Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, founder of the David Christian Centre and a well-known relationship coach, has defended his decision to get a tattoo, insisting that no scripture prohibits a child of God from having one.
The pastor’s tattoo, reading “3:16” in Roman numerals—a reference to John 3:16—sparked controversy online, with critics citing Leviticus 19:28, which warns against marking the body. Okonkwo, however, dismissed such claims as personal opinions or church preferences imposed on others.
“There’s no scripture that says a child of God cannot have a tattoo. People must show me scriptural or scientific proof that tattoos are bad,” he said in an interview. “It’s just bad because… no reason. This kind of thinking is saddening for me because it hinders progress.”
Okonkwo also pointed out that tattoos do not determine morality, highlighting that he could name 10 good people with tattoos. He drew parallels to other cultural changes, like wearing jeans or makeup, which were once frowned upon in the church.
In a TikTok video, he challenged critics, noting, “Today, Christian girls wear human hair extensions while condemning tattoos. Some even do eyebrow microblading—that’s a form of tattooing too. Yet, they type against tattoos.”
Okonkwo argued that the church has historically resisted practices deemed inappropriate, only for them to become widely accepted over time. He stressed the need for perspective and focus on Christ rather than outward appearances.
In contrast, some American pastors, like Steven Anderson and Aaron Thompson, maintain that tattoos are wrong, linking them to demonic influence or ancient heathen practices. Anderson cited biblical passages associating self-cutting with demonic possession, while Thompson described tattoos as connected to cannibalism, headhunting, and pagan rituals.
Despite differing opinions, Okonkwo remains firm that tattoos are a personal choice and should not be automatically viewed as sinful.
