I've always liked the term "nude recreation". (Well, okay, not always, but since I've been into that sort of thing.) I like the fact that the AANR is the "American Association of Nude Recreation".

(I like the term "nudism" too, but sometimes when using that term, it feels like your saying nudism is your religion or something. Does anyone else ever feel that way?)

Anyhow, the point of all this is that I thought this:

http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001644.cfm

was a nice article with a very positive message about recreation. (It doesn't ever mention nude recreation, but I think the message clearly applies.)

Blessings,
Buckley

That is a very good article. What happens in our culture is that we view life like books, "Secular and Non-Secular".

But our lives, which includes recreation, should not be separated this way. Our lives are non-secular at all times. Now does that mean we should not enjoy the physical things of this world? Of course not. God created all things, "We live, move and have our being" in Christ. Nothing that was made was made without God. All things belong to God. Our creative ability, whether you are Secular minded or not, came from God. So everything in our lives should reflect God's glory. Including our recreation!

We are with you when it comes to feeling that "nudism" is treated as some sort of religious or cult like activity. The only reason we have "Christian Naturism" is to show that there are Christians in naturism in spite of what the religious has to say about it.

If Christians were against baseball (and I'm sure there are some zealots who are) as a whole, the only way to enjoy baseball as a Christian is to become "Christian Ballplayers" and hide out in "colonies" somewhere in the woods. The only reason we do what we do is because we are forced to by society.

What are we? We are children of God who was created by God, for God and in his image and likeness. We live, move and have our being in Christ. So if we don't wear clothing, so what?! We still belong to God. All of humanity belongs to God. "The world is mine and all that is in it" says the Lord.

Yes, we may enjoy recreation, and to the glory of God. And if you don't want to wear clothing, thats fine too!

Boyd Allen

As a Christian Sabbathkeeper, I'm more than usually aware of the need to take time away from work for our spirits' rest and healing from the many small wounds work gives us. That's why the LORD commanded us to "Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy." Yet I am convinced that He never intended the Sabbath to be a burden, but rather a delight--because He is there waiting to join our rest and play. The moment we catch ourselves thinking that "going to church" is a burdensome necessity, we should look hard at ourselves and our church and pray for our joy to be renewed.

But as a performing musician, I don't fully share the article writer's bad feeling about "entertainment." Yes, a lot of books, shows and songs are shallow, numbing things, but there are also a lot of challenging, artistic, beautiful things out there, and it's these that I seek out when I look for "entertainment" and for music to play for others. A good, strong drama (play, movie, opera, or television series) provides more real recreation than any number of messageless, contentless imitations, and a great symphony gives more joy than the average pop singer--if you open yourself to the experience. (Of course I'm trying to get more people to come to hear me play! lol )

I prefer the word "nudist" to "naturist"--just as I prefer the word "nude" to "naked". I'm not into nature; I just like to be nude and hate wearing clothes. I also like "nude recreation", since (in my opinion) the best way to enjoy most anything is nude. Of course, I participate very little in any nude recreation. I'm just too tired all the time with diabetes, lack of sleep, and other problems. I have found that things I hate doing are actually tolerable when I'm nude.