Top 101 Religious Tattoo Ideas – [2021 Inspiration Guide]

body art requires a lot of commitment, especially since these designs last a lifetime. As such, it is advisable to choose images that have lasting meaning; therefore, religious tattoos are usually the best option!

Religious body art may very well be the next big thing. some belief systems even view the process of receiving tattoos as a sacred ritual.

While Christianity is the most popular source of images for Americans, many other religions are also expressed. in fact, buddha is always one of the top requests in salons in 2016.

By incorporating spiritual icons, devout believers can finally experience an emotion that was previously relegated to the counterculture. As such, a whole subset of people who were initially deprived of tattoos for cultish reasons are finally taking the practice in stride.

Hinduism is also a great source of religious imagery, especially since they have literally thousands of deities to re-imagine in the flesh. For starters, check out Ganesha, Brahma, Krishna, and Shiva.

Regardless of your own background, you’re sure to find a religious tattoo to suit your lifestyle. To make this process easier, we’ve already compiled some of the best options below.

1. full & amp; partial religious tattoo sleeves

Whether full or partial, an arm or a leg, few things stand out quite like a sleeve tattoo. religious tattoo sleeves are exceptionally beautiful. they allow you to include, within reason, a wide variety of elements, from people to objects and everything in between. sleeves also give you creative license to tell a story with your ink, weaving together the hellish and the heavenly, the mortal and the divine.

If you’re thinking of getting a religious sleeve tattoo, keep in mind that sleeves of any kind require careful planning and working closely with your tattoo artist. they’ll be able to blend their vision into a design that looks as good on your arm as it does in your mind, without distortion or odd proportions. ask to see sleeves they’ve done in the past to make sure their styles match.

2. religious tattoos on the chest

Close to your heart and a place of honor in many tattoo collections, religious chest tattoos are truly powerful. Equally beautiful and meaningful in simple lines or expertly shaded photorealism, these heartfelt works of art show what guides your life. the chest is a wonderful place for portraits of all kinds, including religious ones, due to the relatively large strip of gently curved skin. they are equally ideal for large scenes involving multiple images or people.

Religion is a private thing for many people, which makes chest tattoos a subtle option. you can choose to go shirtless whenever possible to showcase your design. however, in most work and social settings, your artwork will remain covered, a personal tribute between you and your higher power. this makes chest tattoos particularly intimate in a religious sense.

On the other hand, if the thought of “covering up” your religion makes you uneasy, remember that chest tattoos easily expand to tattoos on shoulders, torso parts, and sleeves, giving you plenty of future opportunities to convey your beliefs out loud and of course!

3. religious tattoos on the forearm

One of the most visible places for a tattoo, religious forearm tattoos are for strong, adamant believers who won’t mind the occasional question or comment. the forearms offer a unique canvas: smooth, long and narrow.

For some layouts, this can be tricky. However, other religious images, such as the last supper of Jesus with his disciples, could not be more ideal for forearm tattoos! if you have broader forearms, a vertical portrait is another great option.

longer scriptures, verses from the tripitaka, koran, torah and other holy books, prayers and mantras also feel at home on the forearm. keep lines and lettering crisp and easy to read throughout the piece. If you’re not sure if a particular image or religious text will fit your forearm, schedule a consultation with a reputable tattoo artist and get their opinion.

4. religious tattoos with the bible & quotes

Quotes are powerful in all areas, but particularly in religion. many of us can still recite the first prayer we learned as children. maybe there’s a quote from a church or temple service that resonates with you, or a line from a holy book that moves you every time you read it. the words are indescribably linked to religion, making them an ideal subject for religious tattoos.

remember that in the world of ink in general, and religious ink in particular, the opinions of others simply don’t matter. a child’s prayer may seem out of place on a muscular man in his thirties, but who cares? If that sentence represents your first inkling of a higher power, it deserves a place on your body. the same applies to the verses of the sacred texts that are unknown to most people. forget popular opinion: if it speaks to you, it is the correct text to honor in your flesh.

For Christians, there is no greater tome on earth than the Holy Bible. It is the foundation of your faith and contains the words of your savior, along with many other pearls from prophets, future saints, and disciples. what better book to ink on your body?

Depictions of the Bible vary widely, from individual verses to entire passages of scripture. the book itself is also a common tattoo subject, rendered in simple lines, detailed blackwork, or the impressive old/new combination of neoclassical design.

5. big & highly visible religious tattoos

Given how much religion guides our daily lives, it’s no wonder many adopt the “go big or go home” mentality when it comes to religious tattoos. this approach draws attention, makes a big statement, and gives her artist all the space she needs to create something that will always remind her of her faith. When considering head, neck, and hand tattoos, remember to consider her current and future work. Many more employers are finding tattoos acceptable, but unfortunately, many are still stuck in a retrograde mindset.

Enjoying these examples of religious tattoos but looking for more inspiration? Check out the links below for more awesome galleries:

• top 101 christian tattoo ideas
• small religious tattoo designs
• jesus back tattoo ideas
• top 51 3d jesus tattoo ideas