Theological Nudity

[paradigm man]

The old "masters" used nudes to convey theological truths. But were they justified in using nudes to convey deep theological truism? Where in God's word does he mandate using nudity to convey truth? Did the biblical patriarchs run around nude to convey biblical principles?

Here are my questions:

1) Should nudes be used to convey theological principals? If so, why? If not, why?

2) What did the old "masters" really accomplish by using nudes? Was it edifying?

 

[Tangnefedd]

We come into this world wearing nothing so I don't see the problem. God didn't provide us with modest fig leaves, LOL!!!!

 

[Jenna]

I don't honestly see the point to nudes. Maybe I am just uncultured or what have you, but I've never understood why folks thought it was great art to depict someone naked. *scratches head*

 

[Piano Player]

Not sure which nudes you are talking about. Certainly pictures of various stories in the Bible, if the attempt is literal truth, should have the characters nude. Adam and Eve were most certainly nude before the fall, and since they were created in God's image, many paintings of God have rendered him as a nude. (Michelangelo's Creation was originally painted as nudes, and the robes were added later because of later sensibilities) The drunkenness of Noah if pictured should be rendered as a nude. (Michelangelo again) The power of David's lust for Bathsheba could appropriately be rendered in a painting of a nude. Song of Songs (Solomon) could have lots of nude imagry. The story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife could have nude elements. Lot and his daughters -- we won't go there. The Bible is full of stories whose power could be depicted in the nude form. After all, the bible has them as nude.

Clothing can be a very complicated subject. Clothing shows what period of history you are from, your social status, your nationality, economic status, and other considerations that could be irrelvant to the theme of the painting. I guess the answer depends on what is being communicated through the art, and whether nudity helps communicate the message, or just becomes a distraction.

 

[InnerPhyre]

Nudity in and of itself is not sinful or evil. Any evil associated with it comes from the corruption of man. Nudity in art can help us to come closer to God because it allows us to marvel at His greatest creation. We are made in His image. What can possibly be more beautiful than that? Look at the beauty of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Nudity everywhere. Is there anyone who could ever possibly call such beauty evil?

 

[Petercurious]

Isaiah 20 - Isaiah walked naked as part of his prophetic minstry for a time. Nakedness as a symbol of spiritual poverty