Nudism

[mld3three]

I agree with The Bellman. Just because the only time people in the west take off their clothes does not mean that nudity is restricted to when your having sex.

 

[Risen Tree]

The debate continues, although it is largely talking past each other.



I have been musing on two issues. I wonder how many of those opposing nudity have bothered to go the some of the sites mentioned and actually acquaint themselves with some of the interesting material that is available, especially from christian orientated sites. Or is it a case of ‘don’t let the facts interfere with my opinions?’ I consider it highly disrespectful to argue against any matter if I am not familiar with the facts and arguments put forward by its adherents. Basic courtesy, as well as humility is involved. Humility derives from awareness that I might just not have the whole picture.



Then, there is this fervent debate to justify a shame based moral position. I suspect that the willing defence of the ‘clothes only’ position is an expression of Christians’ in particular, and society’s in general deep unease about much of human sexuality. If our bodied are the temple of God’s Spirit, why do we not hear much more about obesity caused by poor eating and exercise habits? We know that obesity is a causative factor in many diseases. Is gluttony no longer a sin even though it harms the body?



For me, the debate rather proves a point. Christians have real issues with sexual matters.



John
NZ

This post contains words of wisdom.

 

[Risen Tree]

I agree with The Bellman. Just because the only time people in the west take off their clothes does not mean that nudity is restricted to when your having sex.

Exactly. Otherwise baths would be inherently sexual activities.

 

[immersedingrace]

7. Hygene.

Are you talking right now, where it's still frowned upon to go nude in most public places? Or in the future where you hope public nudity will be acceptable?

Would you say that it would be hygienic to go nude while working in the medical field? Would a doctor need to wear a "cap"?

What about the food service industry? Would one wear a "net"? or just go completely free?

9. Athletic purposes

Hmmm...so the whole industry of sports bra's is really an unneccesary industry because it would be SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much more comfortable for me (and other women) to go running nude!

blessings

 

[immersedingrace]

I wonder how many of those opposing nudity have bothered to go the some of the sites mentioned and actually acquaint themselves with some of the interesting material that is available, especially from christian orientated sites. Or is it a case of ‘don’t let the facts interfere with my opinions?’ I consider it highly disrespectful to argue against any matter if I am not familiar with the facts and arguments put forward by its adherents. Basic courtesy, as well as humility is involved. Humility derives from awareness that I might just not have the whole picture.

Well, I've looked at the links. I did look at a few articles and it was just more of what we've been talking about here. Different views on what the bible says. A few had pictures of nude people which I find extremely offensive and didn't stick around to view the sites as I didn't want to see MORE naked people. Especially children!

The following links were blocked by my internet filter,
saying LOUD and CLEAR that they are not sites that I'll
want to access!:
http://cheef.com/melissastarr
http://www.naturist.com/resources/205_078.htm
http://www.naturistsociety.com/resources/preface.htm
http://cheef.com/fwd.html?1429

One was not found:
http://www.antithesis.com/features/appealforradical.html

The only one with a modicum of credibility would be
www.sexscience.org and it's the 2003 recipient of the KINSEY award! What a screaming endorsement. Gives me the chills!

Overall, you can say I'm ill informed all you want, but I use the bible as my guide and believe I am very well informed. When I'm presented with information that is objective, I'll check it out. Until then, the bible will be my guide.

blessings

 

[Risen Tree]

The reason that your internet filter blocked them is that they were coded by people who believed that nudity is sex, sex is dirty, and dirty is filterable.

BTW, I have met Melissa Starr on another website, and she is the antitheses of perverted.

Is it not irresponsible to rely on a single source to gather one's information?

No objective evidence? We have given you objective evidence, but you haven't accepted it.

 

[Risen Tree]

Are you talking right now, where it's still frowned upon to go nude in most public places? Or in the future where you hope public nudity will be acceptable?

Would you say that it would be hygienic to go nude while working in the medical field? Would a doctor need to wear a "cap"?

Nudism does not dictate that we should go naked all the time. We only advocate the right to go nude when appropriate, and we do not force people to take their clothes off just because. There are situations, such as the one you mentioned, when clothes become a necessity. There are also situations, such as when somebody's clothes become infested with harmful biological agents that terrorists could spread per se, that clothes become a liability if not an all-out danger. Tell me, if you had to strip in public to receive a hose-down that could save your life, would you do it? I don't know about you, but if meant saving my very life, I could not get rid of my clothes fast enough.

What about the food service industry? Would one wear a "net"? or just go completely free?

Clothes trap dirt in a dark, humid enviroment. These are ideal environment for germs to thrive in.

Nudity removes this problem. It also allows the body to generate Vitamin D.

Hmmm...so the whole industry of sports bra's is really an unneccesary industry because it would be SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much more comfortable for me (and other women) to go running nude!

blessings

For obvious reasons, I don't know how comfortable bras are or are not. Even so, if you have a private setting where you can run around au naturel, I encourage you to try it some time. You'll have to experience the liberation yourself to know just how freeing it is. And then you'll understand how inhibiting clothing can be to personal comfort.

Also note that there is strong evidence that correlates the use of bras to breast cancer. The reason is that bras inhibit the natural flow of the lymph system through the breasts, thus preventing the draining of natural toxins that can ultimately lead to cancer.

 

[immersedingrace]

Tell me, if you had to strip in public to receive a hose-down that could save your life, would you do it? I don't know about you, but if meant saving my very life, I could not get rid of my clothes fast enough.

I pray I'll never have to find out.

Even so, if you have a private setting where you can run around au naturel, I encourage you to try it some time. You'll have to experience the liberation yourself to know just how freeing it is. And then you'll understand how inhibiting clothing can be to personal comfort.

You're assuming I've never "run around au naturel" in the privacy of my own home. I've never said it wouldn't be comfortable or liberating. My problem isn't with nudity, but PUBLIC nudity!!!

Also note that there is strong evidence that correlates the use of bras to breast cancer. The reason is that bras inhibit the natural flow of the lymph system through the breasts, thus preventing the draining of natural toxins that can ultimately lead to cancer.

Hmmm...never heard these studies and I live with a woman (I'm a live-in nanny, she's my boss) who owns a pharmaceutical company specializing in women's diseases, including breast cancer. I'm sure I would have heard by now as these issues are common conversational topics. However, I'll check with her, But I'm fairly CERTAIN that she'll have a ton of research to refute that. She's been doing research geared specifically toward women exclusively for the last 9 years, and interspersed with other health issues for 20 years prior to that.

Blessings

 

[crashedman]

Nudism does not dictate that we should go naked all the time. We only advocate the right to go nude when appropriate, and we do not force people to take their clothes off just because. There are situations, such as the one you mentioned, when clothes become a necessity. There are also situations, such as when somebody's clothes become infested with harmful biological agents that terrorists could spread per se, that clothes become a liability if not an all-out danger. Tell me, if you had to strip in public to receive a hose-down that could save your life, would you do it? I don't know about you, but if meant saving my very life, I could not get rid of my clothes fast enough.

This is true. Even nudist magazine editors readily admit that it isn't a panacea for the world's problems, but rather as a means of re-assessing how we see the world (which was what Jesus essentially taught). Stripping in public to get a hose down isn't really nudism as such, it is momentary nudity.

That said, how do some of these European people have the guts or the gall to practise nudity in freezing cold conditions? Some of them go skiing and swimming in glaciers totally nude!!

I remember a similar question about this being asked in Year 10 R.E. in 1985. A boy in the class had a question for the teacher about 'would we all crack stags (Australian slang for erection) if we were to see people nude all the time.' The teacher explained to us it is the context and situation which would explain it. He told us about a time when the crew and passengers of an airlines were all involved in a stripsearch in Bahrain because of suspicion or drug-smuggling. Everyone had to remove their clothes and line up against a wall whilst being checked. Not one person got sexually aroused, because the nudity in this context was not designed to titillate. It was one of humiliation, and one which Cheef would have easily put in his 'Not A Nudist!' section.

Clothes trap dirt in a dark, humid enviroment. These are ideal environment for germs to thrive in.

Nudity removes this problem. It also allows the body to generate Vitamin D.

The body can also generate Vitamin D with light, minimal clothing. For instance, nudists sometimes don a white t-shirt if they suffer from sunburn or they are involved in some work which requires clothes to be worn.

For obvious reasons, I don't know how comfortable bras are or are not. Even so, if you have a private setting where you can run around au naturel, I encourage you to try it some time. You'll have to experience the liberation yourself to know just how freeing it is. And then you'll understand how inhibiting clothing can be to personal comfort.

;-)

Also note that there is strong evidence that correlates the use of bras to breast cancer. The reason is that bras inhibit the natural flow of the lymph system through the breasts, thus preventing the draining of natural toxins that can ultimately lead to cancer.

Don't forget that breast cancer can be a hereditary illness whether you wear a bra or not. It really goes back to the agenda of what the writers are trying to get at. I don't think that the anti-bra wearing brigade are in support of nudism as such but it is one step towards it.


Crashedman

 

[Natman]

Are you talking right now, where it's still frowned upon to go nude in most public places? Or in the future where you hope public nudity will be acceptable?

I am hoping that through open discussion about the topic, that we will all come to see the human body as it really is, simply one of God's fantastic creations, and not (only) as an object of sexuality.

It is unrealistic to think that attitudes or opinions will change overnight in a culture that has been oppressed in this area for over two hundred years, but, the sooner, the better.

Would you say that it would be hygienic to go nude while working in the medical field? Would a doctor need to wear a "cap"?

What about the food service industry? Would one wear a "net"? or just go completely free?

I'm not saying that it is practical or comfortable to be physically naked 100% of the time, although there are obviously cultures in certain areas of the world that do. Obviously, it is neither comfortable nor healthy to be naked for long periods of time in the snow, or in extremely cold water. Neither is it healthy to be naked in extreme dry hot climates, constantly exposed to the sun.

Also, there are occupations that require some sort of protective clothing, such as the medical surgery of food service industries you mentioned, to prevent the transfer of hair or dried skin and germs to patients or food. Then, of course, there are hazardous industries such as welding, machining, smelting.

There are a few sports I believe require some protective clothing as well, such as tackle football, baseball (sliding into home is a little tough on the skin), motorcycle or auto racing (dangers of crashes and explosions).

Hmmm...so the whole industry of sports bra's is really an unneccesary industry because it would be SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much more comfortable for me (and other women) to go running nude!

This area is somewhat subjective. A lighly "endowed" woman would probably be more comfortable running without a bra, while a heavily "endowed" woman would probably be more comfortable with one due to the stress on shoulders and supporting tissue caused by bounce.

The idea is simply "practicallity", "efficiency" and "comfort", and for my wife and I, as I have already stated, an extra closeness to our LORD.

Son-cerely,
Nate

 

[immersedingrace]

I am hoping that through open discussion about the topic, that we will all come to see the human body as it really is, simply one of God's fantastic creations, and not (only) as an object of sexuality.

I can say, as far as I'm concerned, that's already the case. I don't believe at anytime I indicated that I believe that it's the ONLY use for our body or that lust is the reason for non-nudity.

Also note that there is strong evidence that correlates the use of bras to breast cancer. The reason is that bras inhibit the natural flow of the lymph system through the breasts, thus preventing the draining of natural toxins that can ultimately lead to cancer.

I've done a little research, and although I know this isn't the topic, but it WAS brought up as a reason to go braless at least so I wanted to refute this erroneous information.

Of 38 articles on the American Cancer Society with the word "bra" in it, none indicated a link between breast cancer and wearing a bra. One article states: "Underwire bras: Internet e-mail rumors and at least one book have suggested that bras cause breast cancer by obstructing lymph flow. There is no scientific or clinical basis for that claim" Here's the link:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6x_Breast_Cancer_Early_Detection.asp?sitearea=&level=

The Center for Disease Control leads one to the National Cancer Institute for further information on breast cancer risk which did not list bras under causes and risk factors. Although I did not search the complete site, I did not find anything in my search to indicate that it was even a SLIGHT risk factor.

Susan G. Komen Foundation also does not list the wearing of bras as a risk factor nor does www.peoplelivingwithcancer.org

MedlinePlus ( a database of articles) also does not list an article which would suggest a cancer link.

So far, I've found this article that would support the research, but isn't a "controlled study" http://www.all-natural.com/bras.html

Another article uses the same study by Syd Stringer. As a matter of fact, of the sites I looked at (an IE search of bras and breast cancer resulted in numerous sites, i checked the first page) they all sited the ONE study by Syd Stringer.

Sorry...when all the major medical societies and research organizations indicate no link, I'll go with them over ONE study saying otherwise.


Blessings

 

[Risen Tree]

I pray I'll never have to find out.

Me neither. I hope you never have to deal with biological agent contamination either.

But seriously, if it ever came down to life vs. modesty, which would you pick?

You're assuming I've never "run around au naturel" in the privacy of my own home. I've never said it wouldn't be comfortable or liberating. My problem isn't with nudity, but PUBLIC nudity!!!

Ah true. But being nude indoors isn't quite the same as having sunshine and fresh air bathe your body. And that's not to mention the feeling of warm wind envelopping your body...ooh does that feel good....

Hmmm...never heard these studies and I live with a woman (I'm a live-in nanny, she's my boss) who owns a pharmaceutical company specializing in women's diseases, including breast cancer. I'm sure I would have heard by now as these issues are common conversational topics. However, I'll check with her, But I'm fairly CERTAIN that she'll have a ton of research to refute that. She's been doing research geared specifically toward women exclusively for the last 9 years, and interspersed with other health issues for 20 years prior to that.

Blessings

Hmm. There isn't any scientific evidence out there to support this link? That would surprise me, to say the very least....

http://seasilver.threadnet.com/Preventorium/toxicbra.htm
http://www.naturodoc.com/library/women/breast_cancer.htm

 

[immersedingrace]

But seriously, if it ever came down to life vs. modesty, which would you pick?

Honestly, I don't know. I don't like speculating about "what if's".

Ah true. But being nude indoors isn't quite the same as having sunshine and fresh air bathe your body. And that's not to mention the feeling of warm wind envelopping your body...ooh does that feel good....

I don't like going to the beach in a BATHING suit...so I doubt I'd enjoy sitting outside in the buff...might be convinced someday if I can ensure complete and total privacy.

Hmm. There isn't any scientific evidence out there to support this link? That would surprise me, to say the very least....

You'll have to read my other post regarding this

blessings

 

[mld3three]

I don't like going to the beach in a BATHING suit...so I doubt I'd enjoy sitting outside in the buff...might be convinced someday if I can ensure complete and total privacy.

Just a question. Do you see something wrong with hanging out on the beach in your swimming suit or do you just not like to?

 

[immersedingrace]

Just a question. Do you see something wrong with hanging out on the beach in your swimming suit or do you just not like to?

Generally speaking, I see nothing WRONG with it, provided it's a modest bathing suit, meaning covering all the basics and a little more for good measure. As for me personally, I don't like to. I prefer to remain covered unless I'm in the water.

blessings

 

[Natman]

Does anyone else enjoy praying or worship the Lord while naked, alone, with a spouse, family, or in a group?

Son-cerely,
Nate

 

[Blackmarch]

Do you think public nudism is a sin?

yes.

 

[Buzz Dixon]

Does anyone else enjoy praying or worship the Lord while naked, alone, with a spouse, family, or in a group?

Son-cerely,
Nate

First off, define "enjoy." Lotsa folks died naked and praying in Auschwitz.

Second, it's possible to be very spontaneous in prayer. I've frequently remembered something I want to bring to the Lord while I'm performing my morning ablution (look it up); I do so as I'm standing there, not waiting until I finish, dry off, and dress before praying.

 

[Natman]

First off, define "enjoy." Lotsa folks died naked and praying in Auschwitz.

I mean "purposeful" nakedness in paryer and worship. I'm sure that the vast majority of the folks in Auschwitz were not "enjoying" their nakedness because it was forced upon them in the most demeaning of ways.

Second, it's possible to be very spontaneous in prayer. I've frequently remembered something I want to bring to the Lord while I'm performing my morning ablution (look it up); I do so as I'm standing there, not waiting until I finish, dry off, and dress before praying.

Agreed. We are to meditate on His Word day and night and to pray ceaslessly.

Son-cerely in Christ,
Nate

 

[plmarquette]

This is a beautiful concept. Unfortunately, it's not scriptural.

The biggest reason my wife and I like to be naked is "comfort", especially working in the heat and humidity of Houston. There is nothing worse that clingy, soggy, smelly clothing while working in the yard, garden or around the house. Plus, it makes clean-up a breeze... just grab the hose or step right into the shower, no muss, no fuss, no "locker-room-odor".

The next reason is that we definitely feel closer to God when we are not only spritually naked, but physically naked, as God creates us. Our most relaxing times are sitting naked on our garden swing, in the midst of God's beautiful flowers (He has blessed my wife with a green thumb), reading our Bibles, studying and praying.

It's not "Heaven on Earth" or even "Paradise", but it is as close as we can get in this fallen world.

There are plenty of other pratical reasons to be naked. Hygene probably tops the list because we are not creating the perfect breeding ground for germs and bacteria. They can't stand to much oxygen or ultra-violet light. Also consider the time saved in not selecting clothing in the morning.


Son-cerely,
Nate

Like Groucho Marx said about " Hair " the play ... looked at myself in the mirror , put my clothes back on ....

It is a personal choice , many people in 3rd world countries do just what you say ... too hot ... or too poor ( Miami and Texas are a bit hot and sticky , clothes stick to you ... feel like a melting popcicle ... )

How do you reconcile what is written in the Old Covenant ?
Cover yourself , nakedness is an abomination / embarassment / humiliation
Eze 16:39 And I will also give thee into their hand, and they shall throw down thine eminent place, and shall break down thy high places: they shall strip thee also of thy clothes, and shall take thy fair jewels, and leave thee naked and bare.

Eze 18:7 And hath not oppressed any, [but] hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;

Eze 18:16 Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, [but] hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment,

Eze 23:29 And they shall deal with thee hatefully, and shall take away all thy labour, and shall leave thee naked and bare: and the nakedness of thy whoredoms shall be discovered, both thy lewdness and thy whoredoms.
Or the list in Leviticus chapters 18 and 20 ... don't get naked with brother , cousin , mom , step mom .... etc.