Christian Nudists

[toramei]

D2 What is shame? Shame- a painful emotion caused by an awareness of guilt or shortcoming.
Adam and Eve's shame is taking of the fruit from the tree they were told not to.
Sin-to break the law of GOD. The act of not doing what GOD wants.
My question to you D2 is am I twisting or spinning these few statements in any way?

Previously you mention being naked in front of another is a sin correct?
Such as your spouse?
Such as your doctor?
Such as in communal shower in the military?

I am glad you are here it stimulates people seeking the truth.
Be still and know GOD.

 

[D2wing]

The answer to your first question is yes. I think you are saying that the scripture is saying something that is does not. In my opinion I think you are wrong about nakedness not being part of their shame. Why else is their reaction to put on fig leaves or whatever.
The second part, I have no answer. We are not under the law. We are not bound by the Old Testament so your error on the first part doesn't speak to nudity but to self deception.
I do not have a measuring stick to say when something is a sin or not. You bring up good points. I cannot tell you you are wrong on the second part. In my opinion you are a step or two down a slippery slope on both matters. I do know that in I spend time around pretty young things that are naked or even close to it, my thoughts at some point will not be pure.
If you are not temped like that then you made of very different material than me.
I think most people have a degree of modesty and are not comfortable naked. But I leave you to your own thoughts I already have said more than I probably should. I am not here to judge you. Just give you my opinion. I am over my head here.

 

[toramei]

The first part of my description regarding shame and sin are found in the dictionary-concordance of the The Holy Bible New International Version.The family keepsake bible published by the Zondervan Publishing House copyright 1993.
As for temptation of the flesh one can be tempted by a fully clothed female.For a female a fully clothed man can be a temptation.
As for me as I stand in front of my female doctor for my physical which includes a prostate check I do not find this as a lustful experience.I have a total of four female specialists which I have been nude in front of and not once was I being in temptation.I have GOD as my guidance.I have been married for forty wonderful blessed years.Why would I want another woman?
The state of nakedness which GOD created us and saw that it was good.The state of nakedness for sexual immoral purposes that is what is bad and not condoned by GOD.

When the missionaries went to Hawaii why did they force the women to get tops on? Did the missionaries have a problem with seeing bare breasts?

 

[D2wing]

Ok, I have no response. Take care brother.
I also had a recent prostrate exam. I understand what you mean.

 

[dayhiker]

Well, my view is that every thing we read we interpret. If that wasn't true everyone would read the same thing. But my lifetime of Bible study shows me a lot of different views of the Bible. When I studied the Jesus' statement that He was the rock. I came across over 20 different way people and scholars interpreted it.
Plus every book I've read on how to Hermeneutics gives a method of interpreting not one listed "don't interpret." So I can't take that part of your comments seriously, D2.

I do agree with the scriptures listed. God definitely rewards those that seek Him. I can personally testify to that.

 

[D2wing]

It depends, in the natural or in the Spirit. The Bible is a supernatural book. it was written by power of the Holy Spirit and is properly understood by power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said Peter was the rock. That is because of the revelation by the Spiritual of who Jesus actually was.
Books are great. But they are no help if they confuse people. The Holy Spirit does not contradict himself. If interpretations do not agree one is wrong.
That is why the Bible should be read prayerfully.
If someone comes up with a wacky or illogical interpretation be careful be concerned. The Bible is written to mean what he says. Not some "interpretation". But some parts of the Bible are mysterious. God will show that in due time to the diligent, not by natural wisdom but that which comes from above.
That is why Mark Twains statement is so profound.
Pray that the Lord grants you the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. That will do you more good than all the books in the World save the Word of God. The Bible.

 

[D2wing]

It is a certainty that many will choose interpretations that please themselves rather lead to Righteousness, several books of the New Testament deal with this issue.
God says he will send strong lies to those who love not the truth.
I am pretty sure that the posts above as well as throughout this forum reflect that.
In the end we will reap what we sow without excuse.
I also have warned others to be careful in their remarks. God dispises scoffers.
I have seen pretty unpleasant things happen to people like that. Do not fool yourself, God is bringing judgement and it begins in the House of God.

 

[D2wing]

Day hiker, I am amused by you comment about what I said, "don't interpret" and the source. Books by people that make their living doing just that. But I applaud your efforts and respect your sincerity and effort. In my opinion some of the books are written in vanity of the authors own mind. That is just human nature. But again many books are truely inspired and helpful. I have read a few. I appreciate your remarks.
I hope you understand what I meant.

 

[D2wing]

The words of the Bible are cosmic timeless jewels. Wonderful, full of light and many layers. They can speak on many levels and at different times to different things. But they will never contradict themselves or the rest of the Bible.

 

[dayhiker]

D2 .. thanks,
I agree the Bible is the word of God. Its spoke to me over and over in my life. Has helped lead to the amazing life I've have.
Of course in the final analyst its God personally in my life that has given all to me as the Holy Spirit has lead me. Thankfully, I have been
able to share that blessing with a lot of others as well.

So I'm curious about God having his servant Isaiah walk about naked for 3 years. What are you thoughts on that?
Isa.20

 

[D2wing]

Haven't really thought about it. That's your deal not mine. I don't care. God has people do odd things, usually to humble them. It was significant that he did so. It would not be significant if it was normal or acceptable normally.
If I were to speculate, It seems all things immoral are also degrading. Including nudity. He also had a prophet marry a prostitute. Same thing. Make what you will of it I don't care.

 

[D2wing]

My main concern is the misuse of Scripture. As far as nudity, To me it remains immoral and degrading in general. I am not personally concerned about it and am not much bothered by medical or other normal situations where it is acceptable. What you do is your business but to make it a Christian thing is a slippery slope. I have said that before and will not further rehash it. If you want my opinion, read my posts. I have said more than I want on the subject.

 

[dayhiker]

Thanks, D2 ... that helps me understand you a lot.

 

[Darkhorse]

I also dislike the misuse of Scripture. The most common misuse I see is jerking a verse or two out of context and waving it around like a battle flag. Sometimes part of the verse is left off or left out.

No one here has done that recently, but several people earlier in the thread have.

Here are some things to consider, not directed at anyone in particular:

Sin separates us from God.
Sin makes us want to avoid God.
Sin sets us in opposition to God.

If nudity is sinful,

Why do some people (including myself) feel closer to God when we are nude?

Why were Adam and Eve created nude? Did it have anything to do with their conversing with God frequently?

 

[D2wing]

Adam and Eve were created before sin, nothing was sin then. After the fruit they were instantly aware of sin. Nudity wasn't sinful until then.
The rest I have no answer for. And I was wondering if I would come up as I thought about it.
I could speculate about the nude worship thing but no matter what I said it would be misconstrued by someone. It is beyond me to say it is right or wrong. I think that is between You and God. A private thing. Stopping right there. Backing away from the key board.

 

[D2wing]

I will say about immorality, especially sex related, degrades everyone involved. It reduces a person from spiritual and pure to a lessor state. Morality is only for humans. Animals can be good or bad but they cannot be immoral. They just are.
God also needs no rules of any kind. That is why he gave the Bible and the Holy Spirit. The rules he set for us are to protect us from ourselfs and others from us and each other. An essential part of what Jesus did is to be the second Adam, without sin. But conquering the laws of sin and death that the first Adam brought. As I understand it, Jesus told the Pharicees that there is no male or female in Heaven. At some point we will be like the original Adam without sin. Just speculation on my part. At this time I find myself still struggling with sin.
Not sure if this fits the discussion. Maybe someone will get something out of it. I guess I was getting at That sometime nudity will pass away.

 

[Darkhorse]

As stated earlier in the thread, my wife and I have been nudists since before we were married, and our kids have been raised with that environment and Christian values.

When a person has been raised on good food, they don't want to eat garbage.
They don't have a "constant struggle" to stay away from it.
Instead, they shun it, and look for high-quality nutrition.

Unfortunately, too many Christians think they (and everyone else) should be on a starvation diet;
When people are starving, they will eat anything, including garbage. Their hunger drives them to disregard quality.
But...hunger isn't evil. It's just a reminder that you need food.

We need God. Whether we admit it or not, we need Him. And part of that need is respecting His image, in which we were made.
Not dragging it through the dirt of pornography or illicit sex, or believing lies about it being shameful.

While most Christians are not nudists, most of the nudists I know are Christians. Not new-age free-thinking "anything goes" Christians, but traditional Bible-believing types, including evangelicals and Pentecostals. Like my wife and I, many have long marriages and homeschool their kids. I have met several here at Christian Forums over the years, and many more in person.

Why do my sons (now in their early 20s) avoid porn sites?
We have no filters on our home internet...

Why are they active in our church (along with my wife and I)?

Why are they still virgins?

Good "food" & good values (and the grace of God).

 

[D2wing]

Ok. Thanks for being so open. What you do in your own home is none of my business. I am not your Judge. This is somewhat of an eye opener for me, my own experiences with nudity were definitely not so pure and innocent. No comment beyond that in public.

 

[toramei]

When did nudity become sinful?
It became sinful when nudity was used in a immoral sexual way.
Some people have a problem with skin showing.That is why some women are covered from head to toe only their eyes can be seen.However these men looking at those eyes could get an arousal if their mind wanders.

Years ago when candid camera was seen on television there was an episode in a waiting room of a male poster full size with a loin cloth over the genital.Some people were not curious and some females wanted to take a peek.When the girls picked up the cloth the words smile you are on candid camera appeared.The same scene only with a female poster was involved same reaction.Smile you are on candid camera.
How do you use your nudity?
How do you use your alcohol?
How do you look at your neighbor?
Do you like to argue?
Do you use foul language?
Love the LORD with all your being and love your neighbor as yourself.
Be still and know GOD

 

[D2wing]

I was hopeful that I was done on here. How is it that Christians post stuff that clearly are not consistent with the Bible?
The above would be logical if the Bible did not forbid nudity for the sake of nudity as a sin in itself.
But I totally agree about the part about alcohol and other stuff. I agree with the idea that some things are sin for some, like a sip is wrong and dangerous for an alcoholic. And it isn't just about nudity.
Aside from nudity, we do lots of things that we don't see as evil. I had a dream that I was doing something good for somebody and they thought I was wonderful. But the dream kept repeating and each time my motives became more exposed. Finally the person did not say I was wonderful but wicked. My vanity and lust was exposed.
Over the last few days things have happened that illustrate this in other people. Tonite the Lord showed me the wickedness I overlooked in my heart. I say all this to say that Christians all should be getting ready because judgement is coming and we need to purify ourselves.
One of the things God used was a revolting Woody Allen movie in which a scruffy extreme liberal professor was adored by lecherous females including an attractive smart young student among others. I was thinking who thinks like this? Sure, a known pedophile and extreme liberal creep like Woody Allen. But my dream showed me that I was hiding crap nearly as dumb and wicked in my heart that I did not realize. Maybe this topic is just for me to deal with myself. If so thanks. While I am taking the log out of my own eye I hope you are checking yourself as well.