People sometimes use the Bible as a defense against tattoos. Here's the one verse that is generally quoted. It’s Leviticus 19:28:

“Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.”

If you take that verse as it is, out of context, then it would appear that God forbids tattoos or any kind of practice that would cut the flesh. However, when you read the verse in context, you will discover that there are other instructions that precede this one about tattoos. Among other things, you should not plant fields with two kinds of seed (v. 19), you shouldn’t eat meat with the blood still in it (v. 26), and you shouldn’t cut your hair or clip off the edges of your beard (v. 27). (That last restriction would be a little tough if you’re a woman.)

Our point is that not every “rule” in the Bible (and in Leviticus in particular) is meant to be followed to the letter. The book of Leviticus contains many restrictions that were given by God in order to keep the Israelites healthy and holy (that is, set apart) for God. In those days, tattoos were dangerous procedures that could result in disease or even death. The other warning in Leviticus 19:28 was against getting a tattoo “for the dead,” a purely pagan procedure that was an affront to God.

You're right that Christians and non-Christians alike are getting tattoos.
In fact, I heard a statistic the other day that said more than half of all
people 18-24 have tattoos.

A few years back, getting a tattoo was probably like a form of rebellion or individual expression for some people. These days, with so many people getting them, it's more of a fashion statement or even conformity to a culture touch point (ironic, isn't it). Of course, one of the challenges of tattoos as fashion statements is that they are pretty permanent. It's not like a hairstyle or even a nose piercing that you can easily change once
you're tired of it. Not so with tattoos.