Nudism - Christian nudism, nudism & religion

Nudism

Christian nudism

One Opinion

Nudism is often misunderstood and judged without first exploring the facts.

Maybe you have discovered nudism and wonder about its validity. Maybe you are struggling to understand. Maybe you ended up on my web site by "accident" -- or was it? :)

No matter why you are here, the information on my site is intended to help you decide for yourself what to believe concerning the issues surrounding clothing and nudity.

You are invited to attend...

God says, "Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God..." - 1 John 4:1

God says, "Test EVERYTHING. Hold on to the good." - 1 Thessalonians 5:21

God says, "If anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all... - James 1:5
Ah-h-h...Christian nudism...

Please understand that I myself did not make my decision lightly; rather I spent two years of my life in fervent prayer and thorough study (from both the Bible and other sources) before determining that I was in deed a nudist. In the end, it only proved that "God's foolishness is higher than man's wisdom" (1 Corinthians 1:25). Since then, I have continued to pray, study, and grow in my understand.

As someone once said, "All truth goes through three steps: First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."

Jesus says, "I am The Truth... and ...you will know The Truth and The Truth will set you free.
...So if the Son [Jesus] sets you free, you will be free indeed." - John 8:32, 36

God says, "I resolve to know nothing, except Jesus Christ and His death on the cross." - 1 Corinthians 2:2
"If anybody preaches a gospel other than salvation through Christ, let him be eternally condemned!" - Galatians 1:8-9
So what is nudism about anyway?

This is in deed quite a deep subject, and to try to explain it all with a simple answer here would be impossible. In fact, the point of my site is to offer an in depth view of the subject, and so I encourage you to read on.

In short though, nudism is defined as "going without clothes, especially socially, FOR REASONS OF HEALTH." In fact, it actually began as a health movement and, for the most part, continues that way. As an interesting side note, Christians led its way. In fact, when organized nudism came to America, Reverend Ilsley Boone, along his wife, two daughters, and son became its leading family. Let me clarify...

Nudism is not any of the negative things most outsiders associate with it. It is not like their kind of perverse nudity! Although it can be fun and does feel good, it is not based on fun or the "if it feels, good do it" attitude. It is not about sex! It is not about lust. It is not about loose living or loose morals. It is not about shock or exhibitionism. It is not about merely "getting nekkid."

Nudism is about health. It is about recognizing that "clothes *DO NOT* make the man" (God does!). It is about being practical and realistic. It is about getting back to basics and keeping it simple. It is about letting the body function as designed. It is about recognizing the design as normal and good, and not something to be ashamed or embarrassed about. It is about seeing ourselves and others with a pure heart and mind, and teaching others to do the same. (It actually takes greater moral integrity and stronger character to live the life. Those who only think dirty thoughts, or feel shameful or uncomfortable when nude or seeing others nude, show that they do not have a pure heart.) It is about a mindset or attitude of honesty, trust, and complete openness before God and others. It is about walking in the truth and in the light. It is about acceptance. It is about relationships; how we see and relate to ourselves, how we see and relate to others, and how we want others to see and relate to us. In the end, it is about returning to God's original design in the Garden, God's idea, God's ideal, God's best. For myself and many others, it is a form of worship and an expression of the redemptive work of Christ, declaring to "the rulers and authorities" and all creation how the Lord "made A PUBLIC DISPLAY of them" when He "triumphed over them" (Colossians 2:15). It is about all of these things and more.

God says, "God SAW ALL that He made, and it was very good." - Genesis 1:31

God says, "EVERYTHING created by God is good and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving..." - 1 Timothy 4:4

Jesus says, "Why do you worry about clothes? The body is MORE IMPORTANT than clothes." - Matthew 6:25-34 and Luke 12:22-34

God says, "To the pure ALL THINGS are pure..." - Titus 1:15
Putting it into Perspective

With clothiests, those who [think they] "need" clothing, on one side, and nudists, those who prefer clothing be optional, on the other, we need to find some "common ground." That common ground is our bond to one another, and that bond is something we all need. Read on...

For those who trust in clothing as some form of salvation, the Word of God is clear that Jesus Christ alone sets us free. He alone returns us to the purity, and righteousness that He originally established in the Garden. Those who know Jesus Christ personally do not need to rely on clothing as a means of salvation; they can once again be as God originally designed i.e. physically "naked and not ashamed."

If you think clothing is the answer -- that it will somehow help you -- then read what the Lord says...

God says, "Do not let anyone take you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which DEPENDS ON HUMAN TRADITION AND THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF THIS WORLD rather than ON CHRIST." - Colossians 2:8

God says, "Such regulations indeed have the appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they LACK ANY VALUE in restraining sensual indulgence." - Colossians 2:23

God says, "False teachers promise freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity - for a man is a slave to WHATEVER has mastered him." - 2 Peter 2:19-20

God says, "Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things." - Colossians 3:2

Jesus says, "Why do you worry about clothes? The body is MORE IMPORTANT than clothes." - Matthew 6:25-34 and Luke 12:22-34

God says, "Do you not know that YOUR BODY is the temple of God's Holy Spirit, who is in you? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore, honor God WITH YOUR BODY." - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

God says, "The ONLY THING that counts is faith expressing itself though love." - Galatians 5:6
Ultimately, we are nude by design...

Art work by non-nudist

"God created man is His own image ... and they were naked and felt no shame ... and God saw ALL that He had made, and it was very good."

"EVERYTHING created by God is good and NOTHING is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving ... but woe to those who call evil good, and good evil."

Genesis 1:27, 2:25, 1:31, 1 Timothy 4:4, Isaiah 5:20 - NIV

Of course, still keeping things in perspective, some nudist go to the opposite extreme, thinking nudism is some kind of salvation. While it does have many benefits, is often more practical and sensible, and is, I believe, God's "perfect will," salvation is again found only in Jesus Christ.

Those who know Jesus Christ personally can walk in complete freedom from the need for clothing and may have learned to be physically "naked and not ashamed" again because of Him. However, the Word of God is clear that you are not to be a slave to anything, and that nothing is to interfere with God's message to you -- the message that He loves you unconditionally and wants you to know Him -- even having come to us in the flesh to die a horrible death on a cross to prove it.

We may prefer to be unclothed, thus leaving ourselves only with God's handiwork, ridding ourselves of our man-made trappings, the "filthy rags of righteousness," but God tell us to "seek first His kingdom." With that in mind, our goal should not be to try to force everyone to think or act exactly the same as us, but only to help others find their way to the truth for themselves.

God says, "...a man is a slave to WHATEVER has mastered him." - 2 Peter 2:19-20

God says, "All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'" - 1 Peter 5:5

God says, "The ONLY THING that counts is faith expressing itself though love." - Galatians 5:6

God says, "Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things." - Colossians 3:2

God says, "Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover up for evil desires; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone..." - 1 Peter 2:16-17
The Good News

Nudism is good. Clothing is good, too. Both have some value. No matter which way you choose to go, be a seeker, and seek the Truth with an open mind, understanding that the ultimate "Good News" is, God knows you and loves you (in spite of you) and He wants you to know Him.

There is so much more to nudism than what you have just read, so read more on my other pages and on the sites I have linked to. May we find more "common ground"...

Other Opinion

We get occasional questions about or from "Christian nudist." We think the Bible is clear that nudity is to be limited to the marriage relationship, but since no single verse says this it's not always easy to "prove" this point. The following was received from a gentleman who spent two years involved in "Christian naturism" several years ago. Having "been there" and "done that" the individual can speak to the issue more directly than we can, and he makes a strong case against nudism for Christians. The author, who wishes to remain anonymous, said he wanted to help others "so they don't make the same foolish choice I did."

I also agree with you that Christian nudism is not a good idea, but not for the reasons you give. Your reasons would be easily dismissed by someone involved with Christian nudism. The problem with addressing this topic is that the Bible really doesn't condemn it. Christian naturists can argue that the problem is not with what they are doing, but with the way society reacts to it. This is true, but how do we wish to change society? Do we want to make them all nudists, or make them all Christians?

First off, it really is not about sex (for most). There are some men who get interested for the wrong reasons, but they are soon disappointed. Where single men are welcome they outnumber the women at least 3 to 1, often more (10 to 1). And the women there are part of a couple. Many places have quotas to maintain gender balance.

This leads to the first big, big problem with social nudism in general: It becomes a wedge that drives spouses apart. Almost universally it is the man who becomes interested in this, and almost universally the woman is opposed. They even have a name for this. It is called "the reluctant spouse syndrome." Naturists are constantly trying to figure out how to get more women involved. The man may become obsessed with naturism and go without his spouse. This causes many family problems. Many of the women who do participate with their man do not really want to, but are dragged into it and realize they might get divorced if they don't go along.

I met many naturist men who were on wife number 2 or 3, all because the previous spouse refused to get involved. This is the reason they gave me, not my own opinion. And it is very important to have a female companion. Even though it is not about sex, you do not want to be the single male. You are then an outsider. You are excluded from many clubs and events. You are treated with suspicion when allowed to participate. When you do get to participate you are with the many, many other single men who are "off to the side." Many of these men are homosexuals. Most of the couples are at the club that won't let singles in, so all the single guys wind up together where they are welcomed. So the first real problem with Christian nudism is it harms marriages. Those involved are so "into" it that they will deny this point. I speak from experience. I have heard the many, many stories of family problems. Real life stories, not theory.

The second big problem is the effect on your Christian witness and ministry. There are two kinds of Christian naturists. Those who "keep the big secret," and those who don't. Let's look at what happens to the secret naturists first.

They find they cannot trust the other members of their church. They have to make up excuses for where they were last weekend. They don't invite Church friends to their home. Their real friends are their nudist friends. After I became good friends with several Christian nudist couples I learned they were using false names at the clubs and on the Internet. When they came to trust me they told me their real names. The secret keepers have to get the kids involved in keeping the secret also. They come to see Christian brothers and sisters as potential judges. They tend not to get involved with church activities, or to cease to be involved. Some quit practicing "organized religion" and just pray to God and read the Bible for themselves. They know those narrow minded folks at that church would not understand their freedom.

And they are correct. Those who are open about their nudism find they are judged at their church. I know of one couple who were very active in youth ministries. Nudism eventually led to their quitting that church (which had a very dim view of nudism) and moving to another where they were not involved with youth (and where they kept their secret). I know of another couple who were very involved with the music ministry at their church. When their nudist beliefs became known they were told they could not be involved with any church ministries until they repented. They quit, looked for a new church for a short time, and last time I spoke to them they are practicing their religion at home only. I know of another couple who told their pastor, he disapproved so they now attend a church that is farther away. They no longer fellowship with the Christians of their own local community, but drive to where their secret is not known.

Jesus prayed for unity in the body. I have seen nudism cause disunity in Christian fellowship and trouble in Christian marriages. Paul said to lay aside every weight or hindrance and run the race set before us. Nudism is such a hindrance. I have heard several Christians tell me how nudism ended their involvement in ministry. (Of course they didn't see it as a problem with nudism, but as a problem with narrow minded people who just didn't understand how wonderful nudism was.) I have seen nudism wreck a person's witness. You are viewed as a crack pot and nothing you say about faith will be listened to.

I could tell you other stories also. I know a woman who was very upset that her young niece, of whom she was very fond, was no longer allowed to visit them at their home when extended family found out her husband had become a nudist. I know of another woman whose sister will not visit her after she and her husband became nudists. The breaking up of family ties is not good fruit.

Remember earlier when I said it is not about sex for most nudists? For many it is. About 40% of nudists are swingers. This is something Christian nudists just have to live with. You will get invited to swing if you are part of a couple and frequent different resorts. You just say no and they leave you alone. But you will be asked. Another 40% of nudists think the 40% that swing give the whole lifestyle a bad name. These two groups are at odds with each other over the direction that nudism in America should take, but since their overall numbers are so small they feel they need to get along with each other. But the idea of acceptance is just nice talk on web sites and in magazines. The swingers, gays, pagans (nudism is often part of their skyclad religion), and Christians don't like each other, they just tolerate each other. (These numbers came from a reader survey in a Nudist publication I use to subscribe to.)

There is no Bible verse forbidding nudism. But the actual fruits of it tend to be contrary to Biblical teaching. This is why I left the life style. I am now happy, honest and open with my Christian friends at my local church, and involved in a teaching ministry. Nudism offered me "freedom" (bound to secrets), but I have found truth to be a better freedom.