20+ Tattoo Ideas and Religious Symbolism

Tattoo ideas, religious relationships, and the minutiae of daily life are all understood through the lens of religion and body art is no exception.

Added religious tattoos to your personal collection is the right way to commemorate your relationship with God and show the world how significant your faith is.

Many people choose to get their religious tattoo ideas placed over their hearts, adding to the significance of the piece. However, these devotional pieces work for just about any part of the body, from the biceps to the ankle.

If you’ve ever felt compelled to dedicate a bit of skin to the Almighty, you’ll find all the inspiration you need in this collection of religious ink.

Quote Tattoo Religious

tattoo ideas religious It’s not just the Bible that provides inspiring words for the faithful. Religious quote tattoos can draw upon phrases spoken by popes.

Preachers, and prophets to show the world that your personal faith is first and foremost in your life.

Bible Religious Verse Tattoo

When it comes to religious tattoo ideas, there is no shortage of material to draw from. This is especially true of Bible verse tattoos.

Whether you prefer the hardline character of the Old Testament or the “turn the other cheek” enlightenment of the New Testament, there is sure to be a passage from this sacred text suited to your lifestyle.

Lion Tattoo of Religious

tattoo ideas religious The lion is a powerful symbol that has worked its way into faiths and cultures around the world, thanks to its noble and fierce character.

When it comes to religious lion tattoos, these impressive creatures can be successfully reproduced in a number of different styles. These include black and gray realism to full color American traditional.

Angel Tattoo of Religious

There are few images that are so versatile and unmistakably religious as angels.

From photo-realistic depictions of archangels clad in armor brandishing a holy sword to abstract renderings that take a more subtle approach, there is a religious angel tattoo out there for every devoted man.

Small Religious Tattoo

Just because a tattoo isn’t sprawled across your entire back doesn’t mean it isn’t significant. In fact, sometimes the most significant ink needs just a little bit of space to convey a powerful meaning.

If you’d rather your ink take a more subtle approach, small tattoos might be just what you’re looking for.

Tattoo of Jesus Christ

J.C. himself. If you’re a man of faith, it’s more than likely that the teachings of Jesus Christ have moved you.

From the immaculate conception to running the money changers out of the temple, the story of the Son of God is full of lessons and parables. These are as applicable today as they were a thousand years ago.

If you want to show off your personal relationship with God, Jesus Christ tattoos might be the right choice.

Virgin Mary Tattoo

Known as the Immaculate Conception, the story of Mary demonstrates absolute trust and devotion to the Almighty.

The mother of the world, for millions of people around the globe, Mary is a nurturing figure that provides comfort in the most troubling of times. If this holy mother has played a significant role in your faith, you should consider Virgin Mary tattoos.

Cross Religious Tattoo

An unmistakable symbol that instantly tells everyone you meet that you are a man who takes his faith seriously, cross tattoos can be applied in various styles and approaches.

From realistic depictions of Christ crucified to more stylized interpretations that let an artist flex their creative muscles, these devotional designs are an excellent choice for the religious man.

Religious Rosary Tattoo

For anyone that has spent time in a Catholic school, there is no mistaking the importance of these sacred beads.

While they can be applied in a variety of styles, rosary tattoos are particularly appealing in fine lines in black and gray. This allows the string and beads to be the center of attention without the distraction of flashy colors.

Praying Hands Tattoo

A religious tattoo idea that has become increasingly popular over the last ten years, praying hands tattoos are most often applied in photo-realistic black and gray ink.

Whether it’s on your forearm, chest, or your neck, there is no mistaking the devotion behind this clean design.

God Can Judge Me on Tattoo

Sometimes a tattoo is best served straight up. If you’re a man unconcerned with most people’s opinions and live your life according to the Almighty, “only God can judge me by tattoos” might be the right way to show the world where your priorities are.

Religious of Our Lady of Guadalupe Tattoo

Born out of a series of holy apparitions in 1531, the Virgin of Guadalupe has become a prominent devotional figure in Catholicism, particularly revered in Latino communities.

If the vibrant colors that are most often used to depict the Mother of God appeal to your style and faith, Our Lady of Guadalupe tattoos are an excellent choice.

Mary and Baby Jesus Religious Tattoo

We’re all familiar with the story of the birth of Christ. However, far from simply being a Christmas tradition, this religious story marks the beginning of a Christian tradition that continues to provide meaning to millions of people worldwide.

You should consider Mary and baby Jesus tattoos if you want to showcase this profound origin story. 

Tattoo of Orthodox Crucifixion

A slightly different representation of this powerful Christian symbol, the cross that is depicted in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, holds the same profound meaning as it does in other sects.

Orthodox crucifixion tattoos might be the right choice if you have roots in Eastern Europe and want to show off your faith.

Tattoo of a Religious Compass

For many people, their faith is a guiding light. It provides direction in uncertain times and solace during life’s hardships.

So, it makes sense that incorporating another tool for wayfinding into a devotional design can make for some meaningful ink.

If you find yourself letting “Jesus take the wheel,” you might want to consider religious compass tattoos for your next visit to the studio.

Religious Forearm Tattoo

The lower arm has been a popular canvas for ink for decades, thanks to the prominence of its placement. This is because of the ability to easily cover it in settings where showing off ink isn’t appropriate.

If you want ink dedicated to your faith but still don’t want to catch sideways looks at Sunday services, a religious tattoo for your forearm might be the right compromise.

Sleeve Tattoo of Religious

For some folks, the power of their faith cannot be accurately captured on a small scale.

A spacious canvas that is full of natural lines. If you want to dedicate a bit more flesh to showing off the outsized role that God plays in your life, religious sleeve tattoos might be the only way to go.

Hand Tattoo of Religious

Who knows, religious hand tattoos may be the perfect choice if you wear your faith on your sleeve.

While they were once known as “job killers” and most likely to be found on convicts and bikers, as attitude change about tattoos, a bit of ink below the cuff doesn’t hold the stigma it once did. 

Chest Tattoo of Religious

One of the biggest canvases on the body, the chest is perfectly suite to large designs that make use of this space. However, this isn’t to say that religious chest tattoos have to be massive pieces that sprawl across your torso. In fact, a bit of script placed directly above the heart can make for some appealing ink that conveys the importance of faith in your life

Elbow Tattoo of Religious

A canvas that has become increasingly popular in the last few decades, the elbow is suitable for designs that utilize the distinct lines of this joint.

From a crown of thorns encircling the bend of the arm to a cross strategically placed on the joint, religious elbow tattoos make for some unique and eye-catching designs.

FAQs

What religious beliefs have tattoos?

Abstract. Tattoos play an important role in many religions. Tattoos have been use for thousands of years as important tools in ritual and tradition. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have been hostile to the use of tattoos, but many religions, in particular Buddhism and Hinduism, make extensive use of them.

Is tattoo good for religious?

No matter what your beliefs are they belong to you and you alone. What is obvious about all the major religions and their take on tattoos is that everything depends on how you interpret or practice your religion. Some religions like Islam ban tattoos quite clearly but others like Hinduism don’t discourage them.

What does religion tattoo mean?

Religious or philosophical tattoos can serve as powerful reminders of one’s faith. Many of these tattoo designs suggest the presence of a higher power, or stand for moral messages of love, faith, and hope.

What cultures believe in tattoos?

Buddhism and Hinduism use tattoos extensively, while Islam, Judaism, and Christianity in general frown on or forbid the use of tattoos. Many of today’s cultures still embrace tattoos for a variety of reasons