Did you ever wonder how the Church handles prospective missionaries who have tattoos? Here is the answer with a real story:
Name: Jonathan
Country:
Comments: I have been a life-long member, served a mission and married with kids. I don't see any difference between someone getting a tattoo and getting plastic surgery or breast implants. All these things are only done for personal reasons. Someone here suggested that they should include tattoos/piercings on the temple recommend interview... Well why not ask if members have gotten breast augmentations or permanent makeup as well? This is a personal choice and should be left at that.
This is one of those things that I've already told my children I don't want to ever see them have because it would be better that they don't show me so I won't be heart broken over their life long tattoos.
Hey Funmom you know that tattoos can be removed by lasers right? If they were to give you a broken heart they can always get it removed later so its not life long. By the way as members of the church I don't think we should be having tattoos either. Our body is a temple and just like we don't want graffiti on one of our temples then we shouldn't want it on our bodies either.
Name: Teancum
Country:
Comments: Honestly, I see tattoos as art and once you don't go overboard its just a part of who you are. Members fuss about every little thing we should / shouldn't be doing and at the same time abuse each other and say unkind things... But on no, how dare you get a tattoo that is of the devil.
Name: Meagan
Country:
Title: Tattoo
Comments: In my opinion, it all comes down to personal choice. Reading these threads on how people should be ashamed of getting tattoos and should not be allowed in the temple makes me sick. Who are you to judge and say this?
I'm LDS and I want a tattoo. Some people get tattoos in remembrance of those they love [like I will for my dad who passed] or lost. I'm a good person and I know people who have tattoos and they're some of the greatest people I know. I also know LDS people and they at times can be the most stuck up, rude people ever.
I know God isn't going to hate me and my whole persona isn't going to change because I get something so meaningful to me. Something I know I won't regret. I find it funny how those w/o tattoo judge those with. I've never seen a tattooed person judge and ask "Why don't they have tattoos?!"
Also, ask yourself this -What's the difference between a tattoo and permanent makeup? I find some LDS women getting makeup that won't ever come off. I don't see people getting on their case.
I can see the point of restricting certain people from being active representatives of an organization. The military and many private organizations do the same thing. The reality is, if you get a tattoo, it may restrict you from doing certain things in life. If that is worth it to you, then go ahead.
Tattoos are more accepted now than they were a few decades ago and that will probably increase as time goes on, but that is how it is now.