Religious or not all sorts of people use the symbols and meanings of the Christian faith in tattoos. Some without realizing the religious significance. Christianity is a widespread religion so it's symbols are widely understood. People who are Christian may wish to show this with their tattoo, alternatively their tattoo may be to remind them of a Christian lesson which is important to them. People who are not religious may still take the lessons from a symbol or figure from the faith.

By far the most popular symbol of Christian meaning in tattooing is the cross or crucifix, which of course is the world-famous illustration of the main tenet of the faith: the belief that Jesus Christ died by crucifixion for our sins. This may remind them to live a life without sin and the price paid for such a life. One may see the symbol of the cross depicted in any number of ways by tattoo artists, from the parts of the cross set at right angles to the more sharply angled Celtic cross.

Historically speaking, the custom of tattooing crosses on one's body apparently began with soldiers of the Christian Crusades of the 11th century. Many of the soldiers would tattoo small crosses on their hands as a way of indicating that, if they fell in battle, they desired a Christian burial, highlighting the beginning of Christian meaning in tattooing. Many symbols to illustrate ones faith can be found, and have been worn proudly by believers for many centuries.

Another commonly found tattoo of Christian meaning is the Sacred Heart. The heart symbol has special significance as a representation of the wound Christ received from a spear of a Roman soldier. The Sacred Heart can also serve as a reference to the visions of Jesus as received by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. According to the legendary account, this nun saw and heard Jesus as he told her to share the wonders of his love through a devotion to his Sacred Heart. While these are the historical beginnings of these symbols, many do not recognise the Christian meaning in tattooing today.

A popular tattoo is the depiction of angels. There are a variety of ways to represent an angel, and almost all types have been tattooed onto someone as this is a very popular design. Often a cherubic angel is the chosen tattoo but people do have tattoos showing more stern and ominous Seraphim serving as warriors of God's will. Other people may choose to have a portrait of Jesus, Mary or a patron saint while some have religious text or passages inscribed on their body. Whatever image people choose, there are many Christian meanings in tattooing and they are undertaken for a variety of reasons.

Although some Christians would see tattooing as cutting the body, which is not acceptable in their faith, others do not take the Old Testament so literally. The other controversy of tattoos is that it modifies the body which Christians believe was crafted by God. To some this may be an insult on the work of their God and so would be sinful or at least frowned upon. Others do not take these matters to literally as various other parts of the bible are written off as no longer relevant to our society, but instead consider the intent of these actions. Were a tattoo of Jesus placed on the shoulder to remind the Christian to be kinder to others then this could be an acceptable intention.