N a t u r i s m
"For some people, nakedness signifies liberation, a joyful un-neurotic sexuality;
for others, it stands for a licentiousness which threatens traditional moral standards.
Both of these seemingly contradictory attitudes rest on a common assumption-
that the exposed body is emotionally charged and potentially subversive"
Margaret Walters.
for others, it stands for a licentiousness which threatens traditional moral standards.
Both of these seemingly contradictory attitudes rest on a common assumption-
that the exposed body is emotionally charged and potentially subversive"
Margaret Walters.
Isn't it surprising that in our modern world, where our mass communications systems ensure that each of us are pretty much exposed to anything and everything, that many of us still seem to have the biggest problems about relating to and being relaxed about the unclothed human body?
Almost as surprising perhaps is that those who do not actually have problems with this - commonly known as naturists or nudists - are the ones who are usually looked upon as strange or perverted. To be relaxed enough to enjoy sun, sea, air and sand without the encumbrance of the garments that surround our bodies most of the time, these folk usually have to attend special clubs, spas or beaches, so that their behaviour can be "orderly" and inoffensive. What is so orderly about the rest of us wearing sweaty, clingy or damp pieces of cloth when we participate in physically demanding activities like sport? It has very little to do with 'civilized' culture - the Greeks, who are known to have been responsible for some pretty cultured ideas, including the Olympics, saw nothing wrong in participating in such activities without the need for clothes - it's actually healthier that way.
Medical evidence shows that wearing sweaty or wet garments is certainly not good for you, so why do we do this? Why are we so adverse to allowing people to be naked when they are doing or enjoying everyday pursuits?
Well, you don't have to look further than your daily tabloid to find part of the answer. We live at a time where all too often, nudity is seen as directly linked with sex, usually of the illicit kind. A constant flow of images and stories enforce the idea that nudity is something "naughty" at the very least or more commonly just plain dirty - the haven of those with loose morals. Such views are partly to blame for reinforcing prejudiced preconceptions. It is not surprising that many find it well-nigh impossible to believe that people actually would want to experience everyday aspects of life without clothes simply because they enjoy this, not because they are rabidly promiscuous.
A large portion of this attitude is fairly new.
If you had lived prior to the Victorians and their need to hide anything to do with sexuality (hence the neck to knee cossie and the bathing machine), then you would have lived in a world where skinny-dipping would have been the norm. Ancient cultures had no problem allowing the body to be seen, and bathing and other activities - both socially and in the home, were not 'private' as they are today. It is quite surprising to see just how 'Victorian' our modern society can act when it comes to people behaving in a fashion - being naked - that has been quite natural for most of human history.
Another issue that works against accepting social nudity is how we view and understand ourselves, and, related to this, how we think others understand us. This often creates all kinds of tensions, often expressed in stress, which in turn effects the way we behave in front of the world. Naturism is often a great way of getting past these pretences. When people socialize minus clothes, all the usual barriers of class and status literally disappear. Being this open with people can really boost confidence in life, and turn out to be a great way of meeting new people and making new friends.
So who are these Naturists? Well, perhaps surprisingly, they are everyday people from every walk of life who just enjoy being naked. Since the end of the last world war, naturism has flourished in many parts of the world, bringing about the provision of numerous clothing optional beaches throughout Europe, Scandinavia, America, Australia and New Zealand. Whilst there are all kinds of venues, groups and organizations, the Naturist is at home anywhere they can enjoy the simple pleasure of nature- perhaps even their own back gardens. It is pretty clear by now that what we are talking about has nothing to do with illicit sex, so how does Christianity view this?
Almost as surprising perhaps is that those who do not actually have problems with this - commonly known as naturists or nudists - are the ones who are usually looked upon as strange or perverted. To be relaxed enough to enjoy sun, sea, air and sand without the encumbrance of the garments that surround our bodies most of the time, these folk usually have to attend special clubs, spas or beaches, so that their behaviour can be "orderly" and inoffensive. What is so orderly about the rest of us wearing sweaty, clingy or damp pieces of cloth when we participate in physically demanding activities like sport? It has very little to do with 'civilized' culture - the Greeks, who are known to have been responsible for some pretty cultured ideas, including the Olympics, saw nothing wrong in participating in such activities without the need for clothes - it's actually healthier that way.
Medical evidence shows that wearing sweaty or wet garments is certainly not good for you, so why do we do this? Why are we so adverse to allowing people to be naked when they are doing or enjoying everyday pursuits?
Well, you don't have to look further than your daily tabloid to find part of the answer. We live at a time where all too often, nudity is seen as directly linked with sex, usually of the illicit kind. A constant flow of images and stories enforce the idea that nudity is something "naughty" at the very least or more commonly just plain dirty - the haven of those with loose morals. Such views are partly to blame for reinforcing prejudiced preconceptions. It is not surprising that many find it well-nigh impossible to believe that people actually would want to experience everyday aspects of life without clothes simply because they enjoy this, not because they are rabidly promiscuous.
A large portion of this attitude is fairly new.
If you had lived prior to the Victorians and their need to hide anything to do with sexuality (hence the neck to knee cossie and the bathing machine), then you would have lived in a world where skinny-dipping would have been the norm. Ancient cultures had no problem allowing the body to be seen, and bathing and other activities - both socially and in the home, were not 'private' as they are today. It is quite surprising to see just how 'Victorian' our modern society can act when it comes to people behaving in a fashion - being naked - that has been quite natural for most of human history.
Another issue that works against accepting social nudity is how we view and understand ourselves, and, related to this, how we think others understand us. This often creates all kinds of tensions, often expressed in stress, which in turn effects the way we behave in front of the world. Naturism is often a great way of getting past these pretences. When people socialize minus clothes, all the usual barriers of class and status literally disappear. Being this open with people can really boost confidence in life, and turn out to be a great way of meeting new people and making new friends.
So who are these Naturists? Well, perhaps surprisingly, they are everyday people from every walk of life who just enjoy being naked. Since the end of the last world war, naturism has flourished in many parts of the world, bringing about the provision of numerous clothing optional beaches throughout Europe, Scandinavia, America, Australia and New Zealand. Whilst there are all kinds of venues, groups and organizations, the Naturist is at home anywhere they can enjoy the simple pleasure of nature- perhaps even their own back gardens. It is pretty clear by now that what we are talking about has nothing to do with illicit sex, so how does Christianity view this?
"Two of far nobler shape erect and tall,
God like erect, with native honour clad,
In naked majestic seemed lords of all,
and worthy seemed, for in their looks divine,
The image of their glorious maker shon".
John Milton.
God like erect, with native honour clad,
In naked majestic seemed lords of all,
and worthy seemed, for in their looks divine,
The image of their glorious maker shon".
John Milton.
Christian Naturism?
It would surprise many Christians today to discover that nudity was not unknown, once, in the church.
During the first three to four centuries of Christianity, baptism was often practiced without clothes. It was also often common for early Christians to use the Roman baths as places to relax, even though this usually involved mixed nudity. This is because the Bible makes it clear that the body is a good gift from God; something to valued, so the Christian should use this gift in ways that are not indecent. Nudity is not in and of itself, wicked or lewd ~ it's how we use our bodies, for good or for ill, that is important.
Modern naturist environments clearly seek to reflect (and often improve upon) the kind of culturally acceptable nudity found in the days of the early church (in some naturist resorts, Christian involvement and worship is even encouraged), so Christians themselves need to approach and evaluate such activity in the same manner they would other areas where Christian liberty allows variety (not misplaced judgment or condemnation). Clearly, the Christian world-view regarding the Redemption of the physical and the value of Creation have a great deal to express in such a context.
(To read more about how Christian history & theology support many of the precepts that are included in Naturism, read Karen Gorham & Dave Leal's booklet, "Naturism & Christianity : Are they Compatible?", Published by Grove Books, Cambridge and available from Amazon UK for around £3.00).
As someone who has always enjoyed the beauty of life and creation, I had a long struggle with the rightness or wrongness of social nudity, and it was only as a result of that struggle that I came to understand that Naturism was beneficial. It took me a long time to reach that point, so I wouldn't expect any major changes in the attitudes of most churches anytime soon. I can only say, from a personal view, that I am glad I made the journey, because Naturism has become a valuable source of enjoyment and health.
It would surprise many Christians today to discover that nudity was not unknown, once, in the church.
During the first three to four centuries of Christianity, baptism was often practiced without clothes. It was also often common for early Christians to use the Roman baths as places to relax, even though this usually involved mixed nudity. This is because the Bible makes it clear that the body is a good gift from God; something to valued, so the Christian should use this gift in ways that are not indecent. Nudity is not in and of itself, wicked or lewd ~ it's how we use our bodies, for good or for ill, that is important.
Modern naturist environments clearly seek to reflect (and often improve upon) the kind of culturally acceptable nudity found in the days of the early church (in some naturist resorts, Christian involvement and worship is even encouraged), so Christians themselves need to approach and evaluate such activity in the same manner they would other areas where Christian liberty allows variety (not misplaced judgment or condemnation). Clearly, the Christian world-view regarding the Redemption of the physical and the value of Creation have a great deal to express in such a context.
(To read more about how Christian history & theology support many of the precepts that are included in Naturism, read Karen Gorham & Dave Leal's booklet, "Naturism & Christianity : Are they Compatible?", Published by Grove Books, Cambridge and available from Amazon UK for around £3.00).
As someone who has always enjoyed the beauty of life and creation, I had a long struggle with the rightness or wrongness of social nudity, and it was only as a result of that struggle that I came to understand that Naturism was beneficial. It took me a long time to reach that point, so I wouldn't expect any major changes in the attitudes of most churches anytime soon. I can only say, from a personal view, that I am glad I made the journey, because Naturism has become a valuable source of enjoyment and health.