Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, founder of David Christian Centre (DCC), has reacted to the continued backlash over his tattoo, insisting that tattoos are not sinful and that both God and Jesus are described in the Bible as having inscriptions on their bodies.
Speaking while responding to critics, Okonkwo said he would not engage in something he does not understand, especially at his age. He dismissed claims that his tattoo was an attempt to lead people astray, arguing that there is no scriptural basis for describing tattoos as evil.
“At my old age, I won’t be doing something I don’t understand,” the pastor said. “Believers can have tattoos. God has tattoos. Jesus has tattoos.”
To support his argument, Okonkwo cited passages from the Bible which, according to him, show that inscriptions on the body are not condemned by God. He referenced Isaiah 49:16, which reads: “Behold, I have engraved thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.” According to Okonkwo, this scripture clearly shows God using the imagery of engraving or marking.
He also cited Revelation 19:16, which describes Jesus Christ at His return: “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” Okonkwo argued that this description further supports the idea that markings or inscriptions are not sinful.
Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo Pushes Back Against Tattoo Backlash
The pastor questioned why tattoos are often treated as a moral failure within the Christian community. “For people saying I want to lead people astray, is tattoo a bad thing? It’s not a bad thing,” he said.
The comments come amid ongoing reactions to Okonkwo’s decision to draw a tattoo on his arm earlier this year, this move sparked intense debate among Christians, especially on social media.
The tattoo, which Okonkwo revealed in January to mark his 50th birthday, bears the Roman numerals “III: XVI,” a reference to John 3:16, one of the most popular Bible verses in Christianity. Okonkwo is the founder and senior pastor of David Christian Centre, a Lagos-based church known for its large following and strong online presence.
Following the public revelation of the tattoo, people accused the pastor of lowering Christian standards and violating biblical principles.
However, Okonkwo has consistently pushed back against those claims, saying many people confuse personal convictions or church policies with biblical commandments. He has repeatedly asked critics to provide either scriptural or scientific evidence showing that tattoos negatively affect a person’s faith, character, or spiritual life.
According to him, Christianity should focus on a believer’s relationship with Christ rather than outward appearance. He argued that external markings do not determine holiness and should not be used as a basis for judging others.
Despite the criticism, Okonkwo has maintained that his position is rooted in scripture and personal understanding of the Christian faith. He said tattoos do not make anyone less spiritual and warned against turning personal beliefs into rules for all believers. …Guardian.ng
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