Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo tattoo sparks debate as he says no scripture forbids Christians from having tattoos
Founder of the David Christian Centre, Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, has defended his decision to get a tattoo, insisting that there is no biblical scripture that prohibits Christians from having tattoos.
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The cleric’s tattoo, bearing the inscription “3:16” in Roman numerals, sparked widespread debate on social media, with critics citing Leviticus 19:28 as justification for condemning the act.
Speaking during an interview on News Central, Okonkwo challenged his critics to provide scriptural or scientific evidence to support claims that tattoos are inherently sinful or morally damaging.
“There’s no scripture that says a child of God cannot have a tattoo,” the pastor said, adding that many objections were based on personal preferences, church traditions, or individual convictions rather than biblical doctrine.
Okonkwo criticised what he described as selective morality within Christian circles, noting that some of his critics wear makeup or undergo eyebrow tattooing and microblading, which he argued are also forms of tattoos.
He said the focus of Christianity should be on understanding Christ and God’s word, rather than imposing personal convictions on others or policing outward appearances.
The pastor further argued that tattoos are often unfairly associated with bad character, stressing that moral behaviour is not determined by body art.
He said he could identify several individuals with tattoos who live upright and exemplary lives.
Drawing parallels with other cultural shifts within the church, Okonkwo recalled periods when wearing jeans, earrings, makeup, or uncovered hair was considered sinful in many congregations.
According to him, the church’s tendency to avoid anything perceived as questionable has often resulted in withdrawal from important spaces, including politics and public life, leaving those areas dominated by individuals the church later criticises.
In a separate TikTok video, Okonkwo addressed critics directly, accusing them of hypocrisy and historical ignorance about how Christian practices in Nigeria have evolved over time.
He warned that rigid thinking and moral absolutism could hinder social development, arguing that faith should encourage discernment rather than fear-driven restrictions.
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The debate has continued to generate mixed reactions online, reigniting broader conversations about personal liberty, doctrine, and evolving expressions of faith within Nigerian Christianity.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
