For those who have read my previous posts, you will already know that I am an advocate of increased public tolerance of nudity. I am not opposed to clothing, as it does have a purpose, but for many reasons, a person may choose to not wear clothes, and I believe that should be a valid option.
A couple of points come to mind on reading your thoughts. The first is a quick one - that another health consideration when swimming in the sea is the danger that togs impose from a painful skin rash, known medically as sea-bather's eruption, caused by tiny creatures called hydromedusae, which get trapped between the togs and the skin. Swimming naked removes this problem completely! https://www.haurakinaturally.nz/hydromedusae
The second thought revolves around this word "modesty", the meaning of which has been significantly distorted over the centuries. The word comes from the latin, Modestia, meaning the quality of having a moderate opinion of oneself, retiring demeanour, disinclination to presumption, unobtrusiveness, not showing off or flaunting one's wealth. It originally had nothing at all to do with concealing parts of the body. Even the early church conducted baptisms naked, while at the same time the apostle Paul preached that Christian women should dress modestly - not to go about flaunting their extravagant hairstyles and expensive jewelery and clothing. Sadly, the teachings of Gnosticism infiltrated the church, introducing the concept that nakedness led to debauchery and evil. Centuries of traditional thinking are now a huge challenge to undo!
Haha! I don't know about that, Steve! I did a bit of a study at one time years ago to try and resolve in my head the seeming contradiction that was evident in the church about having to be "modest". It was certainly an eye-opener to discover the real meaning. I guess taking Latin at school helped a bit, too! :)
I am sure that many Christians will point to images of him in robes rather than naked. I also struggle with depictions of God in robes. Christians have told me that we were made in God's image (Genesis 1.26 & 1.27). According to Genesis 2.25, "And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed", I had always assumed that God was a nudist.
Another great write-up, Steve. Love it!
A couple of points come to mind on reading your thoughts. The first is a quick one - that another health consideration when swimming in the sea is the danger that togs impose from a painful skin rash, known medically as sea-bather's eruption, caused by tiny creatures called hydromedusae, which get trapped between the togs and the skin. Swimming naked removes this problem completely! https://www.haurakinaturally.nz/hydromedusae
The second thought revolves around this word "modesty", the meaning of which has been significantly distorted over the centuries. The word comes from the latin, Modestia, meaning the quality of having a moderate opinion of oneself, retiring demeanour, disinclination to presumption, unobtrusiveness, not showing off or flaunting one's wealth. It originally had nothing at all to do with concealing parts of the body. Even the early church conducted baptisms naked, while at the same time the apostle Paul preached that Christian women should dress modestly - not to go about flaunting their extravagant hairstyles and expensive jewelery and clothing. Sadly, the teachings of Gnosticism infiltrated the church, introducing the concept that nakedness led to debauchery and evil. Centuries of traditional thinking are now a huge challenge to undo!
Thanks Rok, Fascinating about the etymology of the word modesty. I bow to your superior knowledge.
Haha! I don't know about that, Steve! I did a bit of a study at one time years ago to try and resolve in my head the seeming contradiction that was evident in the church about having to be "modest". It was certainly an eye-opener to discover the real meaning. I guess taking Latin at school helped a bit, too! :)
I am sure that many Christians will point to images of him in robes rather than naked. I also struggle with depictions of God in robes. Christians have told me that we were made in God's image (Genesis 1.26 & 1.27). According to Genesis 2.25, "And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed", I had always assumed that God was a nudist.
Yes, this can be assumed. Clothes on the first people appeared after the fall. And God does not know sin. So he doesn't need clothes.