Christians in America have generally been missing out on all the nudist fun because somewhere along the way churches got real negative about the body, about nudity and even a happy joyous life. It hasn't always been that way. Baptisms in the early centuries were all performed nude, strange but true! Christians in Roman times went to the public baths and played and bathed nude all day along with everyone else in their town. Clearly attitudes in those days were different from what most of us grew up with. Go back a generation or two and you'd think the old folks were total prudes, but the story is more complicated than that. YMCA pools used to require nudity. At many Midwest high schools, nudity was mandatory for boys' swim class. Too bad they didn't encourage this with girls, but I guess there was a double standard. And if your parents and grandparents grew up on a farm, chances are they went skinny dipping in a river or pond. That was true in my family! Historically a lot of religious people have come down hard against the body and nudity, but growing numbers of Christians have come to realize that we were just plain wrong. God created us nude for a reason and when the weather and social conditions allow, it's still what he wants for us. If you want to explore the idea further, I can recommend a couple of sites: The Figleaf Forum An email newsletter primarily, but there are some great starter articles on the Web site. Christian Naturism by Boyd Allen Articles on Naturism, Christianity and Christian Naturism. Christian Naturist Village Forum offering fellowship, nurture and encouragment for Christian believers, seekers, and naturists in a courteous, respectful environment. Christian Nudist Convocation (with general nudist discussion forum) Naturist Christians Largest Christian Naturist forum online. There are plenty more, but that should give you plenty to read and discuss for a long time.
So true! I would love to visit someday and enjoy that free attitude. It goes to show that nudity doesn't have to be a problem here. Until it is better accepted, we need to stick together and help one another.
I am a naturist and a Christian living in South Africa. There so much to say regarding being a naturist an a Christian. For my views please have a look at my blog and comment, it can only expand my knowledge of the subject. [SIZE=medium]http://naturisminsouthafrica.blogspot.co.uk/[/SIZE] [SIZE=medium]http://naturisminsouthafrica.blogspot.com/[/SIZE] Have a blessed day Peter
It appears to be not so much a christian thing in the religious sense but more a culturally and/or social traditional sense. Where they are hung up on it they are more inclined to stick to their conservative social habits. Of course these are influenced partially by christian norms and habits but it is good to understand that 'christian norms and habits' can differ a lot per region and area to the extend we have to conclude it is as much a social and traditonal habit than solely a religious one.
