Christian Naturism
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Christian naturists are followers of the Christian faith who practice naturism or nudism, and are part of the clothes-free movement. They can be found in almost all branches and denominations of Christianity, and find no conflict between the teachings of the Bible and living their lives and worshipping God without any clothing. However, most have various disagreements with New Age and humanist philosophy which is common among other naturists and wish to be separated from it. This includes a total rejection of nature worship of any sort.
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[edit] Foundation
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The following beliefs highlight the greatest differences of Christian naturism relative to their clothed counterparts. However, they account for only a small fraction of what Christian naturists believe in totality. See the Wikipedia article on Christianity for an extensive summation of the Christian faith, as well as individual Wikipedia articles of any specific denomination of interest (Baptist, Catholicism, LDS Church, etc.) Some Christian naturists have no denomination, but nevertheless consider themselves Protestant. |
[edit] The Garden of Eden
In Genesis chapter 3, [1] Adam and Eve are living without sin in the Garden of Eden where God had placed them. They eat the forbidden fruit in defiance of God's command, persuaded by the devil in the form of a serpent. Immediately, Adam and Eve realize that they are naked, and sew fig leaves together as coverings. Upon hearing the sound of God walking in the garden, they hide themselves in the trees. God then asks Adam where he is located. In spite of the fig leaves, Adam replies that he is afraid because of his nakedness. God queries Adam, "Who told you that you were naked?" The implication, as Christian naturists see it, is that their shame was not of God. Not only is God displeased by the disobedience of having eating the forbidden fruit, but also with their later attempt to cover up their bodies. In addition, God gives priority to this question by asking it first, before any discussion regarding the fruit.
Adam and Eve were man and wife (i.e. nudity within a marriage context) and no other humans existed on the planet at this time. Therefore, the coverings attempted to hide their sin by hiding from God -- not each other. As the next chapter begins with the couple having sexual relations, they obviously saw each other nude subsequent to the fall of mankind. Having thus sinned, and no longer living nude by their own accord, God banned them from the Garden of Eden. He also made garments from animal skins to replace the fig leaves. Christian naturists believe this was for protection from the harsher elements outside of the garden, and implied that sin requires a blood sacrifice. There is no mention that Adam and Eve should be ashamed of their bodies. As Jesus Christ is the blood sacrifice of Christians under the New Testament, many Christian naturists believe there is no need to wear clothes as a covering of sin, nor for any other reason besides protection from the elements.
[edit] Other scripture
Other Bible passages include the story of King David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11. While David was rebuked by God for his lust for Bathsheba (a married woman), nothing was said about her nude bathing.[2] Further examples of passages which include references of public or semipublic nudity that are either not condemned by God, or are facilitated and commanded by him are Genesis 2:25,[3] I Samuel 19:23-24,[4] and Isaiah 20.[5]
[edit] Summary of general beliefs
- The human body was God's final and greatest earthly creation. Requiring the body to be covered rivals the legalism of the Pharisees. Many people have been deceived into thinking that their clothing keeps them from sin, when in fact the opposite is true.
- Although the word "naturism" may in some contexts refer to nature worship, Christian naturists reject this as idolatry, which is forbidden per the Ten Commandments and elsewhere in the Bible. It is the creator, not the creation, that should be worshiped. Also, it is too late to be concerned about the semantics of the word "naturism;" other Christian terms such as "Easter" have a non-Christian origin.
- Social nudity and Christianity have been practiced together by singles and families for as long as Christianity has been in existence.[6] Being nude is a wholesome way of life, and acceptable state of dress which was never condemned by God in the Bible.
- Much of the origin of repressive attitudes toward nudity is traced to the political setting of the early church and church-state, and not the teachings of Christ Himself. Modern decency laws forbidding nudity are more relevant to the Victorian era than the Biblical era.
- In previous centuries, racism and anti-nudity attitudes were often linked closely together, as many people of European descent wanted nothing to do with the "naked savages of the jungle."[7] Those living nude with darker skin were thought to be a separate creation deemed unworthy of salvation. Clothing and skin color became all-important factors in judging a person's wealth and social status, often in a prideful manner. Though much has since changed (e.g. racial integration, multiculturalism, etc.), many Christians still refuse to accept any lifestyle involving nudity.
- Crucifixions were usually done with the victim naked. There is no evidence that Jesus' crucifixion was anything but ordinary. The wrapping around His lower part is a concession to our modern-day clothed society.
- Nudity and sexuality do not go hand-in-hand, and any inappropriate sexual conduct (including lust) is against God's word.[8] The Bible never speaks of both lust and clothing (garments) in proximity to one another. Christians who cannot comprehend nudity without sexuality may have been deprived of any opportunity to do so in their upbringing. [9]
- Sexual decadence such as pornography and pedophilia (paedophilia) is the direct result of a lack of exposure to nudity in childhood. This is most likely to occur when combined with other factors such as extreme parental attitudes (e.g. body shame) and social isolation. Christian naturists strongly encourage fellowship with other believers, and abhor body shame. Those who were raised their entire lives within Christian naturism should not have any temptation to engage in such behaviors.
- Instead of allowing pornographers to define the body for us, and then create a virtue of modesty to fit that false definition, Christians should assert God's definition as found in Scripture and Church Tradition. [10]
- Although "openness" and "loving people for who they are" are common concepts throughout Christianity, they are especially emphasized in Christian Naturism though "body acceptance." Having a perfect body as the world sees fit is totally unimportant for both males and females of all ages. Psychiatric conditions such as anorexia do not occur among those raised in Christian Naturism.
- The question asked by God in Genesis 3:11, "Who told you that you were naked?" needs to be answered by those who feel compelled to be clothed. (No reply by Adam and Eve was ever recorded, as they focused solely on God's next question of eating from the forbidden tree.) God never commends Adam and Eve for their self-discovery of being able to hide their bodies with fig leaves.
- A child's innocence is lost when a non-naturist parent says to them, in effect, "You are too old to be seen nude in public." (see below)
If parents forbid their children to be seen nude in public, generally such a prohibition begins just before or about the same time as the age of accountability. The exact age and circumstances may vary by denomination and culture. Quite the opposite of what Christian naturists believe, non-naturists (whether Christian or not), may feel that if children were to see others nude and be seen nude themselves, that is precisely what would cost them their innocence.[11] See also the article: Nudity and children.
[edit] Where nudity is forbidden
Despite the aforementioned beliefs, there are three areas in which Christian naturists may feel nudity is condemned by the Bible:[12]
- Where it is forced on a person against their will. (e.g. prisoners)
- When associated directly with sin, orgies, Paganism, temple prostitution, and the like. This also includes exhibitionism and indecent exposure. In particular, situations in which a person has completely undressed causing surprise to those not expecting such an encounter. (Many feel indecent exposure laws are overly broad, though "surprise" should always be avoided.)
- Where people are suffering from the lack of food, clothing, and shelter. The need for clothing could be due to a cold climate, hostile environment, or cultural necessity.
[edit] Denominations
[edit] Catholics and Protestants
At most of the Farm and Wilderness Camps in the state of Vermont, campers are free to wear what they want at the waterfronts. This includes skinny dipping after a discussion on body acceptance, and respecting others choices.[15] Each day, campers and staff participate in "silent meetings" based on the Quaker practice of "Meeting for Worship."[16] All of the camps live the values inherent in Quaker philosophy,[17] but are in no way affiliated with the denomination, being open to people of all beliefs.
Note: The Religious Society of Friends (colloquially known as Quakers) as a whole does not encourage nudity.
[edit] LDS naturists
LDS naturists are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (colloquially known as "Mormons") who practice naturism or nudism, and are part of the clothes-free movement. Like other Christian Naturists, LDS Naturists have accepted casting aside their clothing as a wholesome state of dress for recreation; a state that is believed not to be condemned of God. A growing number of active members of the LDS religion consider themselves naturist.
Like other Christian naturists, LDS naturists reject the Gnostic teaching that the Body is evil and the Spirit is good. Rather, the spirit is good and that the body is sacred is the accepted belief. Although for the LDS naturist, this fact is supported by revelation, both modern and ancient.[18] [19] Both Christian naturists and Latter-day Saints believe that the body is created in the image of God. For the LDS naturist, however, this belief is further supported by modern scripture as well as ancient Scripture. For instance, in Ether 3:16[20], the Lord tells the brother of Jared that His spirit body is identical to His physical body, and He created man after the image of His Spirit body. See also Moses 2:27 [21] and Genesis 1:27 [22]. However, there are a few differences. Unlike their Protestant and Catholic Christian brothers and sisters, LDS naturists do not believe in the ideas of Original Sin. This is because of the Second Article of Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which states: "We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression." [23] Also, LDS naturists pursue chaste naturism and nudism because they believe it is good, and it is chaste. This is in accordance with the thirteenth article of faith, which states that Latter-day Saints believe in being honest, true, and chaste and they should seek after all things which is virtuous, lovely, and of good report. [24]
It should be noted that like their clothed counterparts, most non-LDS Christian naturists do not accept the Book of Mormon and other LDS-exclusive teachings. Likewise, LDS naturists do not accept all the beliefs of the Catholic and mainline Protestant churches. However, some social and recreational contact may occur between LDS and non-LDS Christian naturists.
[edit] Criticism
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At this time, no documented, official criticism of Christian naturism is known to exist within the Christian community. (See the Wikipedia article Criticism of social nudity for criticism of secular naturism.) Several well-known organizations which specialize in new religious movements such as the Watchman Fellowship, Bob Larson Ministries, and the (John) Ankerberg Theological Research Institute have, to date, taken no position. The following section summarizes the views of low-ranking church officials and laymen, and should be viewed as preliminary and possibly incomplete. |
By far, the most frequent biblical argument against Christian naturism is that if God had approved of people being nude, He would not have clothed Adam and Eve after they sinned, thus making it a reminder to man that we had in fact sinned. [25] The counter-argument is that Adam and Eve had already clothed themselves, as God merely replaced the fig leaves with animal skins. (That is, granting them free will, but demonstrating sin requires a blood sacrifice.) Most Christian naturists agree that God allows, but does not require, clothing. See the Garden of Eden section above.
Due to cultural tendencies to equate nudity with sex, many Christian groups and denominations are not supportive of naturism and nudism. Such groups may feel that the temptation of lust is just too difficult. However, as Christian naturists point out, lust can occur even though the subject is fully dressed. In addition, naturists believe that certain types of revealing clothing (such as bikinis) actually make lust more likely when compared to being nude. This is largely due to the ability of the mind to mentally "fill in the blanks." Likewise, they don't believe the "do not cause your brother to sin" [26] argument applies to the naturist lifestyle, as naturism is generally practiced in the presence of others who would not be caused to sin.
Others feel the Scriptures (on which accurate tradition is based) make no reference to the Christian faith indulging in nudism to prevent lust. In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul speaks of the need for women to wear a head covering. However, it only applies to prayer and prophecy, and says nothing about covering the rest of the human body. Conversely, according to the passage, men must not have their heads covered. This due to Christ being the head, image, and glory of every man; while the head of a woman is man, which is her glory. [27]; Today, many Western churches which are not naturist don't require women to cover their heads in church.
In the Book of 1 Timothy, Paul urged the women in the Christian church to dress modestly, with "decency and propriety".[28] Critics contend it is in contrast to the beliefs of Christian naturism that the apostle urges them to dress at all. Christian Naturists counter that Paul was disallowing outlandish and/or expensive clothing (which is prohibited in Christian Naturism as well), and not referring to those who choose not to dress. Also, as Timothy has a Jewish background (Jews always wore clothing in that era), being nude may have been too radical, as there were far more important matters and disputes in the early New Testament church for him to deal with.
Other criticism, while it may or may not oppose naturism per se, is concerned that it will hinder witnessing, divide spouses, promote secrecy to prevent embarrassment, excommunication, etc.[29] As a result, some Christian naturists are isolated from other Christians and their churches. In their effort to find fellowship, many have formed local fellowships, while others are still accepted by their own church groups even though they are known as naturists.[30]
- In May 2002, a pastor in southern California was terminated due to his Christian naturism beliefs. The church was affiliated with the Grace Gospel Fellowship and Grace Bible College.[31]
- A written debate titled Is Social Nudism Condemned By The Bible As Sinful? with Mark Roberts of the Westside Church of Christ, Irving, Texas in the affirmative, and John Kundert of the Fig Leaf forum, Winnipeg, Manitoba in the negative is available online. [32] See the external links below.
- Tektonics, a Christian apologetics website, has a somewhat scholarly critique of nudism/naturism (Note that it is in response to the fringe group Liberated Christians, and not Christian Naturism).[1]
[edit] History
Originally Jewish mikvahs, and later, Christian baptisms [33] baptized people completely naked. This even included mass baptisms involving men, women, and children. It signified their being restored to man's original condition, and having their shame removed. Others claim that children were baptized first, then men, then women, all separately.
Due to a common lack of inside plumbing, public bathing was a common practice through the time of Jesus and still occurs today in certain cultures. Whole families were together at the public bath -- including Christians. Jesus even preached frequently at the public baths in Jerusalem ([34]; John 5:1-7).
Some historic religious sects, both Christian and syncretist, have made nudism a general practice. Probably the most well-known of these were the Adamites, though some of their beliefs were contrary to orthodox Christianity. The post-resurrection belief of the unclothed body being evil or sinful may originate in Platonic Asceticism (founded largely on the works of ancient Greek philosopher Plato) which was adopted and passed down by "Christian" Platonists in early church history. Platonism is a dualistic theology which proposes a realm of forms to include, on the one hand, "pure ideas", which are good; and, on the other hand, "matter", which is evil. When applied to humans, the soul is necessarily good, and the body is necessarily evil. Therefore, according to this philosophy, our "evil" bodies must be covered by clothing. Christian naturists reject such notions as unbiblical.
During the Middle Ages, there were a great deal of wars between Christians and Muslims with civilians also caught up in the conflicts. Christians were probably somewhat (though not totally) influenced by the hijab (Islamic dress code), which was passed on to future generations. Under the rules established by the hijab, even males are not allowed to see each other nude.
By the middle of the 19th century, Queen Victoria had come to power in the United Kingdom. The queen's influence was legendary, even spreading to other areas of Europe and America, which were outside of the British Empire. (Her ancestors were mainly German.) Due to previous sexual and other scandals of her predecessors in the House of Hanover, Queen Victoria placed a strong emphasis on her idea of morality and family values. For the first time, burgeoning middle classes could begin to identify with the reigning king or queen. At this point, it became quite unacceptable to be seen nude in public for whatever reason. Missionaries even brought clothing to various indigenous peoples who lived nude in humid, tropical climates. After her death in 1901, naturism and nudism began to emerge in northern Germany, and gradually spread elsewhere.
In the United States, the Christian naturism movement (which was the first naturism movement of any sort in the U.S.) began in the late 1920s. This occurred at nearly the same time as the start of the Great Depression, under the leadership of Baptist minister Ilsley Boone, together with his family. He was vice president of the American League for Physical Culture, and also formed and headed the American Sunbathing Association (ASA). These later merged (without Boone) to become one secular organization. In 1995, the ASA renamed itself, becoming the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR).
Until the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) converted to co-ed facilities in the early 1960s, men and boys, including the swimming instructors, swam in a state of complete nakedness. Nylon was a relatively new invention at that time, and allowing cotton or wool swimsuits in the pool would clog up the filtration system. The word gymnasium means to train in the nude. This is derived from the standard practice of athletes who used to train and compete without any clothing (though it originates from pre-Christian Greece).
With the beginning of the modern internet in the mid-1990's, Christian Naturism became much more organized in the U.S. than ever before. Annual Christian Nudist Convocations began early in the decade of the 2000's.
[edit] External links
[edit] Issues and debate
- Is Social Nudism Condemned By The Bible As Sinful? A written debate
- Religious Tolerance: Nudity as mentioned in the Bible
- Experience Grace: Jeff Bowman's Page Pastor excommunicated from church affiliated with the Grace Gospel Fellowship (GGF) and Grace Bible College in 2002
- "But, Naked? Liberated Christians stripped of credibility" Article by Tektonics.org
[edit] Catholic, Protestant, and Non-Denominational
- Christian Nudist Convocation (annually during the summer months by region in the USA)
- Fig Leaf Forum
- Boyd Allen’s Christian Naturism
- BACN Forum
- Christians in Naturism (webring -- may contain some extraneous links)
- Christian Naturist Village Fourm
- Christian Naturism.com
- RejectShame.com
- Common Ground
- Naturist-Christians
- Christians 4 Naturists
- ArdentYouth
- JMF Nudism/Naturism
The following are links to the "Nudity & Religion" section of a secular website:
- Clothesfree Forums
- Happy Nature Fourm
- VivreNu Fourm (French with computer-translated English)
