Tattooing and Body Piercing
Overview
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).
Related Topics
Scriptures
Prophets and Church Leaders
Leader Messages
Videos
“Tattoos”
Learning Resources
Church Magazines
David A. Bednar, “Ye Are the Temple of God,” Ensign, September 2001
David A. Burton, “Is there anything wrong with getting a tattoo or body piercing?” Ensign, February 1999
“Q&A: Questions and Answers,” New Era, March 2006