending through this tattoo? Is it a gospel message or something else?”
- Money: “Is this the best use of our money? Tattoo removal is more expensive and painful than getting one.”
- Medical Concerns: “Tattoo parlors aren’t medical clinics. You’re exposing your blood to unknown bacteria, and it could lead to infections or diseases like hepatitis.”
These questions, Savchuk explained, aren’t meant to be legalistic but rather to encourage thoughtful reflection.
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Tattoos and the Christian Life
The hosts agreed on one key point: tattoos should not be a source of shame for Christians who have them. Signorelli, who often preaches in long sleeves to avoid controversy, said, “Please don’t believe that you have to walk into church with your head down low…I can’t increase the power of the Gospel by not having tattoos, but I also can’t increase the power of the Gospel by having tattoos.”
Saldivar echoed this sentiment, urging listeners to avoid judgment. “Tattoos might not be a sin, but because I’m convicted that they are for me personally…Paul said if you’re convicted about something and think it’s sin, it becomes sin for you.”
A Call for Wisdom and Grace
The Demon Slayer podcast highlights the complexity of the tattoo debate within Christianity. While some view tattoos as a potential stumbling block, others see them as a non-essential issue. Regardless of where one stands, the speakers emphasized wisdom, personal conviction, and grace.
For Christians contemplating a tattoo, ensure that you pray about it, seek God’s guidance and consider the implications. And for those who already have tattoos—perhaps as a relic of a different chapter in life—there is no place for condemnation. People grow, change and often regret decisions made in the past. As the hosts demonstrated, the Christian community is called to extend love and understanding, focusing on the heart rather than outward appearances.
In the end, tattoos are just one of many choices where faith and culture intersect. And as with all things, discernment and grace remain paramount.
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
Abby Trivett 
