"Sexual modesty cannot then in any simple way
be identified with the use of clothing, nor shamelessness
with the absence of clothing and total or partial nakedness.
There are circumstances in which nakedness is not immodest...
Nakedness as such is not to be equated with physical
shamelessness. Immodesty is present only when nakedness
plays a negative role with regard to the value of the person...
The human body is not in itself shameful, nor for the same reasons
are sensual reactions, and human sensuality in general.
Shamelessness (just like shame and modesty) is a function
of the interior of a person."
Pope John Paul II (nee Karol Cardinal Wojtyla)
[in "Love & Responsibility", 1981]
Bill Peckenpaugh's Page

I don't pretend to be an authority on the subject of religion and nudism, but visit the following pages to learn more.

The Bible Society and Nudity      - Excellent biblical research on the subject
Christian Naturists Home Page   - Pastor Mark's Page
Christian Nudist Page                   - CheefDan's page
Bill Peckenpaugh's Page              - Papers and the above quote
alt.christnet.nudism                      - Low traffic Christian newsgroup

Aren't nudist resorts just sex clubs in disguise?

No!  I suppose there are "swingers" clubs out there (I'm not interested in that sort of thing, thank you), but nudist resorts try very hard to avoid association with any such activities.  Early resorts sometimes banned public displays of affection, use of alcohol, close dancing, or anything that might even hint at impropriety.  Members, quests, and visitors to nudist facilities are still expected to behave in a civilized fashion, as they should in any public family setting.  But, the puritan days are pretty much behind us.

Still, nudist clubs and resorts are privately owned, and the owner or manager has the right to eject anyone who behaves in a manner he or she feels is  inappropriate.  Poor behavior will quickly get reported to management by others, and the offender will probably wind up on the outside, not likely to be allowed entry again.

This probably keeps as many people away as any other reason.  It's still a rather "underground" activity, so you probably don't know many nudists (or know which of your friends may already be nudists).  As with any "unknown" group, you're probably wary that you might run into people that might try to recruit you to their "strange" beliefs and activities.  Especially beliefs and activities that you might be uncomfortable with.

Fear not.  There aren't any hidden agendas, spiritual leaders, religious underpinnings, or strange activities involved.  Being open and friendly is about the only common trait amongst nudists.  The diversity of people tends to lend itself to a "live and let live" attitude where people don't push specific agendas.

That's my favorite, since the self-righteous "Radical Right" often attempts to use the "family values" theme against us.  In general, I've met better christian families in nudist settings, than I have around those bozos.  I'm a conservative christian republican myself, but PLEASE don't put me in the "Radical Right" category.

Out of curiosity a year or so ago, I attended the hearings on a nudity ordinance for our county.  The huge crowd surprised the hell out of the commissioners.  It had to be held in a large auditorium in two sessions, with circus style press and television coverage.  An elderly woman protester from the other side stopped me as I headed in and asked where I was seating. She wanted to make sure she wasn't sitting with "those people" by accident and couldn't tell one group from the other. I smiled and remarked how right she was about that.

Ok, people have the right to believe what they want, but they ought to get their facts straight. Read the pages "The Bible, Society, and Nudity". The author has done an excellent job of looking at nudity from the christian perspective. As with any technical problem, Read The Fine Manual, before you call in technical support.

I can't speak for what other religions believe, but if you try to nail nudism down as a sin based on the Bible, you're going to have to stretch things more than a little. As to nudism being a sin against nature. That one is too bizarre to figure.

Doesn't wash. A day at a nude beach or at a nudist resort is less erotic than a day at most beaches. This is hard for many people to believe, but in my view, true. You're less likely to be aroused when there isn't all that high fashion swimware calling attention to every curve and shape. No bright colors, no peek-a-boo coverage of those "forbidden zones". The attitude and dress of textile (yeah, that's what we call them) beachgoers says "look at me" . The atmosphere at a nudist club or beach says "talk to me".

Besides, at least for men, being naked in front of others is naturally suppressive.  The fear of calling attention to oneself inappropriately keeps Mr. happy in check.   Natural social instinct works, as I'm sure it did long before "modern" civilization started to think it knew better.  I know it's hard to believe, but it's no trick.

In general, any activity marginalized by the prevailing culture is likely to attract others who have been marginalized for other reasons.  But most nudists and their establishments tend to be pretty conservative, if for no other reason but to stand apart from other marginalized groups.  People looking for sex or titillation will not feel welcome.

Due to the family nature of most resorts, clubs, and groups, anyone felt to be a threat to children is going to be out the gate very quickly.  Beyond that, the police will be called, and the offender better hope they hurry.  Charges will be the least of his problems.

Rick's Home Page - Who am I, and what are my other interests

Last Modified Feb 28, 1999 (Link updates). rick407@oocities.com