If you’re considering becoming Amish, you may be wondering if you can still join the community if you have tattoos. The answer is maybe.
Mostly it’s going to be a NO, but it depends on the Amish community you’re looking to join and how they feel about tattoos.
Some Amish communities may be more accepting of tattoos than others, so it’s worth doing your research before making any decisions.
Unfortunately, a lot of Amish communities would refuse outsiders with tattoos, unless you can either keep them covered all the time and repent for it, or get it permanently removed.
In this post, I’ll go through everything you need to know about whether can you become Amish if you have tattoos along with some FAQs.
The Amish And Their Views On Tattoos
The Amish are a religious group that originated in 16th century Switzerland and fast forward a few centuries, there are a lot of Amish communities all over the world, including in the US, Canada, and Europe.
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The Amish are known for their simple lifestyle and their rejection of modern conveniences. If you want to become Amish, you must be willing to give up your previous life and commit to following the Amish way of life.
The Amish have very strict views on tattoos. They do not believe that tattoos are a form of self-expression.
They believe that the body is a temple of god and that it should not be defiled with ink. Tattoos are seen as a form of self-mutilation and rebellion against god and are strictly forbidden.
The Amish are not the only Christian group to have this belief. Many other Christian groups like Mennonites also believe that the body is a temple and tattoos are seen as a form of self-mutilation.
Can You Become Amish If You Have Tattoos?
No. You cannot become Amish if you have tattoos.
However, some Amish communities are more accepting of tattoos than others and would allow you to join, but you will probably have to keep your tattoo covered at all times. If by any chance the tattoo is in a place that cannot be covered, you are out of luck.
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This would leave you with the only choice of getting your tattoos removed. Due to the advancement in technology in this century, tattoo removal is more effective but is expensive.
If you want to become Amish and if the community rejects you, tattoo removal would be the only way.
Are There Any Amish With Tattoos?
I am not sure about this, but there are probably Amish people with tattoos covered up.
As I said, if the tattoo can be covered at all times, the community might accept people with tattoos and ask them to keep it covered and repent.
If you are wondering if there are people who get tattoos AFTER becoming Amish, the answer is NO. The Amish forbids members from getting tattoos, as well as from engaging in other types of body modification, such as piercings.
And if an Amish person were to get a tattoo, they would likely be shunned by their community. The Amish practice shunning, which is a form of social ostracism, as a way to enforce their rules and beliefs.
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Shunning can be a very painful experience for those who are shunned, as it involves being cut off from family, friends, and community.
FAQs
How Do The Amish View Tattoos Today?
How Do The Amish Feel About People With Tattoos?
Can Mennonites have Tattoos?
Generally, traditional Mennonite communities discourage tattoos as they are seen as a form of self-expression that is contrary to the teachings of modesty and humility.
The Mennonite faith emphasizes simplicity in lifestyle and appearance, and getting a tattoo may be viewed as drawing unnecessary attention to oneself, which is discouraged in their doctrine.
Do Mennonites Accept Outsiders?
Mennonites generally adopt a welcoming attitude toward outsiders, guided by principles of community and compassion that are central to their faith.
They are known for their hospitality and willingness to engage with those who are not part of their religious community.
This openness, however, is balanced with a commitment to preserving their cultural and religious practices, which can sometimes appear as a preference for social insularity.
Nonetheless, genuine interest and respect for their values can foster meaningful connections between Mennonites and outsiders.
Conclusion
Many Amish people feel that getting a tattoo dishonors the body and goes against their religious beliefs.
Furthermore, the Amish value simplicity and modesty, and tattoos are often seen as flashy and ostentatious.
The Amish church does not have an official stance on tattoos, but it is generally frowned upon within the community.
Amish people who have tattoos (if any) must keep them covered and hidden at all times, as they are seen as a mark of rebellion against god.
The good news is if your tattoo is in some place that could easily be covered you might have a slim chance of becoming Amish, if not you would have to remove the tattoo.
If you are interested in becoming Amish, it is best to talk with your local Amish community about their specific views on tattoos.