The churches views on nudism — Legal Issues on True Nudists

WantstonenudeOriginal Poster

Dec 28, 2016

I have been searching but there is a lot of contradicting information. What are the churches views on nudism? And are any of you Catholics?

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Erik Natams
Dec 28, 2016
In my humble opinion a more important question is why you let your life control by a church. Why not make your own choices how to live your life?
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FullSun
Dec 31, 2016
[quote]What Christians say about nudity is what most Christians say about sex. Nudity and sex are ok within the confines of marriage. They believe the body is meant only for the eyes of their spouse.[/quote] Some do, some don't. Don't generalize. Take a look at the groups here discussing this.
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Rrrosco
Jan 5, 2017
There are several "Christian Nudist" groups around including on TN - there's even one lady on TN (PIPPearl4Christ) who is very open about being a Christian and being a nudist. She doesn't have any qualms about mixing the two - perhaps you should send her a message and discuss it!
Otherwise, it's what a few posters have said - most churches frown on nudity because Adam and Eve covered up to hide theirs. Fortunately, we live in slightly more enlightened times!
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FullSun
Jan 5, 2017
I was staying at a nudist resort in Southern California a few years ago during Easter break and met two pastors that were there separately but both relaxing, getting some sun, and working on their sermons before Easter.
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Timothy Leo
Jan 5, 2017
[quote]I have been searching but there is a lot of contradicting information. What are the churches views on nudism? And are any of you Catholics?[/quote] The church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints are not apposed to nudity, they just don't condone nudity. They will not obstruct a person's second amendment right.
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nudony
Jan 7, 2017
[quote] And are any of you Catholics?[/quote] Not me but my Mom grew up Roman-Catholic. They preached body-shame in no uncertain terms. Scarred her for life.
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Lakeman221
Jan 8, 2017
[quote]I have been searching but there is a lot of contradicting information. What are the churches views on nudism? And are any of you Catholics? They will not obstruct a person's second amendment right.[/quote] Doing that, could get them SHOT!!!
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Lakeman221
Jan 8, 2017
[quote]I have been searching but there is a lot of contradicting information. What are the churches views on nudism? And are any of you Catholics?[/quote]

Most importantly is to find out how YOUR church feels about nudity. One way would be to walk in to a worship service nude. You will have your answer soon enough, as to whether they are accepting of it or not. Tell them you are here to worship the Lord in the outfit He provided for you. I am sure the Lord would understand, even though the congregation might not.

I never understood why people think they need to wear their fanciest clothes to church every time, when it seems the most important thing is to just show up, regardless of your state of dress. Why is this question in the legal discussion? This is not a legality issue, is it?
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Stephen
Jan 11, 2017
I am a Christian,and student of the Bible. The first think to know is that man kind was created and place in charge of managing the world in which God created,and they were naked and had no shame. It is only after the first act of disobedience did their nakedness present a problem. This could be because nature had become hostel to their bodies a s a result of their act of sin. the other reason could be their attitude toward another person's body,self misuse.
Now what a person should consider is the rest of creation. All of God creature are under the curse as humans are, and yet they continue to be unclothed. So I conclude that as long as a person honors God with their body,meaning no sexual immorality,and does not offend the people around them, then there is no sin in nudism. Now there are places where the bible mention nudity to be shame full to a person,but it refers to immoral relationships with others, and the body being exposed to danger. One example, being lead off to captivity naked by an enemy army.
As far as most churches , they do not except people who practice nudity. Churches like the rest of America think the only reason for being nude is to have sex .
This is why I don't put any picture of my self naked on line. I am a artist,poet,comedian,writer,and faithful Christian church attender.
The only people I let know I am a nudist is other nudists.
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NakedBadger
Jan 17, 2017
Most churches don't have an "official" statement on "nudism" as such: at least as far as I know. I'm a Christian clergy-person who would live naked 24-7 if I could, though I have yet to preach or lead worship naked. Though I'd be willing to, if the occasion were to present itself.
I know of a number of clergy who are members of this on-line social networking organization and of others that I occasionally participate in.
I've visited a number of clothing optional venues and almost always eventually find a few other clergy of different denominations floating around: Anglican, Mennonite, Orthodox, Lutheran, Evangelical Protestant, for instance. I know that Pope John Paul II has written positively about the naked human body, and without disapproval of being naked socially, and with members of the other sex.
When I talk with other Christian nudists of any denomination, I find that we've almost all had to work through issues of sexuality, attraction to people we're not married to, being naked around children, and a number of other things that our sexually repressive culture has gotten us confused about. I think for most of us, being socially naked in a venue where it's accepted -- a resort or a beach -- has been a helpful and important part of making our peace with ourselves as people with bodies: complete with all the functioning body parts!
What's most important is not what position one's church may hold on "social nudism". And what's important is not "what God thinks". I believe that God does not care whether men and women are naked in each others presence: what God cares about is that we be careful to respect each other, and not to exploit each other. And one does not need to be naked to be exploitative of another person.
If you're a person who practices Christianity -- or any other religion -- I would encourage you to relax, and not to worry about the "official viewpoint on nudism" of your denomination is, or whether or not "God approves." Just relax and enjoy the experience. Pay attention to thoughts, feelings, emotions, and remember that these are internal experiences and that they shift "with the wind". And be self-aware enough that you're careful about how you act.
Peace,
NB
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MadeInHisImage
Jan 27, 2017
Try reading Jim Cunningham's book "Nudity & Christianity". Available on Amazon.
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Erik Natams
Feb 2, 2017
If you really want to belong to a church and don't want to bother about what others might think of your lifestyle, try Pastafarianism. They have no problem with nudity.
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HotHarleyCouple
Feb 13, 2017
[quote]I have been searching but there is a lot of contradicting information. What are the churches views on nudism? And are any of you Catholics?[/quote] Are you serious??? Who CARES????
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Chris
Mar 2, 2017
Since the majority in North america are christian, (can't speak for other locales) I'll just say this: Any statement that is regurgitated from the old testament, it was reported that Jesus said the old laws are no more. That would follow the regulations about washing your hands up to your elbows, wearing a blue thread in the bottom of your garments, covering your head before god and bludgeoning infidels of any kind with big heavy rocks. These are the old ways.
If you actually follow the new testament, there is NOTHING that says what you must cover your body with. There is nothing that says that a body is something to be ashamed of and kept covered.
A "TRUE CHRISTIAN" would find the work of the ''ONE TRUE GOD'' as they say, a beautiful thing, not a sin meant for hiding. It should be admired in it's entirety, not penalized for having been seen in it's natural state.
That's just my opinion, but meh.
Now, on the other hand, the Christian should also consider that the body, being a "gift to the person from god" should take care of it, not allowing it to freeze to death in the colder climates, and keep it well fed, healthy and clean. This should be more of a concern than whether seeing a naked body makes the pope or local padre blush.
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John
Sep 15, 2020
So God gave us sex so that we could perpetuate our species like other animals, instead of being immortal? That fits in with the second of the two creation stories in Genesis ... the one that begins with Genesis 2. (In that story, God doesn't say "be fruitful and multiply. He only says that in the first story.)

The Genesis 2 story goes straight from Eve's creation to the temptation in the Garden. Eve tells the serpent that God told her "You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die." So Adam and Eve were immortal up to that point. And even though they were naked all the time, it was only after they ate the fruit that they became aware of the fact, and embarrassed by it. Yeah, that's what puberty does for you.

And it's only after they ate the fruit that God starts talking about them having children and dying.

I like that theory.
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nudeyooper
Sep 16, 2020
We can still be people of faith and live our lives by a reasonable set of rules that keep us from hurting ourselves and others. There is no defense for the abuse that has taken place nor the coverups that have perpetuated the abuse. The abuse that has been publicized by members of the Catholic Church should not go unrecognized, but it should also be publicized that the crimes committed are not exclusive the the Church and have found their way into many other organizations and denominations.
Members of church hierarchy and their congregations have views on nudity. Many if not most are against having naked neighbors, and consider nudity as sinful. That is because of the almost standard conception that nudity equals sex. We know that not to be true, and whether or not we seek the approval of any organization , religious or secular. for public nudity, it is how we behave as individuals that matters the most. We can still be part of an organization that has done wrong, but if we remain a part of that group, we must be willing to work toward change for the better.
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John
Sep 17, 2020
Remember when this thread was about nudity and religon? I do.
I'm not going to defend the Catholic Church, or any church, for the misdeeds that their elders have done. But it doesn't have much relevance to what this thread was about.
But I thought of something today. Every crucifix I've ever seen has Jesus in some sort of loincloth to hide his crotch. But we know from other sources that people who were crucified were usually stripped naked. In fact, there is a tale in the New Testament of how the soldiers stripped Jesus and cast lots for his clothes. So if the crucifixes were to be accurate, they'd have a naked Jesus. But they don't.
Obviously the traditional iconography was a sop to medieval mentalities regarding what was supposed to be seen in a church. And it goes right up to the present day. When Jeffrey Hunter played the role of Jesus in King of Kings, the producers thought his chest was too hairy in the crucifixion scenes. So they shaved his chest and re-shot the scenes. Evidently a hirsute Jesus was too authentic for them.
But it's all academic to me. My church is the woods, and the woods don't care if I'm as naked as every other creature there.
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nudeyooper
Sep 17, 2020
I have seen a crucifix of a naked Jesus and the Sistine Chapel ceiling does have nude figures painted on it. My memory suggests that John Paul II even wrote that nudity is acceptable, and I know of at least one priest who sleeps nude.
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John
Sep 17, 2020
nudeyooper wrote: [quote]I have seen a crucifix of a naked Jesus and the Sistine Chapel ceiling does have nude figures painted on it. My memory suggests that John Paul II even wrote that nudity is acceptable, and I know of at least one priest who sleeps nude.[/quote] I wasn't thinking of Adam and Eve, but I'm sure there were a few other ones here and there. AFAIK, those were pictures of people being humiliated, in big panoramic scenes like Michelangelo's Last Judgment. And I've been reminded that there are gods and goddesses galore who are painted in the nude, and pictures of people bathing naked, although these aren't Church art. But are there any nude pictures in a church of ordinary people going about their business naked? As for your priest friend, I'm glad he sleeps in the nude. And I'm sure he bathes in the nude. But does he do anything else nude, in the sight of other people? I'm guessing that the Church would frown on him, maybe to the point of unfrocking him for not having enough frocking on.
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Paul
Mar 5, 2021
I have a nudist friend who is a Catholic priest. The Catholic Church most definitely does not approved of nudity. My friend says, "They're wrong."
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Paul
Mar 5, 2021
There are three people who got into trouble regarding nudity.

Ham, son of Noah, who make a big deal about seeing his father (Noah) nude and passed out drunk in his own (Noah's) tent. Ham got into trouble, Noah did not.

David, who lusted after Bathsheba, who was bathing on the roof of her house -- seems odd now, but that's what they did then. No big deal. Everyone did it. Totally acceptable. David got into trouble, not Bathsheba.

Michal, David's wife. David had been dancing, jumping, twirling, and such down the middle of the road with throngs of spectators. David was only wearing a linen ephod, which doesn't exactly cover much even if the wearer is just walking over even standing. So, yeah, everyone saw his junk. Michal had a problem with it. She got into trouble, not David.

Of the twenty or so people in the Bible who were nude, none of them ever got into trouble for being nude.

Bible says that our bodies are "good," we are made in the very image of [the almighty], we are "fearfully and wonderfully made," our bodies are "the temple of the set-apart spirit."

There are three Hebrew words that get translated into "naked," or "nakedness." One of them means naked as a baby is born -- wearing nothing at all. A good deal of Christians do not accept that this is what this word means. "Certainly, he simply didn't have his outer clothing on. Had to have still been wearing his Jockey Briefs." The other two are metaphors and figures of speech and have to do with exposure and vulnerability (mental/emotional; not physical). A good deal of Christians believe that these two words mean nude -- as a baby is born.

When the Bible uses the word "modest," it's used in its former sense. Which, in some situations, we still use. If I said someone had a modest house, you would not imagine I meant that all of the windows were cover with heavy draperies on the inside and shutters on the outside. You'd understand that I was using "modest" in its "humble" sense. A modest house is a small unimposing house. Similarly, he lives on a modest income.

I've often wondered what would happen if The Church actually taught what the Bible really says.
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FullSun
Mar 5, 2021
[quote]I've often wondered what would happen if The Church actually taught what the Bible really says.[/quote] Me too. A few rimes Ive been in church and a pastor is telling a story about some event where someone is exposed or dressed in a revealing way and says something along the lines of No one wants to see that or that its disgusting. In my mind he just called God or Gods work disgusting or something that no one wants to or should see. If were made in Gods image then who are we to say God or Gods creation disgusting? Doesnt that fly in the face or worshiping God? Based on that an image of God is. a 350 lb guy with bad skin, bad teeth, and balding. If thats the case shouldnt that be as an attractive image or even more so than an image of an airbrushed model that the media tells us attractive?
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nudeyooper
Mar 6, 2021
I'm not sure what official teachings are among the various denominations or religions for that matter. One thing I do object to is the attitude that puts all of the effort on the part of the female. If their mode of dress causes lust for them, it is their obligation to dress more conservatively. Hence, Catholic nuns in their top of the head to the toes medieval dress, Muslim women in much the same, Amish in full length dresses, and the list can go on. That is in my opinion a fallacy.
The one piece swimsuit still reveals the shape of the person wearing it. The body hugging outfits that Muslim athletes have been wearing still reveal the shape. These customs then are essentially accusing men of not being able to control themselves. Another objection. Honorable men can and so have control as to how they view another person. It should be no different if we were nude in places where nudity was practical. I think it has been shown many times that nudity in itself does not affect physical attraction as much as types and styles of clothing.
People who are not exposed to a normal life lived naked seem to have a desire to see nudity even in its slightest forms. Look at the number of videos posted that give a split second shot of a nipple slip, or breast popping out of a top, or the wind lifting a skirt to show a thong or no underwear at all. These would likely all go away if "officialdom" would come out and say that nude is not only okay, but perhaps the better way to live.
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FullSun
Mar 7, 2021
[quote]These would likely all go away if "officialdom" would come out and say that nude is not only okay, but perhaps the better way to live.[/quote] Unfortunately it will never happen as the lobbyists for the textile and fashion industries would and probably do push to make sure their sales are not impacted and instead are increased.
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