Nudism/Naturism FAQ

Many who have extensively studied the Bible concerning these matters have found that it does not prohibit moral conduct like that practiced by most social nudists and naturists (see "The Bible, Nakedness And The Christian Nudist" for a brief synopsis of relevant passages). Those wishing to learn more will find additional material about nakedness from a Biblical standpoint in the Read area of this Web site. Newsletter subscribers can also log in above to access an online forum dedicated to the discussion of Scripture as it relates to social nudism/naturism.

Are there really Christian nudists?

Yes — lots of them! Christian nudism is thriving. Positive mainline press coverage along with a growing Internet presence has ignited interest as never before. Christian nudists are finding more and better ways to contact each other and network together. Some small regional groups have formed and there have even been national gatherings.

Can you tell me if there are other Christian nudists in my area?

Fig Leaf Forum's circulation among Christian nudists is constantly growing. The newsletter now has subscribers in almost every region of the United States and Canada as well as in several other countries around the world (go to the Sign Up for a link to the subscriber map). Many subscribers use Fig Leaf Forum Contact (this newsletter's fellowship service) to communicate with other Christian nudists in their area and beyond.

Are there any Christian nudist fellowship groups near where I live?

There are now more than enough Fig Leaf Forum subscribers in many areas of North America to support small fellowship groups. Several active groups and gatherings are listed in Fig Leaf Forum Contact, this newsletter's fellowship service.

Do you have a list of Christian nudist parks?

Christian owned or operated nudist parks and resorts do exist in North America, but they are few in number and none serve Christian nudists exclusively. Most Christian nudists enjoy the use of secular parks, the majority of which are family-oriented and well-run. You can find a listing of resorts affiliated with The Federation of Canadian Naturists (FCN) and The American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) at:
 

Visiting secular resorts offers Christian nudists the added opportunity to be "salt and light" to those around them, and they are often blessed with chances to share the Gospel with fellow nudists who are willing to receive it.

General Nudism/Naturism FAQ

Why be nude?

Many naturists would answer, "Why not be nude?" Why would you wear clothing while swimming? You don't wear clothing in the bath or shower. Naturists are not against clothing. Rather, we believe that you should dress only when appropriate. Being nude feels good. It makes people feel free. It takes away artificial inhibitions that were forced upon us after we were born. Naturists believe in body acceptance. Most report feeling less self-conscious on a nude beach than on a traditional clothed beach. The body parts which we cover are arbitrary. It has been suggested that we cover the genital area because of its sexual nature. However, a quick survey of your day would show that this area is used for non-sexual purposes the most of the time. In fact, equally sexual body parts are your lips, yet we do not have any problems walking around with our lips exposed!

Isn't nudity offensive?

Naturists are obviously not offended by nudity. What about others? There is no question that some people find nudity offensive. However, why they should be offended is debatable. Their reaction is often closer to confusion or embarrassment. One could just as easily be offended by the colour of a person's clothing. In a free society, people should be free to do what they want except under certain conditions, such as causing others harm. It is difficult to understand how looking at the human body may harm anyone. One intent of naturism nonetheless is not to offend. Most naturist organizations are working to identify areas where naturists may enjoy being nude without bothering anyone.

What is the difference between a nudist and a naturist?

Depending on whom you ask, there could be no difference. In Europe, the term naturist is the most common, with nudist being the older term. In North America, some people use the two words interchangeably. Others define two different philosophies which have nudity in common. Those who find a difference define naturists as closer to nature and more interested in free beaches, and nudists as people who practice nudity more in an urban club setting. Not all people who practice naturism/nudism like the labels. They don't see themselves as different from anyone else. As well, not all nude people at a free beach or club espouse the naturist/nudist philosophy.

Isn't nudity sexual?

Most of the people who visit a naturist club/beach for the first time are surprised by the lack of sexuality. Some expect a sexually-charged atmosphere, since in North America we see others nude in sexual situations such as love scenes in movies, in magazines and in videos. However, the link between nudity and sexuality is arbitrary. In Victorian times, to see a woman's knees was very sexual because they were supposed to be hidden all the time. We expose some parts of our bodies which are as sexual as those which we hide. Our lips, for example, are probably as involved in sexuality as our genital areas, yet people walk around exposing their lips without causing mass arousal.

You will probably find that suggestively clothed people are more arousing than completely nude people. It can be more sexual to wear a bathing suit which subtly hides and emphasizes certain parts of the body. That nudity implies sexuality is the biggest misconception that naturists have to fight. As a result, you may find them to be over-sensitive to it. This is not to say that naturists are against sexuality. They just believe, like most of society, that there is an appropriate time and place for it. It also means that there is nothing wrong with finding a person attractive, whether he or she is nude or not.

Aren't all naturists/nudists exhibitionists?

Exhibitionists expose themselves primarily to shock others. Exhibitionism does not occur in naturism. Exhibitionists find no thrill in naturist environments because of the lack of overt sexuality and their inability to shock anyone. Naturists just want to be nude. If they like to be with others, it's because humans are social creatures.

Is being nude illegal?

This varies greatly by jurisdiction. In Germany you will find people legally sunbathing nude in city parks. In Denmark, all but two beaches are clothing-optional (that is to say, nudity is permitted). In most western jurisdictions (including Canada) it is legal to be nude on private property so long as you can't be seen by others outside the property. Consequently, all naturist clubs are legal.

It's the many public, clothing-optional beaches which need further discussion. There are many traditionally clothing-optional beaches in Canada which are not being challenged by the authorities. In Canada, the courts have determined that "mere nude sunbathing is not of sufficient moral turpitude to support a charge for doing an indecent act" (R. v. Beaupré, 1971, British Columbia Supreme Court). General public nudity is illegal under Section 174 of the Criminal Code, but the courts have found that "this offence is not aimed at conduct such as swimming nude at an isolated beach, even where the accused misjudges the loneliness of the beach" (R. v. Benolkin, 1977, Saskatchewan Court of Queen's Bench).

In December 1996, a female former University of Guelph student was acquitted of a charge of indecency for walking topfree in public. The Ontario Court of Appeal overturned her conviction because "there was nothing degrading or dehumanizing in what the appellant did. The scope of her activity was limited and was entirely non-commercial. No one who was offended was forced to continue looking at her. [The court] cannot conclude that what the appellant did exceeded the community standard of tolerance when all of the relevant circumstances are taken into account."

Doesn't nudity violate religious beliefs?

Many naturists are religious people and find no contradiction between their beliefs and nudity. Some Christian naturists worship in the nude. Some naturists feel closer to God when they are nude in nature. Directives against nudity are generally not part of the basic philosophy of a religion. Rather, they are added to the religion out of fear that nudity will lead to indiscriminate sexual activity. Naturism shows that this fear is groundless (see "Isn't nudity sexual?" above). The Old Testament tells us that God created man and woman in His own image and they were naked. It's difficult to see how God's image is shameful or obscene. Indeed, the Bible does not condemn nudity itself.

What is the difference between a club and a CO beach?

Clothing-optional (CO) beaches are public areas which have become nude through use by naturists. Clubs are private grounds which are owned either by individuals or by the members. They are private businesses.

Will I have to undress right away?

No. Naturists understand that you cannot shed years of socialization as soon as you arrive. Most clubs allow visitors to remain dressed at first. You may feel pressure to undress. That feeling is probably self-induced by the fact that you're the only fully dressed person within sight. Funny, isn't it, to be uncomfortable because you are dressed? In most clubs it's not appropriate to swim with a bathing suit. On naturist beaches there is no expectation that you need to undress since they are clothing-optional. If you are clothed and appear to be gawking you may be approached by others. Taking off your clothes helps allay suspicion.

Do I have to be nude all the time?

No. Naturists prefer to be nude but dress when appropriate. Clothes keep us warm in cold weather and protect us when doing dangerous work. We just don't believe that clothes exist to hide our bodies. In private clubs the rules vary on when dressing is appropriate. In some clubs people are nude all the time. In others you may find that people dress for dinner.

How do I act when talking to others?

It's often difficult for new people to know where to look. To a naturist there is no difference between being dressed or nude. Try to act as you normally would. It's okay to look. Out of curiosity you may initially look longer at others' genitals and breasts. Just don't stare. In time you'll be less curious about these areas and concentrate again on the face and eyes.

Do I have to join something to visit?

CO beaches are public and thus do not require membership. Most clubs will allow you two or three visits before you must decide to join. Members of one club are usually allowed to visit other clubs as many times as they want without joining, for an extra daily fee.

How do I find a club or beach?

There are many sources of information. Most naturist organizations, like The Federation of Canadian Naturists, sell guides which list beaches and clubs. Different locations are often reviewed in the organization's magazine. There are travel agents which specialize in naturist travel. The Internet has also become a large resource of information for naturists.

What if I meet someone I know?

They are there too, just as nude as you are. They are probably very comfortable with naturism since they have probably been there before. They'll probably be happy to see you. Just think, you've discovered a mutual interest!

Are single people welcome?

All CO beaches and most clubs welcome singles. However, many clubs try to maintain a balance between the sexes. Check ahead for a club's policy.

What should I take with me?

The same things you would take when going to the beach (except a bathing suit!): a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, two towels (one to sit on), a chair or mattress, something to read, and something to play with (volleyball, Frisbee, etc.). When visiting a club, you will probably need some money. On a CO beach, you may need water and food since there may not be places to buy anything.

What about naturist etiquette?

Generally, the same common-sense guidelines for behaviour apply in the naturist world as in the clothed world. Be polite and respect the rights of others. When visiting a club, make sure you understand the rules specific to that club.

• Gawking is impolite. It is OK to look but always rude to stare (particularly with binoculars or through a camera).
• For sanitary reasons, sit on a towel when using public seats or benches.
• Respect the environment. Stay out of dunes or other environmentally sensitive areas. We can lose access to CO areas by damaging the environment.
• Help keep the area clean. In clubs, use the trash cans. On CO beaches, bring your own trash bag. Leave the beach cleaner than when you arrived.
• Get dressed when leaving established nude areas. Naturists are not trying to offend anyone.
• Follow all parking regulations and other posted rules.
• Do not engage in overt sexual activity.
• Respect the property of others.
• Get the permission of subjects before taking pictures. In clubs, check out club rules on photography before bringing out your camera.
• Respect the privacy of others. Many people come to enjoy nature and don't want to be disturbed. It is good to be friendly, but take your cues from their response and body language.
• Speak up for standards. If you see people who are violating the accepted standards, please explain to them clearly and politely just how they are violating the rules and what the proper behaviour is.

This is the most common concern among men. However, we do not know of anyone who actually had an erection on their first visit. The combination of the non-sexual environment and the unfamiliarity of a first-time visit serves to minimize the issue. An erection is a natural part of life. Naturists realize this and will not take offence as long as it is not being flaunted. If an erection does occur, a strategically placed towel, a dip in a cool pool or rolling over on your stomach will take care of it.

What do I do if I am menstruating?

Generally, women do the same thing in the naturist world as they do in the clothed world. Many use a tampon. If they prefer, they wear shorts or bikini bottoms. Menstruation is a normal part of being a woman and one which naturists understand.

I don't have a good body. What if I don't want others to see me nude?

The concept of the perfect body is a myth. We believe that the stress caused by the unrealistic expectations of society is very damaging. Naturists practice body acceptance. When you visit a naturist environment you'll find all types of bodies in all shapes, sizes, ages and colours — many of them with the signs of a full life.

Isn't it dangerous to expose myself to so much sun?

The removal of a skimpy bathing suit does little to increase your exposure to the sun, but people exposed to the sun should be careful when they enjoy the outdoors. Some evidence is suggesting that moderate sun exposure is good for you.

Won't nudity take away intimacy with my partner and desensitize us to sexuality?

Sexuality is in the mind. It's an artificial form of sexuality that causes a person to be aroused merely by seeing a body part which one does not normally see. Attraction doesn't depend on whether people are nude or not. In fact, you'll probably find them more attractive if they are wearing suggestive clothing. We believe that naturists have healthier sexuality since they are more comfortable with themselves and their bodies. Naturists can enjoy the sexual act with their partner without feeling self-conscious about their nudity.

Is naturism good for children?

Anyone who has observed children knows that they are enthusiastic naturists. We have never seen young children who are self-conscious when nude. In fact, you may observe them squeal with delight when they're allowed to run around nude. It's only in their later years that they're pressured into being self-conscious and adopt older people's phobias about the body. We believe that it's healthier for children to grow up comfortable with their own bodies. We don't think there is any advantage in teaching them to be ashamed and embarrassed by certain parts of their bodies.

Is naturism safe for children?

It's clear that being dressed has not kept children safe. The best thing we can do is teach our children the confidence to speak up when people do things which make them uncomfortable. If they are not ashamed of their bodies, they're much more likely to tell their parents when someone does things to them that they don't like. Whether nude or clothed, children should know that being touched in certain ways is wrong. Although good parenting is by far the most important factor in raising children, naturism helps to promote their confidence and understanding about their bodies.

Don't children get confused as to when and where they can be nude?

Everyone has to teach children when and where it is acceptable to be nude. Naturists simply have more places where it's acceptable. Unlike non-naturists, we don't teach our children that nudity is wrong. We teach them that some people aren't comfortable with nudity and that sometimes we need to dress for practical reasons (like the weather, for example).

General Nudism/Naturism FAQ source: http://www.fcn.ca/FCNFAQ.html
Copyright © 1997-2004 The Federation of Canadian Naturists