Quotes and Comments — #1

Conventionality is not morality.

Self-righteousness is not religion.

To attack the first is not to assail the last.

— Charlotte Bronte —

Christian Naturism is certainly a blow to “conventionality.” Social nudity is considered (it would seem) by all Christendom to be utterly immoral. It is viewed as an utter rejection of Biblical chastity.

But it’s not.

Christian Naturism directly challenges the spoken or unspoken assumption that “adequately” covering the body and avoiding non-spousal nakedness is a measure of holiness, “modesty,” or righteousness. Those that cover themselves judiciously are upheld as “pure.” Those who would allow strangers to see their unclothed bodies are considered “perverse.”

But they’re not.

Christian Naturism strongly affirms chastity and biblical sexual morality. In fact, I would contend that the practice of naturism will actually promote greater purity in one’s life. I testify before God that it certainly did for me.

Christian Naturism rejects false measures of righteousness regarding clothing, but it affirms the centrality in every believer’s life of a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Man-made rules of righteousness (no matter what the issue) are enemies of true righteousness, and we are called to actively reject them (See Gal. 3:1-3 & Col. 2:20-23).

Christian Naturism and those who promote it are accused of rejecting morality and spurning righteousness.

We have rejected…

• conventional notions about the unclothed body…
• the covering of the body as a sign of righteousness…

…but we we have not lifted our hands or voices against moral purity or true relationship with God… not in the least.

…To attack the first is not to assail the last.

— Matthew Neal

(If you have not already done so, please read the Introduction to the Quotes and Comments.)