Reverend Jesse Mwai of the Christ is The Answer Ministries (CITAM), Karen branch, has dismissed claims that having tattoos hinders one from going to heaven.
In a video posted on the church’s Instagram page on Monday, January 13, 2024, the minister clarified that while he was not advocating for church members to rush out and get tattoos, he sought to debunk the belief as a myth deeply rooted in cultural biases.
“A tattoo does not, in any way, make you less of a Christian, nor does it make you more of one,” Mwai remarked.
He addressed the judgment often directed at people with tattoos, noting that in some communities, tattoos are a cultural norm and a widely accepted form of self-expression.
“Tattoos will not take you to hell. I am not suggesting that tomorrow you go out and get one. That’s not my point. After all, we are all chocolate in our skins, so no one will even see it. Don’t bother. A tattoo doesn’t add to your Christianity, nor does it make you less spiritual. In some communities, tattoos are the order of the day. It is purely a cultural matter,” he said, eliciting cheers from parts of the congregation.
Myths about music and dreadlocks
The reverend also touched on other misconceptions that Christians often cling to, such as the idea that certain hairstyles or music genres compromise one’s spiritual journey.
He paused his sermon to emphasize the need for believers to focus on more critical matters of faith rather than being swayed by cultural or personal biases.
“I wish I still had my long hair. I would have grown dreadlocks to show you that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with such lifestyles,” he said humorously.
Addressing music, Reverend Mwai criticized the notion that listening to secular genres, such as reggae or hip-hop, erodes one’s faith.
“Music is neither here nor there when it comes to your Christianity. Some of you say, ‘Oh, I can’t listen to this type of music.’ But reggae, hip-hop—these are just genres. In some cultures, their church music is composed in these styles, and they are worshipping the Lord, happy and on their way to heaven. Meanwhile, we’re here making rules where there shouldn’t be any,” he explained passionately.
Christianity and legalism
The outspoken pastor lamented that such restrictive beliefs have turned Christianity into a legalistic practice, far removed from the freedom and grace it is meant to embody.
“These kinds of beliefs and restrictions make Christianity seem so rigid, yet they are not what define one’s spirituality or salvation. Regardless of the music you listen to or the hairstyle you wear, we’re all destined for heaven as long as we remain in Christ,” he concluded.
