Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo Defends Tattoo, Says No Scripture Forbids It

LAGOS – Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, founder of David Christian Centre and renowned relationship coach, has defended his recent decision to get a tattoo, insisting that no scripture prohibits Christians from marking their bodies.

Okonkwo sparked debate on social media after revealing a tattoo on his arm reading “3:16” in Roman numerals, referencing John 3:16 in the Bible. Critics pointed to 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.”

Responding to the backlash, Okonkwo argued, “There’s no scripture that says a child of God cannot have a tattoo. People are imposing personal preferences or church traditions on others. Everyone needs to know Christ and the word of God, not fear a tattoo.”

He added, “Somebody needs to show me scriptural or scientific proof that tattoos are inherently bad. Otherwise, it’s just baseless judgment. How are we going to develop if we hold onto such outdated thinking?”

Okonkwo further highlighted the hypocrisy he sees in societal standards, pointing out that practices like wearing jeans, makeup, or even eyebrow enhancements were once condemned by the church. “Today, people type against tattoos while wearing human hair extensions or painted eyebrows—forms of tattooing themselves,” he said in a TikTok video.

He also challenged the stigma surrounding tattoos, noting that many respected individuals have them, and likened criticism of tattoos to outdated ideas about politics or fashion.

The debate over tattoos in Christianity is not new. U.S.-based pastors such as Steven Anderson of Faithful Works Baptist Church and Aaron Thompson of Strong Tower Baptist Church have condemned the practice, linking it to pagan rituals and warning that self-cutting is a sign of demonic influence.

Despite differing views, Okonkwo remains firm in his position, arguing for personal freedom in expressing faith.