Latter-day prophets strongly discourage the tattooing of the body. Those who disregard this counsel show a lack of respect for themselves and for God. The Apostle Paul taught of the significance of our bodies and the danger of purposefully defiling them: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are” (
Additional Information
Those who have a tattoo wear a constant reminder of a mistake they have made. They might consider having it removed.
See also Body Piercing
—See True to the Faith (2004), 167
Church Magazine Articles
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Many fads are fairly harmless. But this one leaves people marked—or mutilated—for life.
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“A Prophet’s Counsel and Prayer for Youth”
Text of a talk given to youth and young single adults on 12 November 2000 at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City and broadcast by satellite throughout the Church.
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““Great Shall Be the Peace of Thy Children””
In terms of your happiness, in terms of the matters that make you proud or sad, nothing—I repeat, nothing—will have so profound an effect on you as the way your children turn out.
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Questions of general interest answered for guidance, not as official statements of Church policy.
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Answers are intended for help and perspective, not as pronouncements of Church doctrine.
Additional Study Materials
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"Dress and Appearance"
For the Strength of Youth, 14
