The founder of David’s Christian Centre in Lagos, Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, has addressed the growing debate over his recently revealed tattoo, insisting that there is no biblical mandate forbidding Christians from adorning their bodies.
Speaking to the public amid mounting criticism in a video shared online, the pastor argued that much of the opposition comes from personal beliefs, church traditions, or cultural biases rather than scripture.
“Nowhere in the Bible does it say a follower of Christ cannot get a tattoo,” Pastor Okonkwo said. “I keep asking: are these criticisms coming from genuine biblical teaching, or just personal opinions passed down like tradition?”
He further criticized those who seek to impose their views on others, noting that Christianity is not about enforcing personal standards.
“It seems some people believe their preferences define God’s word. But knowing Christ, not policing appearances, is what matters,” he added.
Challenging his detractors, the pastor demanded clear reasoning for why tattoos should be viewed as sinful or harmful.
“I want someone to show me proof, scriptural, scientific, or logical, that having a tattoo makes someone less righteous or corrupts their mind,” he said.
Okonkwo stressed that without evidence, opposition to tattoos is simply opinion masquerading as moral authority.
“If you want to tell me tattoos are wrong, bring the facts. Otherwise, let people live their faith freely,” he concluded.
The debate has sparked broader discussions within Nigeria’s Christian community about modern expressions of faith and the extent to which personal choices should be scrutinized in religious contexts.
