Can You Become Amish if You Have Tattoos?

Tattoos have become a common way people express themselves, telling stories on their skin that reflect personal journeys, beliefs, and memories. But what happens when someone with tattoos feels drawn to the quiet, simple life of the Amish, a community known for its traditional values and distinctive way of living? Can someone with tattoos really become Amish, or would those marks stand in the way of joining a society that values humility and simplicity? This question touches on deeper ideas about identity, acceptance, and the meaning of faith within the Amish world.

Key Takeaways:

• You generally cannot become Amish if you have tattoos, because their religious beliefs emphasize humility, simplicity, and avoiding worldly customs.
• Amish society considers tattoos as vanity and worldly, which are highly prohibited in the Amish culture.

In this article, we’ll explore how the Amish view tattoos, what it means to join their community, and whether having tattoos affects that path.

Can You Become Amish if You Have Tattoos?

The answer isn’t simple. Generally, tattooed people aren’t accepted, especially in conservative Amish groups like the Swartzentruber, Schwartz, and Nebraska Amish. However, the Old Order Amish—found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and parts of Canada—are known to be more open to outsiders.

If someone with tattoos wants to join the Amish, they might have better luck with less conservative groups like the New Order Amish in Holmes County, Ohio. While all Amish share core religious beliefs, some subgroups are more progressive and willing to adapt. This means a person with tattoos may need to take extra steps depending on the community they wish to join.

Why Are Tattoos Forbidden for Amish?

The Amish community does not allow tattoos, as body modification goes against their values of simplicity, humility, and separation from worldly trends. 

The Central Biblical Passage

The primary theological basis for the Amish prohibition on tattoos stems from a literal interpretation of Leviticus 19:28, which states, “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.” The Amish community views this passage not as a command limited to ancient rituals. But as a timeless and universal directive from God against any form of permanent body marking. 

The Body as a Temple

Amish beliefs hold that the human body is a sacred creation, a “temple of the Holy Spirit,” and an earthly vessel designed by God. Tattoos are therefore seen as a form of defacing or desecrating this holy vessel. The act of permanently altering one’s skin is considered a sign of disrespect to the creator and a disregard for the sacredness of His design. 

Humility (Demut) vs. Pride (Hochmut)

At the core of Amish culture is the central value of humility (Demut). It stands in stark contrast to pride (Hochmut). Tattoos are perceived as a blatant expression of Hochmut—an act of self-expression that draws attention to the individual rather than the community or God. Since getting inked is a sign of vanity, a part of the modern world, and is mentioned in the holy book, it is seen as one of the biggest sins an Amish person can commit. Even the idea of having one is frowned upon within any Amish community. Therefore, getting one is strictly forbidden.

How Do Tattooed People Join the Amish Community?

Over the years, many outsiders who are used to modern American culture have attempted to become Amish for many reasons.

Anyone who has permanent tats and is serious about joining the simple life of the Amish must do the following:

Repent for Getting Tattoos

Since the Amish consider this type of body art a sin, repentance is the first step to forgiveness. For the Amish, repenting for sins makes it possible for sinners to grow and develop spiritually and get closer to God again.

Have the Tattoo Covered at All Times

If the ink can be concealed with clothing, the interested joiner must always cover it. Under any circumstances, the mark on the skin shouldn’t be seen by anyone.

Get the Tattoos Removed

Tattoo removal is technically possible, but the Amish views on surgery and body modification are very conservative. Many Amish communities reject plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures, which may include tattoo removal.

Attend Instruction Classes and Church Services

If accepted, the new member must attend instruction classes and regular church services. They must also learn Pennsylvania Dutch and German, follow all Amish rules, and give up worldly possessions. The community will closely watch to see if he truly embraces the Amish way of life and faith.

You might be interested in exploring if Amish people can look at mirrors.

Conclusion

The Amish way of life is committing to every word from God. For all Amish community members, these strict rules help them escape temptations and sins that may cause possible detachment from their church, community, and faith.

As people would always say, avoiding temptations is more effortless than resisting. The Amish have already established this by taking vanity and worldliness off their menu. By dressing modestly, not wearing any jewelry, and avoiding tattoos, they are confident they’re on the right track to keeping themselves close to God all the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the Amish allow any form of body art or piercings?

No, the Amish do not allow body art, including tattoos or piercings. Their Ordnung (church rules) emphasizes modesty, humility, and separation from worldly fashion. 

Can an Amish person leave the church if they want a tattoo?

Yes, an Amish person can choose to leave the church if they want a tattoo. But doing so has serious consequences. Leaving the church means breaking vows made during baptism, which can lead to shunning by family and the community. 

Are there differences between Amish and Mennonites when it comes to tattoos?

Yes, there are differences. While traditional Mennonites, like the Amish, generally discourage tattoos, more modern or progressive Mennonite groups may be more lenient. Acceptance largely depends on how conservative the group is. 

How do the Amish view outsiders with tattoos?

The Amish do not judge outsiders harshly for having tattoos. But they see them as a reflection of worldly values rather than godly ones. If someone with tattoos wishes to join the Amish, they are expected to cover their body art and not display it openly.