For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Casper Mcconnell
I feel great release and sense of freedom, not shame, when I take my clothes off. I love the feel of bare feet in warm sand, wet grass, the caress of wind on my body, the penetrating rays of sun to melt muscle tensions it is a delicately sensual experience of liberation from clothing that goes back to being loved in my pram as a baby getting off that sore wet nappy and being placed by my mother naked in the garden sunshine.
When naked outdoors I don't want to be seen by others; in fact I am not sell-conscious of my nakedness, just free to enjoy the elements and no tight cloth chafing my skin nor grabbing my groin as men's trousers do... Perhaps in bible lands where men wear robes and the sun is dangerous to skin they already enjoy that freedom of movement which in western trousers men suffer hard stitched seams and sweaty jocks pressed into their groin by fashion and convention, a legacy perhaps from Calvinist Protestantism and Catholic guilt at the sensuous joy of feeling alive in our bare pelt
Terry Galloway
If we look at Jesus, He is God and He wore clothes. He was humiliated by being naked on the cross. His clothes they divided and the Bible tells us His robe was seamless. Why would God go into such detail about clothes?
Also, in Revelation there is much truth about clothes. Jesus' clothes are described. He wears a white robe with a gold sash across His chest. We will not be naked in heaven.
In Revelation 21 and 22 we are told who will not be allowed into heaven and verse 22:14 says Blessed are those who wash their robes.
When we are born again we are to put on Christ. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. - Galatians 3:227Also, the angels appeared in white robes in the New Testament. Finally, a woman was healed just by touching the hem of Jesus' robe.
I see no biblical justification for nudity among Christ followers. I don't know for sure, but I think nudity is in hell where their is eternal torment.
Casper Mcconnell
I don't quite follow what you mean. First, Clothing obviously has many functions, especially in society. Jesus robe was handmade, of high value as recognised by the crucifixion soldiers. It was not the uniform of a poor carpenter but denoted a specially qualified Rabbi. The robe was white with 24 tassels coloured by rare and expensive dyes, primarily blue.
Are you saying naked skin.... we are not even talking of bare nipples or bums, let alone genitals... is always shameful? In private? How about showers, outdoor washing or swimming. Or do you mean in public places only. Surely private nudity is quite normal. Changing clothes, even sleeping nude in bed. Or is that sinful? How does it offend God who loves us and sees our innermost parts.
In fact, the most privileged moments of intimacy we can ever have is for a married couple to be completely naked to each other. This is something we all do to the glory of God, as an act of worship, in His presence, enacting the union between Christ and His bride the church