That is part of the Law of Moses, which was fulfilled in Christ.

Everything from the Law of Moses that is still in effect is only clearly so told by Christ in the New Testament and every prophet since then (from the remaining apostles of that era to Latter-day prophets) by official revelation. Official revelation must be accepted unanimously by the Council of the Twelve, and then in General Conference.

Thus, this particular scripture from Leviticus does not currently apply.

Are you really comparing getting tattoos to slapping your mom? That is a horrible thing to say to a person who clearly has heeded the prophets counsel to not get more tattoos. The poster simply stated that the life he (assuming male by the handle) lived prior to to joining the church allowed for tattoos, but now that he’s a member, he won’t be getting any more. Most people outside of the church don’t consider tattoos a horrible thing, however, most would agree that slapping your mom IS a horrible thing. One is an expression of art and the other is bordering on criminal. It’s judgemental members that make the church look bad and make people hesitant to join. As a lifelong member, I want to embrace my tattooed brothers and sisters and welcome them into the church. I understand that your life prior to the church was different than mine, and that’s fine. The choices you have made have led you to this point in your life. We are all children of God and He loves us unconditionally, and even though I struggle, I try to do the same.

(note: it’s not explicitly stated anywhere in official church doctrine that getting a tattoo is a “sin”. This falls into the same category as rated R movies… The prophets advise against them, but it is not doctrine that we can’t see them)

When we see people with tattoos, drug addicts, alcoholics, gang members, etc who are in need of Jesus Christ; and the Holy Spirit tells us to (go!) we should listen, but most of all we should see an opportunity given by God to minister to them that society refuse to accept due to their personal mistakes/decisions. Let us all remember that (we) at one point or the other have done wrong/sin here on earth; or have we all forgotten that we’re all sinners. Let us not be whitewash tombs (Matthew 23:27) yet I respect those who choose not to be tattooed out and most of all I respect when their/our actions truly reflects that we are followers of Jesus Christ.

I send my Love to all, and May the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Enlighten us all to make the right decisions while here on earth for we’ll shall be accounted for every single word, thoughts and actions; and may the Lord forgive me if what I written is wrong.

The experiences you had that led to tattoos didn’t lead you to the church. God led you to the church in spite of your experiences. Not sure what the purpose of your post is. I’m thinking it’s an attempt to convince yourself that what you did was OK. Well, it wasn’t OK. No more so than if i slapped my mom before i was baptized. Now what you could say, and something that would be far more helpful on the world wide web would be something like this: “I regret that fact that i ever got tattoos especially after becoming a Christian and realizing what God has to say on the matter. But i have since repented and although i know God has truly forgiven me, walking around with permanent reminders of past sins is not something i like and it’s one reason i would never recommend anyone ever get a tattoo”.

OK, now I see what you’re getting at, sorry for the previous comment. I’d still have to go with a Prophet of God.

I’m not sure what you’re stating here. Perhaps you replied to the wrong comment by mistake.

How about a person who has been there and done that and has learned their lessons?

I guess I didn’t make myself clear. I make certain leaps in my logic and assume people can read my mind. I was born in the church and baptized at age 8. Got my tattoos between age 17 and 50, when inactive. You should be able to figure it out yourself. Either you understand or you don’t. Quoting prophets seems to be an easy way out of thinking, for too many members. I didn’t feel one short little answer and a quotation fully answered the question and was an easy way to answer this question. Just because it is easy doesn’t make it right. My answer would be…If the person writing in is fully converted and truly has the Spirit, then they will not want or desire to have a tattoo or piercing. (Ask Al Fox. I believe she has the same answer.) If they go ahead and get one anyway, then they aren’t truly converted and/or are lacking the Spirit. Though I don’t hold the Priesthood I would strongly suspect that if a person is known to be actively getting tattoos and is a member then they would probably not be considered for various callings or granted a recommend. If you are the person writing in this question I would ask you what was more important, the tattoos or your eternal relationship with the Lord. I still stand by my original post.