I have been thinking about this today. Friday is my nude day. Everyone is gone for most of the day and I can be naked without anyone minding. Anyway, I have been thinking, if they passed a law tomorrow that it was perfectly legal to go naked in public, would you? You could go to the grocery store, the post office, in your front yard to mow the lawn, anywhere. People's attitudes might not change much and you might still get some flak from folks. Your Pastor still might not understand and your neighbors might stop talking to you, but it would be legal. You could stand in the front yard absolutly nude and wave to the policeman going by.
What about other Christians? If it caused them to stumble then, even legal, we would still not want to flaunt our freedom, or would we?
Anyway, I have been thinking, if they passed a law tomorrow that it was
perfectly legal to go naked in public, would you? You could go to the
grocery store, the post office, in your front yard to mow the lawn,
anywhere.
What about other Christians? If it caused them to stumble then, even
legal, we would still not want to flaunt our freedom, or would we?
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Yes I would…. However I am reminded of a story seventh day when world was created and the world didn't have to wear anything. And this creature got greedy and made an error in judgment by deciding he knew more than creator did.
And challenge the wisdom of the creator and now we wear clothes and exchange blows in the good vs. evil wars for eternity.
I think I'd probably not go to the grocery store, etc. I think I might wash my car in the front driveway, maybe garden, get the paper/mail, go to the front of the garage outside.
I'm not really ready to go to the post office and buy stamps! <G>
I live in the U.K. and whilst, strictly speaking, it is not illegal to be nude in public, the authorities will probably make life difficult. If they cannot charge a man with “intentionally exposing his genitals and intending that someone will see them and be caused alarm or distress” they will probably charge him with a public order offence e.g. Breach of the Peace”. If public nudity became generally acceptable, I am sure that I would go around nude at least some of the time. At the outset, I would put out the rubbish, wash the car and water he plants out the front of the house without dressing- at present I go around nude in the back garden. I would probably remain nude when driving round to friends’ houses and go around areas where I am not known. A lot would depend on the ratio of other people going around nude and it would have to be about a third before I felt confident enough to visit my local shops.
Well there are a couple of states where it is legal for women to go topless whereever a man can but I don`t think they ever do.
If more women would it would probably losen up the laws for more states.
I think going nude is legal in most states. Most only have indecent exposure or disturbing the peace laws that some law people try to twist into ones making nudity illegal.
Going naked to the super market and other public venues isn't the most sanitary thing for all folks to do. So, I wouldn't do these things. I would take a stroll every once in a while down our street. However, I prefer doing this now in natural areas. I'd definitely strip on my way to go home during warm weather. I do that now sometimes. I might even bowl nude but would need a couple towels at least: one to sit on and another to mop up any drips from sweat or urine.
More folks possibly seeing others naked might just open the door to study of it in Bible class and allow us to show others that it is not a prohibited activity.
I had really thought about that a lot. If it were legalized, would I be comfortable being the only nude person at a store.
I have gone nude while driving and working in my yard, even got the mail in the middle of the day. And there are at least three resorts in North Carolina, and one not far up in Virginia, so we do have a concentration of naturists in the area. So there might be a possibility that going nude in public may be something I would try more often if legal.
For a while, I didn't really have any problems at the place I lived at a couple of years ago, but when new neighbors came in, they took over with their laws by calling the law.
So its a big possibly yes, but a definite in my yard and driving, in parks and trails. But I would think that businesses would retain the right to put up signs prohibiting nudity just as they do about shirt and shoes.
So a lot has to do with natural development and acceptance overall. After all, even knowing it is legal, I don't usually go out of my apartment to my car without a shirt just because I don't feel the place is my place. (I do sneak on the back balcony once in a while, but usually at night).
I think its something that if legalized, will still have a stigma that will have to be outgrown over the years.
But I did notice that they haven't put a stop to the pants half way down the legs style.
You are right about people not doing something even if it is legal. Bulldog said it too. There are states, I live in one of them, where it is legal for a woman to be topless anywhere a man might. My wife has complained for years that it is unfair that I can go without a shirt and she cannot. Now that she knows she can, she still doesn't. Also true about businesses having the right to not allow someone in. I am a dedicated barefooter and there are businesses that I cannot go in without shoes even though there is no real law in any state about going into a place of business without shoes. No health code, nothing. I am sure there would be people who would not allow nudes to come into there business just because they are offended.
I think it is interesting seeing the responses to the question. So many times people post about not being allowed to be nude, but then they say that if they were ok to do so, legally, they still might not.
I think I would, for the most part. I would not do so all at once. I would let the neighbors get used to the idea slowly, the same with the public in general. I would gradually increase my nude times until most people would be used to it and not think much of it. I probably would not do so at church. Although I think it would be a wonderful experience to worship naked, most church goers would take a long time to be comfortable with such an idea.
I find it interesting that we talk big (I'll go nude anywhere!) and when the time comes, we say "we'll, I just don't feel like it right now".
In other words, we talk the talk, but not wak the walk.
It's been a while since I pushed the envelope, but I have had so much stress (financial and peace of mind) lately that I have kept my naturism at home. I have driven nude some, but not much. I have been starting the push again though. I haven't given up. But I know that it's going to be a long haul for all of us, and we just can't talk without the walk.
Each one of us has gifts, and not everyone of us has the desire to go out and become an "evangelist" for naturism, any more than an evangelist for Christ. It's not that they are afraid (OK, we), but that not all are gifted in that area. Some are gifted in writing, some in speaking, some in caring, some in organizing teams, etc.
I have found that I am the type of person that is supportive of other ministries, but want to supply the means for the other ministries to carry out their work, such as providing Christian Naturists to have a place to come together online (here).
So we each have our jobs, and some will do "some" pushing of the envelope while others will really barg out (known as "streakers") and others just support quietly in the background. All are necessary.
For those who complain and then don't go out when they can, need to reconsider what they really want. But then they also just need a little encouragement.
All probability this is going to turn out to be flame-bait but here it goes... I am a Christian. I am proud of being Christian; I don't care what anyone says. As I look carefully at the bible, in the book of Genesis it says that when Adam and Eve were created they were naked. They didn't realize this until the Serpent gave the deceitful impression about consumption the forbidden fruit. Then they realized they were naked. They became humiliated and tried to hide from view from God so that He wouldn't see they were naked. God specifically asked them "Who told you were naked?" Personally, I feel that if God is not ashamed of our nudity why should we be? At the same time I don't feel we should engage in a practices that might lead another to transgression... whatever that transgression may be. I enjoy being nude in the seclusion of my residence, I enjoy inhabited of being nude. I think that the human body is a thing of beauty and can be admired. However, nude bodies can be lusted after and that's where the problems can be set in motion. I'm not trying to impose anything on anyone. I'm just sharing my perceptions as a Christian (NOT a heathen). Take it for what it's worth.
That is exactely what I am talking about! I have said I think I would slowly take my nudism to the world around. That, of course, is if the Spirit does not convict me otherwise. I do not, or try not, to allow any freedom I have or any belief I have to cause another to sin. Just how do we define that, and what do we do about it is the question. The bible speaks of causing another to stumble, but also calls Jesus a stumbling block. If, in our stumbling we grow stronger in faith, it is a good thing. I know; I have experienced it. If our stumbling causes us to fall away, it is a bad thing. I have experienced that as well. My naturism has strengthed my faith in God and helped my relationship with him. Would I like others to experience that same thing? Yes! Do I want to cause them to fall? No! So, if they passed a law that allowed our nudism to be public, would we? The question is deeper than it first appears.
You've just arrived on this BB. You've quickly moved to share your story.
Think of this Forum basically as a "choir". You're preaching to the choir. It strengthens each of us. Stay around and share with us. We can all benefit from this kind of preaching.
German nudists give us a hint of the interactions we could expect between nudists and a society that is beginning to accept public nudity in certain situations.
And many of us need the strength that comes in numbers. I certainly would want to be in a group, not nude on my own among leering clothed strangers.
We need a lot more local non-landed nudist travel/adventure clubs, particularly on college campuses. When we do go to a beach, we need to have a staged event with as many people as we can muster. Overwhelm a beach with nude people!
We could emulate the German model: Begin with a clothing-optional area in a city park. Let's go there in numbers for safety, creating a "critical mass" of nudity. Let's enjoy the sun, play tennis, volleyball, whatever sports are available to us. We may also need to post sentries with cell phones in those early years until we are not such a novelty. We also need to avoid becoming a tourist attraction such as happened in Munich. There must be some way to reduce the gawking.
If nudity becomes universally legal, we should organize and push to have clothing-optional sections on every major beach. I know that it would be legal everywhere, but at first, we should give the public a chance to get used to it. The idea is to introduce nudity to recreational settings where people are already nearly nude. Then as social acceptance increases, we can consider expanding our nude presence beyond the clothing optional areas to the entire park, jogging trails, public swimming pools, etc.
The Bay to Breakers foot race in San Francisco has a nudist sub-event called Bare to Breakers. We need nude people in parades and foot races in all the major cities, every year.
We need more nude cruises, too.
At some point people could sunbathe nude in their yards in plain view of others. Eventually churches would take buses loaded with their members to nudist resorts for a day of fun in the sun.
It took many years for nudity to become as commonplace in Europe as it is. Here in the USA, we have a long way to go and many obstacles to overcome. It is often felt that "naughty bits" shouldn't be displayed and, in fact, really are "naughty."
We can all contribute, if only in a small way, by starting at home. Teaching our children that the body is beautiful and enjoyable goes a long way toward making this happen. Enjoying the freedom of nudity with your family and friends teaches your children there is nothing to be ashamed about -- and, it's fun!
Tan Barb is right on. A large part of the values that come through nude recreation—lack of body shame, positive regard for self and others, open communications—come to the family that practices home nudity. Although there's a lot of wonderful times that can be had elsewhere, the single most important piece is what happens right in the home.
I am not disputing anything you two said, but in my previous post, the question was not about home nudity, but was asking how we would react to the legalization of public nudity. So I focused my response on how we can change our culture in a compassionate and effective way.
I think most of us would not be "in your face" about it, but would display sensitivity to the feelings of our neighbors. Yet maybe we can push the limits here and there with groups of our friends.
Since you two stress the importance of home nudity, let's continue with that a little longer. I agree with your opinion and feel that nudism has lost many of its children to body shame because the parents were not consistently nude at home and perhaps to a lesser extent because of allowing their kids unlimited access to television. Even in a home with no television, parents must be ready to help undo the daily negative thoughts that can come from our children's peers.
My parents had more power than my peers because Mom and Dad spent lots of time with us, time to teach me their values by word and example.
I agree with this whole thread of home nudity and the family. The best place to start is in the home. Even in my home, where my children are adults, the change must take sensitivity and patience. I have extended my time of being nude in the home and the effect is that everyone is more comfortable. I did this by not bothering to be dressed when I go from bathroom to shower and back again. I am slow to get dressed in the morning and, generally, wait until I am ready to go to work before putting on the false skin. My wife is now beginning to spend a few more minutes each day nude before getting dressed or when going to the shower. My son no longer wears his boxers to and from the shower, but just a towel. My daughter still is hesitatnt, but is not concerned if she happens on me without clothing. The "tradition" of shame is a hard one to break. Within the confines of a loving family is where it stands the best chance.
I do not think any of us would be to "in your face" about it if it suddenly became legal. That would not be kind nor Christian.
I also agree with the thoughts about home nudity and family. That's where we need to teach our kids their morals and help them form their opinions and attitudes with proper, scriptural teaching. We need to stop letting the schools and the TV be the major influences to our childrens world-views.
Naked Spirit: congrats on the family being more accepting of your nude times. Sounds like they might even be heading that way themselves. Maybe all they needed was the proper example to learn from.
You might also want some valiant individuals, such as myself , who would be willing to be the sole nude person at some social event, if it were legal.
Big groups would be great, but individuals in unlikely locations would do wonders to make the point that nudity isn't just for recreation (your park example).
My wife would think me crazy, but yes, if it were legal, I would be the lone nude attender of a movie, roller coaster rider, or what-have-you.
As others have said, there is the issue of causing others to stumble, but trust me, just seeing me walk around naked isn't going to cause ANYONE to stumble, except maybe from laughing.
Seriously though, if all we would be doing were normal, everyday things, just sans clothes, would that really cause someone to stumble? Really to stumble in their faith, not just be offended. I find that difficult to accept.
Just my rambles
I gotta get back here more often again. I'm tired of always being a week late to the discussion.
I also wonder at times about making people stumble. We are told not to make a brother or sister stumble in their faith so as to cause them to fall. Scirpture also calls Jesus the stumbling block. Whether it is nudity, or going to the movies or whatever, do we do a dis-service to our sister or brother by not challenging them to a stronger faith? I know I have grown more in the times that someone challenged my faith and I "stumbled" more than just going with the flow. Perhaps some would benifit, spiritually, by understanding that nudity does not have to equal sex and can be a way of being closer to God. I often challenge people in my faith community to push their concept of God and make them think, pray and search. I do this not to make them fall, but to make then stand.
If I am not mistaken, scripturally it is the person of weaker faith who is the one who stumbles, so we might be doing them a service to "push" them a little from time to time.
It's like body building: you only get bigger muscles by pushing your limits. If you only lift a weight you can easily lift, your muscles never get bigger. In the same way, if we never step out a little past our comfort zones, leave those areas where we know all the answers, our faith will never grow.
I am not one who likes to make a spectacle of myself. After having my dad make fun of the size of my penis, I wouldn't care to go through that in public with people pointing, laughing, and saying things like, "I would be embarrassed to be seen naked with something that small." Of course, I always say I haven't got enough with which to offend anyone.
Being the only nude person around non-nudists isn't something I would enjoy unless it's in a nudist resort or on a nude beach where they couldn't complain. They should be there if they don't like it. Even if it was legal there would always be people who would let you know that they don't like it, and like with the man in England some might get violent. Police who didn't like it might find some other excuse to harrass you. I might, however, consider wearing my wrap-around and sandals. I would, of course, drive nude all the time except when going to church. That's the only place I wouldn't go nude unless they said it was OK. I usually wear just my sandals on my feet as it is--no shoes or socks. Just because it was legal doesn't mean people would accept it. The folks at my church would more than likely excommunicate me.
Maybe all they needed was the proper example to learn from.