IS BODY PIERCING A SIN?

It is impossible to give a definitive answer to this question. It will ultimately depend on the individual's belief system and interpretation of different teachings and guidance.

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The main things to consider are:

• Religion: The rules around body piercing vary depending on the religious beliefs of the individual.

• Gender: According to some religions, body piercing for a male is not allowed, whereas body piercing for a female is acceptable.

• Piercing location: It is probably easier to validate a belly button piercing, for example, as something that adds to the body's natural beauty rather than permanently marking your body. Piercings in other body parts may be more difficult to vindicate.

• Jewellery type: As well as the piercing itself, the jewellery used must be carefully considered. Anything directly linked to a subculture, for example, may be viewed as a sin. Of course, anything blasphemous can be instantly ruled out.

• Piercing size: Even when looking at earlobe piercings, some religions and cultures will see a clear difference between a subtle stud piercing and ear-stretching tunnels. Similarly, overdoing it with the number of piercings may be frowned upon.

For those who require a more detailed understanding of the arguments around whether body piercing is a sin or not, continue reading.

IS BODY PIERCING A SIN?

In short, it depends on who you ask. However, it is important to know whether body piercings are a conflict of interest, depending on an individual’s background.

Despite the fact that body piercing has been used on every habitable continent for centuries (and often millennia), it remains a contentious topic. In many circles, body piercings are grouped with tattoos as potentially problematic issues. Ear piercings are often viewed differently, which is why the vast majority of people who consider piercings start with the ears before moving on to other body parts.

There are typically two main reasons why body piercings are seen as contentious. Firstly, there are societal factors and the fact that many people still feel a conservative appearance is needed for employment and other settings. The other, and perhaps more important, issue is attributed to religious and cultural beliefs.

Where religious or cultural traditions are practised, understanding whether body piercing is a sin is vital for many reasons, such as:

• Confirm that body piercing aligns with the belief system.
• Avoid causing offence to family members.
• Prevent the threat of exclusion from sections within a community.
• Identify if other body modifications are against a belief system.
• Get a piercing with 100% confidence.

First, let us consider what a sin is.

    "Sin: an immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law."

Only by understanding what sin is can we really understand the question being asked: How are piercings perceived in different religions, are they allowed, and does it matter?

In this article, we will take a deeper look at different religions and teachings and how an individual's belief system could impact their decision to get body piercings.

IS BODY PIERCING A SIN IN CHRISTIANITY?

When considering body piercing as a practising Christian, it must first be recognised that Christianity can be broken down into many branches. Christianity in the UK is primarily divided into Anglicans, Roman Catholics, Presbyterians, Methodists, and Baptists.

It should be noted that the Bible does not directly state that body piercings are a sin. Therefore, it should be noted that any suggestion as to whether body piercings are permitted or prohibited under the guidance of God is largely up to interpretation.

What we do know for certain is that the proposition that all body modifications are forbidden is inaccurate. Ezekiel 16:12 highlights earrings as a gift from God to symbolise beauty, while it is also clear that earrings worn in the lobe were accessories used by Hebrew women.

However, those that argue body piercing is a sin will point to Leviticus 19:28: "You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves; I am the LORD." They will say that it is a literal command, but many others will argue that it is a figurative concept. Followers who are against body piercings will also state that partaking in lifestyle choices that are believed to be sinful, even if not specifically or objectively stated as such, is a form of self-fulfilling prophecy that ultimately makes it a sin.

Another common issue used to suggest body piercing is a sin revolves around the concept of treating the body as a temple. While it is clear that the body should be treated with respect and kindness, there is a lot of debate around whether body piercing markings constitute a disruptive modification. Some would say that all piercings detract from the body’s natural beauty, whereas others would say they add to it, much like the earrings and nose rings from the aforementioned passage of Ezekiel.

As far as using the Scriptures of the Bible as a direct reference to body piercings is concerned, personal opinions are essential. Furthermore, there is no real distinction between a man’s and a woman’s approach to piercings and adorning jewellery as a result.

Regardless of where you stand on whether body piercing is a sin as per the direct guidelines of the Bible, Christians will additionally need to consider the motive behind the piercing.

Even if there is some ambiguity regarding body piercings as a sin, far greater clarity is available when you think about the incentives. If you are getting a piercing due to peer pressure or to impress someone else, it will conflict with the Bible’s teachings. Similarly, while following a subculture is fine (assuming it isn’t another religion or blasphemous in any way), body piercings that are made in a bid to find your true self within the context of the group are ill-advised.

Perhaps one of the most noteworthy Bible verses to consider is Peter 3:3-4: “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment”, which then clarifies “it should be that of your inner self”. While it’s great that you want to look and feel your best, focusing on appearance without substance can be considered a sin. The Book of Peter also states that you should dress with humility. So, body piercings that draw sexualized attention to you will also be considered sinful.

Conversely, body piercings and jewellery pieces that celebrate Christian identities could be seen as supporting the notion of honouring the Glory of God.

Most Christians that want to get body piercings will subsequently need to ask themselves three questions for guidance. The answers should determine whether body piercing is the right choice;

• What is the purpose of the body piercing?
• Will the number of piercings be considered excessive?
• Does the specific piercing or jewellery directly contradict God’s word?

Even if it means changing the plans regarding the design, placement, or quantity of body jewellery, there is likely to be a suitable solution available.

Body piercing in Catholicism

There are noticeable differences in the teachings of Christianity’s different branches. For Catholics, there is no fixed position on body piercings, meaning they can not be considered inherently evil or immoral. The content and meaning behind the pieces are far more significant. Meanwhile, mutilation is prohibited, although this is primarily linked to the function of a body part. As long as the right considerations have been taken, it is usually OK.

Body piercing for Methodists

Outward holiness is something that often discourages Methodists from wearing any jewellery or fancy clothing. Ultimately, though, mainline Methodism is far less strict on this in today’s society. In short, most people who follow this branch of Christianity are usually OK with having body piercings without causing a negative reaction from their community.

Body piercing for Baptists

Followers of the Baptist Church are quite focused on modesty, while the idea that piercings are often primarily designed to impress others is another potential issue. However, there is no direct ban on piercings, particularly when they do not break the law of the land. If the intentions are right, it’s often permissible, although some subtlety may be required.

IS BODY PIERCING HARAM IN ISLAM?

Islam is the second-largest religion (if you exclude ‘no religion’) in the UK, and a growing number of adults convert to Islam after already getting piercings. This is fine, and those piercings can be used to wear adornments as long as they are not seen by non-mahrams and are only shown to her husband or mahrams in appropriate places.

Body piercing is not directly addressed as a universally prohibited activity and can also be embraced by practising Muslims. However, body piercing is haram for men because it is viewed as a form of mutilation (muthla), while beauty and adornment are seen as exclusive to women, meaning it is defined as an example of imitating women. Radd al-Muhtar, 6/420 states: "Piercing the ear in order to wear earrings is part of the adornment of women, and it is not permissible for males".

While body piercing is halal for women, it is important to appreciate some elements that make body piercing haram. Firstly, piercings are considered haram if they are likely to cause immediate or future health problems. That’s because it comes under the umbrella of self-harm, which is prohibited under the guidance of the Quran.

Does the type of piercing matter in Islam?

Yes, in some situations. For women who have converted to Islam and have already completed body piercings, it should be noted that it is only OK to wear adornments and jewellery when they are associated with all women. In locations where it is only seen "among immoral women, evildoers, and kuffar, then it is not permissible to adopt this custom because that is imitating them".

It is also not permissible to wear adornments that could attract unwanted attention or the temptation to commit sin. This is why belly button piercings and tongue piercings, for example, are regularly seen as haram, even if not specifically mentioned.

However, it is said that "ear piercing dates from the time of Prophet Muhammad. The prophet has never stopped women from piercing, not even in his time", which explains why ear piercings are permissible.

IS BODY PIERCING KOSHER IN JUDAISM?

Jewish teachings are pretty clear in relation to tattoos. They are forbidden unless made for medical reasons. However, body piercing is an ambiguous topic. While it has been addressed by rabbis of all three main denominations—Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, and Reconstructionist Judaism—there is no definitive ban on body piercings like there is with tattoos. So, if you’re worrying about extreme aspects, like whether it would impact your right to a traditional Jewish burial, you do not have to worry.

As such, it is an issue that’s largely influenced by perceptions, although one common train of thought is that ear piercings are fine while other body piercings become increasingly more likely to bleed over into the realm of sin.

In Exodus, the Torah references body piercings with the passage: "Take off the gold rings that are on the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me". It highlights that Israelities (both men and women) had ear piercings.

When looking beyond ear piercings, the primary halachic concern raised by piercings is that they cause damage to the body. It is the reason why many perceive cosmetic surgery to be a sin and why some extend this to body piercings. Another possible violation relates to the fact that body modifications, including body piercing rituals, can be viewed as dishonouring the body that God created.

However, more lenient views would state that body piercings and body jewellery merely set out to beautify the body rather than wound it. It is an argument that has also been used in relation to cosmetic surgeries but is particularly powerful for body piercings.

Does the type of piercing matter Judaism?

Strictly speaking, no. Jewish law does not differentiate between piercings on different body parts. In fact, while earrings have been mentioned in the Torah, it could be argued that there is no difference between them and nipple piercings. They all aim to achieve the same goal of beautifying rather than damaging the body, although some questions may be raised regarding modesty, also known as tzniut.

On that topic, the jewellery worn can often be as important to the views regarding body piercing as the piercing itself. Likewise, excessive piercings may be considered problematic as they may contradict the desire for modesty and embracing the body God created. The prospect of men dressing like women is another possible source of contention.

The Torah additionally discourages Jewish followers from dressing like Gentiles (non-followers), which is a concept that also extends to body piercings as a sin. As with clothing, this doesn’t necessarily mean that ideas embraced by Gentiles are prohibited. In the same way that wearing suitable clothes for the workplace is more important than whether Gentiles dress the same way, body piercings are not required to be a contrast to what non-Jewish people may select. On the other hand, choosing piercings and jewellery that are synonymous with other cultures or subcultures is forbidden.

Conversely, body jewellery could be worn to reaffirm your faith, which may also support the process of adorning and beautifying the person’s look.

Unless the design specifically conflicts with Jewish ideologies, though, the specific piercing and jewellery should not dictate whether the body piercing is a sin. As long as you do not damage the body, though, most modern Jewish faith followers would acknowledge that piercings are OK, with the caveat that some caution and modesty should be shown regarding more excessive or expressive piercings.

IS BODY PIERCING A SIN IN HINDUISM?

For followers of the Hindu faith, ear lobe piercing (Karnvedh Sanskar) is a widespread tradition. In fact, it is one of the 16 Shodasha Samskaras ceremonies that take place during the course of a person’s life. Many communities follow separate rules depending on when the ceremony should take place, but it is common for girls to have their left ear pierced first while boys have the right.

Several other forms of body piercing are used by several Hindu communities, including the nath adornment often worn by brides. However, not all communities will complete the nose-piercing procedure. Nose rings are not exclusive to brides and married women, though, and are regularly worn by unmarried women. The nostrils, septum, or bridge of the nose are frequent locations.

In Hindu traditions, for example, a bridal nose chain (known as a ‘nath’) that connects to the ear piercing shows devotion to the Goddess Parvati (the Goddess of marriage). Comparable traditions are seen in a variety of religions and nations.

For Hindu women, nose jewellery is considered a powerful mark of tradition rather than a statement of fashion. A wide range of additional body piercings may be made, not least due to the cultural significance of certain body parts. The navel-baring has a symbolic association with birth, life, nature, and nurture while also holding a close connection to Vishnu, the God considered the source of life. As such, decorative belly button piercings are regularly seen.

The long tradition of body piercings across several Asian countries where Hinduism is a major religion means that body piercings are not considered a sin. However, it is still important to avoid wearing adornments that could be seen as a conflict with the faith and its teachings.

IS BODY PIERCING A SIN IN SIKHISM?

In the Sikh faith, the general rule is that body piercing is a sin. The Sikh Code of Conduct explains that body piercings are anti-Gurmat. As such, body piercing is prohibited for any reason. This includes fashion, adornment, or making a visual representation of your faith. Essentially, body modifications are not seen as enhancing a person’s spiritual being, which makes them pointless.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) interpretation actively states: "Sikh men and women are forbidden the piercing of nose or ears for wearing of ornaments". Similarly, tattoos are not permitted. When a person converts to Sikhism after having previously had body modifications in earlier life, they will be requested to remove all body piercings.

However, it should be noted that violating the rules on body piercings and other modifications like tattoos themselves is not viewed as being as bad as succumbing to the five evils (the five inner thieves). They are Kaam (lust), Krodth (anger), Lobh (greed), Moh (emotional attachment), and Ahankaar (ego).

IS BODY PIERCING A SIN IN BUDDHISM?

In Buddhist culture, there is no rule that explicitly prohibits body piercings or wearing adornments in the Pali Canon or other religious texts. If you are a follower of the Buddhist faith, however, there are some additional factors that could potentially discourage you from getting a piercing. Or, perhaps more accurately, it will at least help you consider the most appropriate body piercing that aligns with the religion’s teachings.

Any form of beautifying the body is prohibited for monks, male or female, which is why they won’t wear piercings. It would conflict with the objective of avoiding unnecessary luxury and standing out from the crowd, which is why it does not fit the standard image of a shaved head and loose attire.

For those practising lay life, though, body piercings may be deemed more suitable. Nevertheless, subtle earrings and jewellery pieces are by far the preferred route. Ultimately, though, the body is seen as a temporary thing, which is why the restrictions are not set in stone and piercings will not violate beliefs. The more prominent questions relate to whether the decorative item aligns with the Buddhist way of life. Similar opinions are expressed in relation to tattoos.

APPRECIATING THE CULTURAL STIGMA OF BODY PIERCINGS

Body piercing has been practised by different civilizations and religions for millennia. In fact, the earliest evidence of facial piercings in Africa can be dated to 12,000 years ago.

Likewise, there is a long history of body piercing in Europe, not least throughout the Middle Ages, while piercings in the Middle East date back at least 4,000 years. In South Asia, there has been a long tradition of popularising nose rings.

Both South America and North America also boast a rich history of body piercings, with Native Americans providing just one example. Aboriginal Australians have also used various piercings as part of their tribal traditions for centuries.

Wherever human life has existed, body piercings have been practised for a long, long time.

Society has evolved in recent decades, and this generation is largely considered more liberal than others. Nonetheless, studies show that just 3% of individuals have visible body piercings (excluding earrings), which highlights how many people remain hesitant. It is also shown that 55% of people think visible body piercings are inappropriate in the workplace, while 39% think they reflect poorly on the employer. Of course, however, there are some industries where mindsets are more open than others. In some creative sectors, they may even be seen as a positive.

Ultimately, those people cannot judge a person's character as a result of their body piercings. Still, it is natural to worry about whether their opinions could harm career prospects. Discrimination based on body piercings (and tattoos) is still a difficult topic. It shouldn’t happen but still does, particularly with older decision-makers. Still, perceptions are changing, and the impact is probably far smaller than what people assume. In many cases, it’ll have zero impact in industries where no dress code is stated. Moreover, many body piercings can be covered if required.

In addition to the impact on job prospects, it may be worth considering the impact of piercings on love lives and friendships. If a community has a particularly poor relationship with the concept of body piercings, it is probably better to seek body piercings in locations where they can be hidden.

Then again, if a friend or prospective partner lets an item of body jewellery or a decision made regarding an individual's own body stand in the way of connection, maybe it wasn’t to be. While there is still progress to be made, the UK has become a more accepting society. Acceptance of body piercings should be no different.

Even when religious and cultural backgrounds do not exclude a person from piercings, it’s always wise to keep those elements in mind when selecting a piercing type and jewellery pieces.

Where an individual lives strictly by their religious laws, it is important to consult with the religious teacher or scholar for confirmation.

CONCLUSION: IS BODY PIERCING A SIN?

In short, it depends on who you ask, the individual's beliefs or religion, piercing placement, and jewellery.

As we mention at the very start of this article, it is impossible to form a definitive answer. It will ultimately depend on the belief system followed and the interpretation of different teachings and guidance.

Generally speaking, though, the arguments that body piercing is a sin are fairly weak in most belief systems, and therefore the decision for a new piercing is entirely up to the individual getting pierced.