Social Nudism (Teachings of the Orthodox Church)

Christianity. Orthodoxy. Catholicism. Sense of life. Articles for Christians.

Don't be anxious for your life, what you will eat, nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they don't sow, they don't reap, they have no warehouse or barn, and God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than birds! Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his height? If then you aren't able to do even the least things, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if this is how God clothes the grass in the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith? Don't seek what you will eat or what you will drink; neither be anxious. For the nations of the world seek after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek God's Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you.

Christian Portal

Christian Resources

Vote!


	Social Nudism (Teachings of the Orthodox Church)

QUESTION:

What is the position of Orthodoxy on its followers practicing social nudism?

ANSWER:

While to my knowledge the Orthodox Church surely has never issued any kind of formal or official position on social nudism, it is my opinion that the Church would take a dim view on anything that might prove to be a temptation -- and surely nudism, social or otherwise, could indeed prove to be a temptation to many persons.

Certainly the Church does not see the human body, clothed or otherwise, as something evil in and of itself; however, the body, like all else given to us by God, is to be used for those things which are profitable for our souls and our salvation and for our edification and the edification of others and, as such, should not be used in any way that could lead one into temptation.

I am not sure that social nudism is necessarily spiritually profitable or edifying. Hence, it would be my opinion that the Church would not offer a blessing to such practices.

Published in January 2011.

Read more Christian articles

Recommend this page to your friend!